[jsblamer]

Here is a word of advice – If you can study for the exam before you start working, get married or have kids, you have to do it. Actually, working and being married are just minor speed bumps, but trying to study with kids (3 kids under 4 years old in my case) is a massive boulder. Not trying to discourage anyone, but I made the mistake of not using those years straight out of college to study and pass the exam, and that was a big mistake.

B -
A - passed
R - passed
F - passed

[Anonymous]

I completely understand. I don't know how you are doing it with three that young. I have one 14 year old son and it's hard. I've missed the last 12 or 14 inches of him growing up. He was shorter than me when I started, 5'4″, and now he's 6″. I can never get that back either. Good Luck to you!

[tbstew]

I'm definitely with you. I kick myself all the time for not taking on this exam right out of college (or even better, while still IN college). Not only was everything fresher in my mind, but there were so few distractions.

Now trying to maintain a good study routine with a newborn baby who needs tons of attention and doesn't let me sleep more than 2 hours straight, a toddler who doesn't understand why daddy always has to study instead of play, and spouse who needs support in order to keep her sanity through all this… well, let's just say it's a miracle that I've gotten this far.

I take some comfort in that I'm definitely not the first or the last person to do this, and many have succeeded with more difficult circumstances than mine, That's really one of the greatest things about another71.com and the people here – it all keeps you from falling into despair.

AUD - 79
BEC - 88
REG - 87
FAR - 86 - Woot, all done!
Ethics - 100

[Minimorty]

@tbstew – I was in the same position as you. When I took my first exam, FAR, I had a 2 year old and a 3 week old. Crazy times. I actually chose not to study while either child was awake. After wOrk I would come home, spend time with the family, get the kids down for bed, and then hit the books for a couple hours. It's definitely doable and you are on your way. Good luck!

[mla1169]

My kids were older (11 and 17) and I cannot imagine doing this with little ones. My hats off to those of you who are.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[jomarie]

My girls are 7 and almost 2 now, it's tough but I don't think about it. I just do it!!

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!!

[ReneeNC]

Ummm, yeah. It *is* hard. They have gotten used to saying, “Don't bother mama, she's doing her schoolwork.” That was the easiest way to explain it to them. They also know that there is a big reward at the end – more family income. 😉

I have 7 (18, 14, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3), but I don't think that makes it any harder than those who have a lot less. At least mine have each other to keep them occupied.

@jsblamer – that is a HARD time when they are all so young! It's gets much easier!

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

[mla1169]

Renee you don't think 7 is harder? Lmao! Clearly you are sleep deprived!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[jomarie]

@Renee – 7!!!!! OMG!!!! I bow to you!!! You are my hero!!

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!!

[Mayo]

OP, thanks for the advice. To be quite honest though, I'd just return the kids from where you got em. 😛

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

@RebeeNC ……you truly are a super woman.

I have two girls 13, 11 and it is hard between work and keeping up with their needs.

When do you study? and you got such a high score on Reg!

Good for you!!!!!

[ReneeNC]

LOL…I promise I am not superwoman, just a great multi-tasker! I haven't taken another section since REG because I just don't have as much time right now. I am finishing up my Masters, so that is taking the majority of my time. As soon as that is done, I will hit BEC hard.

The other help is that my kids are pretty self-sufficient. The older ones can do laundry, cook, clean, etc. I try really hard not to depend on any one child more than the others, but they all pitch in to help.

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

[Anonymous]

Reading these posts gives me the encouragement that I need to continue on. It's always good to know that you are not alone and hands down to all the parents working to achieve their goals….raising their children AND obtaining their CPA.

[Anonymous]

Well with a 13 and 11 year old, I basically can not give up.

They will use it against me.

Well we do not have to finish school, you did not finish your CPA.

Teenagers are like that.

So I have no choice but to go on and finish and use it against them some day.

[Author]

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