[kkbutler]

I graduated over 10 years ago and want to become a cpa. Not sure thats possible. I have forgotten all material and have a demanding family. Anyone out there in this possition?? Help!!

[Yvonne570]

I have 2 teenagers and lol, 1 week before test day – the drama starts. It's possible but support helps. What you need to do is set the criteria asap. Tell them what why and what the outcome will produce. Even with a spouse its difficult. If someone hasn't been through it before, often they don't understand and may be difficult. For younger kids; however, support and having people watch your kids would probably be best.

AUD - Passed:)
FAR - Passed:)
REG - Retake TBD
BEC - Missed by 3 points Retake TBD

[jomarie]

I worked full-time, have a 45 minute commute to and from work, husband, 7-year-old daughter, and a 2-year-old daughter. If I can find the time to study, you can.

Started sitting in May 2002, on and off. But since 2008 I've been nonstop and my scores are....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73, 80 (Passed again in May 2012) Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70, 76!!!! I AM DONE!!! - Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
After 10 long years of studying, I AM DONE!!!! Finally a Licensed CPA in the State of New York!!

[mla1169]

Had a 17 and 11 year old, worked full time, in school for my masters, worked an additional part time weekend job, girl scout leader, cheerleading and put down a hardwood floor by myself lol. It can be done, takes some serious time management skills. You'll have to be creative, get audio lectures and listen in your car or while doing housework. Study on your lunch break or read CPA materials to your kids at bedtime. Let the laundry pile up, make paper plates your friend, and use the crockpot a lot! When you do cook a meal, double the recipe and freeze the excess for an easier night down the road.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I have a 14 year old, home-schooled son, and a 46 year old toddler (aka, husband). It is doable, especially, if you have the support of your spouse.

[Anonymous]

It's definitely possible but not easy! It helps when your spouse is supportive and on-board with you wanting to get your CPA. I honestly don't think I could do it without my husband's help with the kids.

How old are your kids? Do you work?

Another thing that helps me a lot is hiring a mother's helper. We have few older elementary and middle school girls who live close by who we pay $5 an hour to help us out occasionally. They usually spend time playing games or playing outside with the kids. This works out great b/c I don't feel as guilty about not spending as much time with them as I'd like.

[ReneeNC]

I know you can! I have 7! lol At this time, they are homeschooled. I just finished my MS in Accounting, too.

I keep having to remind them about the increase in household income this will bring. Or, in 3 year old terms, “Do you want to have lots of ice cream?” lol

REG - 89
BEC - 82
FAR - 87
AUD - 81
Used CPAexcel, Wiley Online Practice, and NINJA!

[kkbutler]

Thank for all your posts. They are inspiring me to do this. @ apbandjy kids are 7 and 11 and I work part-time. I am also older 43! Don't have a lot of money for review courses what is the best way to go??

[Anonymous]

That's great you work part-time! I honestly don't know if I could go through the exam process right now if I were working full-time, but I certainly admire those that do!

I've been out of school for 11 years and decided to go with Yaeger over Becker. And I'm certainly glad that I did. It's a teaching course while Becker is geared more towards recent graduates. Plus Yaeger is cheaper and it comes with the Wiley Test Bank which most Becker students end up purchasing.

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I worked full time as a tax accountant straight through busy season, with an 11, 10 and 6 year old. My husband was also in college and I passed them all on the first try. Organization, no social life (lol) and absolutely sticking to your plan and even getting your kids involved some kind of way is key. I would take them with me once a week to the library on the days it stayed open late. They would read books or use the computer while I studied for about 2-3 hours. They loved it! You can do this!

[New Dad]

kk, it is difficult, but possible. I too am older (39) and made the decision to become a CPA. My wife is watching our 13 month old (and she is 6 mos preg) on Mother's Day while I am working through FAR MC Qs. I just started last week and am using Roger CPA Review for my prep course. I like it so FAR (pun intended)

F -7/11/2012 (77)
A - 8/30/2012 (68), 10/4/2012 (78)
R - 11/21/2012 (84)
B - 01/05/2013 (85)

Done!!
Used Roger CPA Review with Wiley Online Test Bank and Ninja Audio

[LittleMoe]

I am using ExamMatrix supplemented with Ninja Notes, Flashcards and Audio. If I need a little more help than that as far as explanations, I can shell out another $40 or so for a Wiley book. I don't learn well from lectures and didn't have several thousand dollars to shell out for a review program. So far, it has worked for me. The Wiley test bank is priced reasonably (at least on this website) and I would consider adding it if I needed something extra. The other review courses were just way too much money for me. Worth checking out if your budget is tight.

AUD 4/12/12 79
FAR 5/29/12 76
REG 8/2/12 82
BEC 8/30/12 72 Retake 10/18/12 76!!! DONE!!!!
ExamMatrix, Wiley Books, NINJA notes and audio
LICENSED ALABAMA CPA 11/30/12

[Mrs 300]

I'm a little late on here, but I definitely think it's possible. I think you should check out Jeff's ELL plan and see if that could work for you. I have a 5 & 3 year old and it's tough, but doable. If you set off blocks of time to study and make it so it's like school – so you HAVE to study during those times, you will be fine. When it's family time, it's family time. The week – two weeks before the exam is tough when you are doing your final review (b/c that requires more time) but you can do it.

I always make sure that we plan something litle right after the exam is over. We'll go out to dinner or in the summer go to the beach. Just to have something to look forward to when it's done.

REG - 80 (Becker only)
BEC - 76 (Becker only)
AUD - 71, 76 (Becker only)
FAR - 65, 74, 81! (Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Ninja notes & Audio)

CPA Class of 2012 🙂

[Author]

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