[Anonymous]

This post may not be what you think it is by the title. It is a post that You can take this CPA initials and do you know what with them!!! I have about had it with this exam! My wife is expecting our first child (a baby girl) in March and all I want to do is spend time with my wife (while we have the time just the two of us), let my child (although she is in the womb) get to know who her daddy is instead of being cooped up in a room studying when I get home, and get everything ready for her arrival. I have passed two parts and failed the two I have left and I am just tired of failing them, not knowing what to study, seeing the same things I have studied before and just not caring! I am a man of faith and have prayed and asked others to keep me in their prayers and again I have failed these parts twice! Oh and I have paid so much for Becker review materials (updates, expired license, etc.), cpa exam fees, NINJA review items, and I am getting to the part of draining my savings!!!! I have seen 3 people in my firm study the same time as me, pass all parts the first time, and they are now CPAs. I want a relationship with my wife and daughter and I have been ruining it for the 2 years we have been married trying to study for these exams. I will confess that I have not put 100% into studying to where all I do is eat sleep breathe CPA material. I have studied when I get home from work for hours, feel like I have not learned anything, got bored doing multiple choice over and over, doing multiple choice and getting them wrong, writing materials where it just feels like I am writing and what is that doing, etc. That is just ridiculous and life is not about this! Life is about faith, family, then career! I am sorry I am ranting but I just had to get my feelings, emotions, and heartache out there.

[Anonymous]

@Cajun4God87 I would focus more on making your available study time effective versus lamenting over not being able to study XX number of hours per week.

While I was studying I had 2 children under the age of 3 (one of which was born right after passing FAR). I would get home from work, play & spend time with them and my spouse, then when they went to bed would try to get in 2 hours of effective study time before I went to bed.

In the mornings I would try to get in 30 min to 1 hour of study time before work, and during my lunch break I would try to get in at least 30 minutes of study time. I really think Jeff's plan of doing it like this is important because as you have many obligations and responsibilities you can easily forget things you have studied from even yesterday. But, if you are consistently studying throughout the day (morning, lunch, evenings) it will be much easier to retain, IMO.

Also, your Saturday's do not have to be completely devoted to studying. I would try to do 2-4 hours of studying, then go out and do normal activities with my family. Also, I am like you and church is important to me so I continued to go to church and didn't study the entire day. Sunday was definitely my day.

You're almost there, and if you can push through this and finish the last 2 sections it will be worth it in the end.

[Anonymous]

@Cajun4God87 I would focus more on making your available study time effective versus lamenting over not being able to study XX number of hours per week.

While I was studying I had 2 children under the age of 3 (one of which was born right after passing FAR). I would get home from work, play & spend time with them and my spouse, then when they went to bed would try to get in 2 hours of effective study time before I went to bed.

In the mornings I would try to get in 30 min to 1 hour of study time before work, and during my lunch break I would try to get in at least 30 minutes of study time. I really think Jeff's plan of doing it like this is important because as you have many obligations and responsibilities you can easily forget things you have studied from even yesterday. But, if you are consistently studying throughout the day (morning, lunch, evenings) it will be much easier to retain, IMO.

Also, your Saturday's do not have to be completely devoted to studying. I would try to do 2-4 hours of studying, then go out and do normal activities with my family. Also, I am like you and church is important to me so I continued to go to church and didn't study the entire day. Sunday was definitely my day.

You're almost there, and if you can push through this and finish the last 2 sections it will be worth it in the end.

[Liss, Master of Coin]

@OP, I don’t really talk about my beliefs in public, but I can honestly say that I believe that God rewards those that work hard.

For every exam I’ve taken exams I pretty much woke up those days and started praying to God to help me pass and didn’t stop praying until I got to the first exam question.

However, I cannot honestly say that I gave 100% to my pre-exam studies, and unfortunately, my scores are proof.

Even though I don’t think that God should have ‘magically’ made me pass even though I didn’t deserve it, I do have faith that when I have given my full 100%, God will help me pass.

You have 2 more exams passed than I do; you must be doing something right. If it was me, I'd try to remember what that was and apply it to these last 2 exams. If you decide to continue, maybe just make up your mind that you’re going to lose the 1 but at least you still have 1 under your belt. Your child will need positive thinking around her.

As far as not having money, save your Becker books and research online for CPA exam changes (or just keep checking A71 for news). Look for the AICPA released questions. Plus there are free things all over the internet if you look hard enough; though it does take time. What I do for WTB questions is, if I didn't understand their explanation, I'll type the question into google and most of the time it'll find other (free) places that have explanations in their own words.

