Long story short - For some reason or the other, I convinced myself to buy Schweser Essential Package (Notes + Q-Bank) as well as Elan Videos & FinQuiz ultimate package (Notes + Smart Summaries + Q-bank). Although I was able to get a good discount from all three providers, and know many others on this forum that have a similar hodge-podge of providers, I’m starting to get overwhelmed that I basically have too many resources and way too little time to utilize all of them (yes, I’m cheap and can’t let it go). Not to mention the CFAI EOCs take forever to do so need to save time for those as well…
If you’re in a similar situation, can you please share how you’re planning to utilize these resources. For example, is the FQ Q-bank only good for item-set or individual q’s too? Are there certain Elan videos just worth skipping all-together? Is anyone finding FQ notes more useful than the smart summaries or vice versa? Hopefully your input will help me plan out the next phase of my studies.
P.S. the day count on this site + year-end reporting at work… #S%$@#!
I have Schweser QBank and full prep from Elan (I didn’t plan on buying the videos, but they messed up the delivery of my guides and compensated with access to them).
I work as follows:
Read CFAI-reading + blue boxes 2. After each reading: concept check with Schweser QBank questions (LOS per LOS, followed by a reading quiz) 3. When a SS is finished, refresh with a SS-quiz on QBank. --> This approach for whole curriculum, hope to finish half of March 4. Review using Elan, reading per reading + Elan practice questions 5. EoC per study session 6. Mock exams until beginnig of June. I might watch a video on topics that aren’t really my thing (I’m thinking some FRA-concepts and Monte Carlo from FI maybe) hoping it’ll stick better. But I mostly find videos too time-consuming for me. If they can help you, great, but they are not my favourite way of studying . Good luck!
Good suggestion - except add in CFAI EOCs + Maybe Elan Videos + Mocks and a F/T job…umm I’m dedicated, but I’m def not a robot - must.get.sleep. I thought I’d read a few others post similar hodge podge of resources - can’t remember what their plan was…
@Pierre - what are you using?
I guess I’ll just have to be flexible and see what works best each week - hate not having a solid plan!
I would recommend selecting 1 prep provider for each section’s reading. I have been using both Elan and Schweser notes, although I select based on which is inherently strong. Obviously I did FRA and Equities through Elan, although I find Schweser’s Econ more intuitive for example. The reason I say to choose one and stick with it is because you should obviously be taking notes while you run through, and re-reading material from a different provider will eliminate the usefulness of said notes.
After I have read the section I do the respective EOC questions, and while I would like to do the Elan quizzes, they are not available yet.
Once it comes time to review/spam questions you will be in a solid postiion. From what I gather the Fin Quiz summary notes are phenomenal, and their questions seem to be on par with Elan in terms of comprehensiveness. Between redoing the EOCs and doing the Elan + Fin Quiz questions you should get more than enough prep in.
In terms of the Elan videos, I think you could get by only watching Peter’s videos.
Many of Basit’s videos are >3 hours long for a single reading, and he almost literally reads word for word off the slides without a substantial addition to the content. Watching his videos is not harmful by any means - he’s definitely a good lecturer - although his value add may not match what you would get from spending your time elsewhere.
Peter’s videos are generally shorter, and while he skims the material, his additions are extremely valuable. He frequently gives you “flash cards” that are useful for understanding concepts, specifically identifies what must be memorized and what you can simply reason, and is overall very entertaining to listen to.
While I am sure you can pass without Peter’s help, I certainly feel that I understand the concepts easier under his aid.
There is no one on this forum I am rooting for a pass for more than CFAfatso. Except maybe myself. But cmon, THREE prep providors? I think you have to look at it as an impulsive buy and sunk cost. Pick the best one and ditch the other two. If you have time at the end for a second pass, pick up one of the other ones. Dont let yourself get slowed down over this.
Really? Lol, it’s the name isn’t it? Regarless, I appreciate you rooting for me. I agree, better to realize its a mistake and move forward rather than to loose momentum over this…we will see…
probably that you’re using three prep providers. It’ll be an epic failure if you don’t pass. I’ve read tons of posts of people failing the exam because of using one certain prep provider… But three?? There won’t be any hope for aspiring level 2 candidates if you don’t pass.
I might suggest that you do the core topics(fsa, equity, corp fin) with cfai curric since it makes up more than half the exam and is critical in passing the exam. As you go along, youll find that you can stick with Schweser/élan for some topics like alt inv and derivatives
^ I’m not using three prep providers; I purchased materials from 3 prep providers…big difference unfortunately (as I’m learning while struggling to finish my first read through) Anyway, on to PM now…
Anyway, on to PM now…