[jpowell31]

Okay so, long story short, I passed AUD, REG, BEC, failed FAR with a 70 and lost AUD. My dad passed away suddenly the day I took FAR. I couldn’t pick it up again in time to pass AUD and FAR before I lost REG, which meant I’d inevitably lose BEC. It was too much to handle so I dropped it altogether. It’s been exactly one year and I think I’m ready to pick it back up again, which means I’m starting over. I’ve sent some of these questions to (State Board, Becker…etc.) but I know everyone in this forum is in the thick of it and may have better advice and some of these questions may have been put out there recently (not quickly found by searching the forum so apologies if these are repeats).

1) I plan to work part time in 2016 to get this over with and possibly reevaluate my career path. I also need less pressure this time around with added responsibility picked up outside of work. I wanted to take one exam this year (possibly BEC), which means I’d like to buy a comprehensive study package ASAP. I know that updates aren’t usually so drastic that waiting for the updated software (or buying updated materials) isn’t really necessary but Becker notes that FAR has updates coming end of October so I’m wondering if I should wait until then as buying all subjects at the same time (to save $$) or just go for it now and (as I plan to take FAR in Q1 2016) keep my ear to the ground on updates. I can’t seem to locate what updates are to be included so any knowledge you have here, please let me know. I don’t want to cut corners this time, I just want to get it done and spend my time studying, not researching.

2) I’m registered in New Hampshire. There is conflicting information on license requirements on the NASBA/State Board website. I have sent an e-mail on this but any insight or issues experienced/seen in the past, particularly with NH, I’d appreciate it before I get started so I can look into transferring my app/exams to another board, if appropriate. One website says that 1 year public accounting/government accounting is required (before, during, after exams are complete) to gain the CPA cert. The other website notes that private, public, govt or a combo experience is allowed. Requirements seem to have changed mid-2014 just around the time I ended my first journey. I have ZERO desire to go into public accounting so I need to ensure that this is NOT a requirement.

3) I know there are threads on here that deal with keeping up motivation and some dealing with personal tragedies but if anyone can provide some support through a shared experience, I’d really appreciate it. This was hard enough the first time around…I’m going to really need some positive vibes and motivation this time around. 🙂

Thanks in advance!