As far as sacrificing, it has to be done. I’m now a firm believer in getting up early; today I got up at 4:30am. If you did that, you could free up your afternoons for your family obligations.

I’m not married (I’m putting off starting a family until after I finish these exams…from my point of view, you have so much; I wish I was where you are at) but you should probably talk to your wife about all of this before you make a final decision, whether it's to continue or give up, since this affects her too.

CPA (MA, Non-Reporting)

The difference in winning & losing is most often, not quitting - Walt Disney

B - 33, 71, 79!
A - 32, 61, 70, 83!
R - 33, 58, 73, 69, 81!
F - 47, 78! 🙂
After 3 long years, I'm finally DONE!
I could not have done it without NINJA MCQs.

Used: Roger for his Videos, WTB, and NINJA Audio, Notes and Test Bank.

[Liss, Master of Coin]

@OP, I don’t really talk about my beliefs in public, but I can honestly say that I believe that God rewards those that work hard.

For every exam I’ve taken exams I pretty much woke up those days and started praying to God to help me pass and didn’t stop praying until I got to the first exam question.

However, I cannot honestly say that I gave 100% to my pre-exam studies, and unfortunately, my scores are proof.

Even though I don’t think that God should have ‘magically’ made me pass even though I didn’t deserve it, I do have faith that when I have given my full 100%, God will help me pass.

You have 2 more exams passed than I do; you must be doing something right. If it was me, I'd try to remember what that was and apply it to these last 2 exams. If you decide to continue, maybe just make up your mind that you’re going to lose the 1 but at least you still have 1 under your belt. Your child will need positive thinking around her.

As far as not having money, save your Becker books and research online for CPA exam changes (or just keep checking A71 for news). Look for the AICPA released questions. Plus there are free things all over the internet if you look hard enough; though it does take time. What I do for WTB questions is, if I didn't understand their explanation, I'll type the question into google and most of the time it'll find other (free) places that have explanations in their own words.

As far as sacrificing, it has to be done. I’m now a firm believer in getting up early; today I got up at 4:30am. If you did that, you could free up your afternoons for your family obligations.

I’m not married (I’m putting off starting a family until after I finish these exams…from my point of view, you have so much; I wish I was where you are at) but you should probably talk to your wife about all of this before you make a final decision, whether it's to continue or give up, since this affects her too.

CPA (MA, Non-Reporting)

The difference in winning & losing is most often, not quitting - Walt Disney

B - 33, 71, 79!
A - 32, 61, 70, 83!
R - 33, 58, 73, 69, 81!
F - 47, 78! 🙂
After 3 long years, I'm finally DONE!
I could not have done it without NINJA MCQs.

Used: Roger for his Videos, WTB, and NINJA Audio, Notes and Test Bank.

[Guti]

I was in a similar situation as you 7 years ago. I passed FAR (80),REG(80) and then I got a 74 in Audit all on my first try. As I was getting ready to take Audit again, I found out my ex-wife was cheating on my with her boss. She claimed that I spent too much time studying and neglected her. According to her, she was too beautiful to be neglected by any man.

Too make a long story short, I lost tract and couldn’t go back to finish the exam. I spend 7 years working in Private Accounting, and I have realized that I can never become a Manager if I don’t pass the CPA exam. You feel kind of frustrated when you are still working as a Senior Accountant at 36. Now Im marry again and I have a daughter, I can’t spend much time with them because of my studies, but I can’t quit again. Moral of the story is that you are not getting any younger and this is an exam that will need to pass if you want to stay in Accounting.

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Guti]

I was in a similar situation as you 7 years ago. I passed FAR (80),REG(80) and then I got a 74 in Audit all on my first try. As I was getting ready to take Audit again, I found out my ex-wife was cheating on my with her boss. She claimed that I spent too much time studying and neglected her. According to her, she was too beautiful to be neglected by any man.

Too make a long story short, I lost tract and couldn’t go back to finish the exam. I spend 7 years working in Private Accounting, and I have realized that I can never become a Manager if I don’t pass the CPA exam. You feel kind of frustrated when you are still working as a Senior Accountant at 36. Now Im marry again and I have a daughter, I can’t spend much time with them because of my studies, but I can’t quit again. Moral of the story is that you are not getting any younger and this is an exam that will need to pass if you want to stay in Accounting.

