Is the CFA really going to change my life or just waste my time? I’ve been grinding through CFA prep for what feels like forever, but I’m questioning if it’s actually going to pay off. Will this certification really make me stand out in finance, or is it just an expensive cert for nothing?

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The CFA program is “easier” now than it was in the past, so there has been a little dilution of what it is. I think passing it is less about the body of knowledge and more that it signals that you grinded it out with incessant prep and that you retain knowledge at an above average rate.

In my opinion, CFA will teach you ways to analyze a stock and some academic portfolio management methods. That’s about it, it will not make you into a credit investor, or a PE guy or gal, or VC guy or gal, in fact the curriculum is useless for IB, PE, VC, credit, or anything outside of equity analysis and management. Some of the best stock pickers are not CFAs.

If you’re early career and want to prove grit, go for it. It’s not really expensive, the time commitment is far more painful. If you’re mid career and have a track record or book already it’s probably not going to do much for you. If you’re going to try to use it to move from traditional equity asset management to alts, it’s probably not going to help.

Good luck!

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I’m wondering the same thing!

CFA is not expensive. It is really cheap actually. The investment is the hundreds of hours/years you need to invest from your time to get it because it is really tough. In practice and real world no really a difference with someone with no certification.

These accreditations are absolutely valuable. Personally, I want to pursue my CFP since it encompasses planning for:

- Estates (Trusts Included)
- Tax Planning
- Insurance
- Retirement
- Investing

It’s a very difficult exam but as a licensed financial advisor, I always have to disclose that I cannot give “official”
Tax guidance, which is incredibly important.

Best of luck! Every accreditation makes you stand out a little more from your competitor and always shows your tenacity.

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