[illinoisguy]

I am hoping to get some advice as my situation differs quite a bit from others. I am 40 years old and have recently decided to take the CPA. However, I’ve been out of school for over 5 years (graduate degree in accounting) and I feel like my accounting education was rather poor. I have been doing accounting for a private company (mainly project accounting for 10 years) so I do have quite a bit of career experience. What would be the best way for me to prepare for the CPA? Just a couple of other notes…..I have two kids so I have to be able to balance family and the test…….I have always been a good test taker…….I have the ability to study some at work (especially via audio). Thanks in advance!

[ChristieF]

Well I'd definitely ask yourself first how do you study best to find which program you want, and how much you want to spend on study materials.. then I would make a schedule for studying.

I have 2 small kids myself and am the girl scout leader for my daughter's troop, so definitely having a set schedule (and the support of your spouse) is key.

Then just get focused and take the exam!

Good luck!!

[Andyred04]

You've come to the right place, there are several individuals on this forum with situations very similar to your own. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them so I can't offer very good advice other than to stay focused and work your tail off. I just wanted to wish you good luck and congratulate you on striving for something many accountants your age wouldn't even consider.. Good luck!

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[illinoisguy]

Thanks to both of you for the replies and support! Obviously I want to keep cost to a minimum as we have many other financial responsibilities in our lives (kids are expensive!). My wife supports me 110%. By the way, I do have the Wiley 2013 CPA Exam Review book for FAR (bought on Amazon) but I'm not sure if it is still relevant.

[ChristieF]

You may want to get the 2015 books, especially if you only have the one. I had the 2013 Wiley books and a friend handed me their 2015 books and there are some changes. I use the Wiley books and supplement with Ninja MCQs because I have to be careful of how much I spend. I haven't personally used the Ninja books, just the Wiley books, but I've heard great things about all of the Ninja products; pretty cost effective too.

I also must agree with Andyred04, this site is a great resource to get advice and keep you (somewhat) sane along the way!

[illinoisguy]

Thanks Frosty. Budget-wise I would like to stay between $100 to $200 per section for study material.

What is an approximation amount of time someone with my experience should be spending per section? I was thinking 15 to 20 hours a week for three months per section for a total of 180 to 240 hours? Does that sound like a decent plan?

[golfball7773]

Never spend more than 2 months on a section. You start forgetting the stuff you learned the first month.

Try NINJA 10 point combo and HIYA discount code? That is very affordable and you could add Wiley 2016 book if you want a hardcover copy?

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[A]

If you're self-disciplined enough to study on your own, Wiley books (current editions at $55/section) plus Ninja MCQ ($47/section) should work well without breaking the bank.

B - 77 (2.27.16)
A - 81 (4.18.16)
R -
F -

Roger Review + Ninja MCQs

[illinoisguy]

Thanks! I don't see a place to enter discount codes….am I missing something?

[A]

The NINJA Discount codes have been discontinued.

B - 77 (2.27.16)
A - 81 (4.18.16)
R -
F -

Roger Review + Ninja MCQs

[golfball7773]

Learn something new everyday…..

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Spartans92]

Golfball, I second not to go over 2 month per section. Im starting to forget Ch 1-4 material (Becker). I still have a month left before exam. well, good thing is I have more time to review and pound out MCQ!

BEC- PASS

[illinoisguy]

Thanks all. A couple of more questions:

1. For those of you studying for 2 months per section, how many hours a week are you studying?
2. Is there a way to just buy the NINJA flashcards or are they only included with the Ten Point Combo? If just on Ten Point, is there another good source to buy flashcards or even make own?
3. On the website it says NINJA MCQ: Complete is $497.00 or $49 per section…..what am I missing?

[A]

1. I am on an 8-week/section schedule; I put in about 20 – 30 hours a week.

2. Flashcards used to be sold separately, that may have changed recently. I bought them but do not find them especially helpful.

3. The full $497 MCQ includes access for 1 year. Each $49 section includes access for only 3 months.

B - 77 (2.27.16)
A - 81 (4.18.16)
R -
F -

Roger Review + Ninja MCQs

[Andyred04]

1. Around 20 for me, might have to push it to 25 if you're a slower learner. It really isn't as bad as it sounds, make good use of the weekends.

2. Only with the 10 Point Combo, I personally don't use flash cards but I'm sure if you look at Becker, Wiley, Roger, etc. you could get them separately.

3. I know ha! I remember noticing the same thing when I first purchased Ninja MCQs, I just buy them individually. I think it gives you longer access or something. If you buy them individually you only get 3 months (which is probably long enough).

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[golfball7773]

3. You get 1 year of access for all 4 sections instead of just 3 months for each section.

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Author]

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