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[MintsRGood]

If this thread doesn't motivate you to buckle down and give your all, then you must not have a pulse! Keep grinding everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[MintsRGood]

If this thread doesn't motivate you to buckle down and give your all, then you must not have a pulse! Keep grinding everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[mla1169]

Cajun, you'll never believe me but you're never going to have more time on your hands than you do right now. Your life right now is a CAKE WALK compared to once your daughter arrives.

But I have to be honest, it is just about sucking it up and you're making excuses. I had a full time job (M-F, plus the first Saturday of every month). I also had a part time job (Sundays at Kohls). I was taking a class online for my masters degree. Monday nights, I was a girl scout leader. Two other nights a week I studied during my daughter's cheer practices. Friday nights I sat and watched her cheer @ football games, with my wiley book and a flashlight. I was every bit a part of my kids lives and still pulled this off, because I wanted it more than I wanted sleep.

I studied in the morning. I studied at lunchtime. I listened to audio on my ipod while I folded laundry. I was up every night until well past midnight (and I'm over 40)

My point is you are most certainly not too busy IF you truly want the license. If I could figure out a way to get it done, you certainly can.

Your newborn baby will sleep approx. 20 hours a day unless she is ill or colicky. You can cuddle and read at the same time. Unless you just don't WANT it right now but be honest that's the story.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Cajun, you'll never believe me but you're never going to have more time on your hands than you do right now. Your life right now is a CAKE WALK compared to once your daughter arrives.

But I have to be honest, it is just about sucking it up and you're making excuses. I had a full time job (M-F, plus the first Saturday of every month). I also had a part time job (Sundays at Kohls). I was taking a class online for my masters degree. Monday nights, I was a girl scout leader. Two other nights a week I studied during my daughter's cheer practices. Friday nights I sat and watched her cheer @ football games, with my wiley book and a flashlight. I was every bit a part of my kids lives and still pulled this off, because I wanted it more than I wanted sleep.

I studied in the morning. I studied at lunchtime. I listened to audio on my ipod while I folded laundry. I was up every night until well past midnight (and I'm over 40)

My point is you are most certainly not too busy IF you truly want the license. If I could figure out a way to get it done, you certainly can.

Your newborn baby will sleep approx. 20 hours a day unless she is ill or colicky. You can cuddle and read at the same time. Unless you just don't WANT it right now but be honest that's the story.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Thank ya'll so much for the pick me up! You are right now is the time to get it done before my baby girl comes but like some of you said and I didn't realize it…she will be sleeping most of the time so I can study during this time 🙂

After reading what some of you have been through and also the encouragement and advice on how I can get the adequate time I need in…I will press forward and get this done! There are some things I am sorry I cannot sacrifice (church, bible study) but I can find other time to make up for that. I agree that if I put this off now I would have wasted all this time I have been studying but if I crack the whip and get going and pass these two then I will be done and have the rest of my life with that behind me.

[Anonymous]

Thank ya'll so much for the pick me up! You are right now is the time to get it done before my baby girl comes but like some of you said and I didn't realize it…she will be sleeping most of the time so I can study during this time 🙂

After reading what some of you have been through and also the encouragement and advice on how I can get the adequate time I need in…I will press forward and get this done! There are some things I am sorry I cannot sacrifice (church, bible study) but I can find other time to make up for that. I agree that if I put this off now I would have wasted all this time I have been studying but if I crack the whip and get going and pass these two then I will be done and have the rest of my life with that behind me.

[mla1169]

one more piece of advice, your wife NEEDS to be babied right now. If you can somehow swing a housekeeper for just a few months so she can take it easy and its off your plate, DO IT. Use paper plates and plastic spoons and save both of you having to do dishes. If you cook her dinner, double it and freeze the extra for another meal without extra work (actually do that enough and you'll have a month of frozen dinners when you bring your daughter home).

Not only will baby sleep a lot but if momma is nursing they're going to be tethered for quite a while anyway!

Make sure her two weeks after birth she gets your 100% undivided attention and support. Then wear the baby in a sling and study.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

one more piece of advice, your wife NEEDS to be babied right now. If you can somehow swing a housekeeper for just a few months so she can take it easy and its off your plate, DO IT. Use paper plates and plastic spoons and save both of you having to do dishes. If you cook her dinner, double it and freeze the extra for another meal without extra work (actually do that enough and you'll have a month of frozen dinners when you bring your daughter home).

Not only will baby sleep a lot but if momma is nursing they're going to be tethered for quite a while anyway!

Make sure her two weeks after birth she gets your 100% undivided attention and support. Then wear the baby in a sling and study.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Guti]

One more thing, the baby will sleep a lot, but not necessarily at night, so plan accordingly 🙂

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Author]

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