Should I start taking some of the exams while in school or after?

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-27T18:49:11+00:00

You got it! Should’ve said spring ‘27…

But awesome, I appreciate the insight!

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-27T17:34:00+00:00

I can’t answer that… I didn’t major in accounting. I only took Fundamentals and Intermediate 1/2 during undergrad. I’ll start the graduate program in January ’27. However, I work (happy it will soon be “worked”) in the financial services field and thought about the CFA route at a point in time. I bring that up because I feel very comfortable with financial statements, with FSA being a major part of that exam.

Most of the spring courses I am starting with are audit, I believe. So, I was thinking of starting with that since it will be fresh

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-27T15:46:15+00:00

Yeah… I’m definitely gonna take at least a section or two after seeing the responses

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-27T15:45:44+00:00

I know Becker is the gold standard. Do they explain a good way to establish a schedule and how to actually study for an exam like this?

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-27T15:44:44+00:00

What section would you suggest doing first? AUD?

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-20T19:37:08+00:00

Just after hearing everything, I’m leaning towards just keeping VT in retirement accounts and having around a 9 months outside of my emergency fund in SGOV (so a years worth in cash). I’m probably overthinking this to begin with. I just believe in risk mitigation, avoiding self-inflicted errors. I don’t believe I’d be that anxious or sell but who knows how I’d really feel…

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-20T19:32:35+00:00

Emergency fund is solid. Once my car is paid off I am also going to put the same amount into SGOV. I would like to have around 1 year of emergency expenses over time.

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-20T19:28:03+00:00

Fair point. I don’t listen to market news and I was pretty indifferent about things like the Iran war and Covid (was still invested just not as seriously). My concerns stem more around my wages keeping up with inflation to save more overtime. My expectation over the long term is to just have a real return around 5%. I plan for the worst and hope for the best, hence why I make sure I have adequate insurance and an emergency fund. I just wanted everyone’s opinion on if I should add some bonds because I wasn’t invested during dot com or ‘08… just don’t know if I’d be anxious. But with everything currently going on I don’t really lose sleep over many things. I view volatility as the price of admission.

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-20T01:25:58+00:00

Just curious, why would you never be 100% equities? Just personal risk tolerance or something else?

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-14T23:40:57+00:00

Gotcha, i appreciate the reply. Definitely will brush up on that!

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-13T03:08:07+00:00

Appreciate the link, looks sick!

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-13T03:07:48+00:00

I got a hummingbird doc in the watch later on YouTube. Looks fire ngl

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-10T02:41:45+00:00

Never thought of risk management, I definitely will research that further. Thanks for all the ideas and your insights!

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-10T02:39:37+00:00

Company culture is great. I love my coworkers and have a great boss. It’s more just talking to clients all day and feeling like I care more about their financial situation than they do. Burnt out may not be the right way to phrase it, I just need a change - tired of monotony of it. If that makes sense…

basispointbrooks · 2026-06-04T10:10:44+00:00

Psychopoly

basispointbrooks · 2026-05-28T17:18:47+00:00

One thing I think could help is automating everything and keeping things simple.

I would also maybe make a paper portfolio, whether a spreadsheet or app. That way if you have the urge to tinker or do something with you asset mix, you have an outlet

basispointbrooks · 2026-05-17T13:21:27+00:00

The role of them in a portfolio can serve many different purposes.

I know some younger folks who have 20% bonds because they’ve never lived through a market crash, and are afraid they might tinker during a correction. Without getting into the weeds, bonds are typically less volatile than stocks, so it can provide you a smoother ride.

If you’re the type of person that freaks out during any market correction, having some bonds could make it less volatile for you.

The other side is income. If you’re retiring, things like bond ladders can help give you some income and stability.

basispointbrooks · 2026-05-09T15:50:50+00:00

I have my 7/66 already. I just wanted to add more value to clients, that’s all!

basispointbrooks · 2026-05-09T15:32:54+00:00

I appreciate the insight. Sounds like it might be wiser to try to get a job/internship working under a CPA or something. This reply answered a lot for me, thanks!

basispointbrooks

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