Questions From Readers.

From Judie: What review materials are the best for the CPA Exam?

Judie, I wish I knew the answer.  Here is a short list.

I use Becker Review, but its quite expensive, ($2500).  You’ll see me complaining about them.  Actually, the software is outstanding, but there are aspects of the program that annoy me.  If I were to do it again, I’d pick something else, unless they improve some aspects of the experience.

Roger CPA offered me a section, so I’m going to have a friend of mine test it out and write a review coinciding with her study plan ($1,600)

I don’t know anything about the rest, except cost.  There’s Yager ($1,500)

Exam Matrix ($700)

And Kaplin ($1120)

I’d love it if you tried one out, and let me know how you like it.  You could write a review and post it here.  But whatever you do, sign up for something.  I can’t imagine anyone passing without one of these products.  So… take Exam Matrix, and tell me how you like it!

From Jeremy: How does the Becker software work on your Mac?

Umm… it doesn’t.  add this to my complaints about Becker, which has market domination in my area and costs about $2500.  I don’t know what is involved in making the review software compatible with Mac, but theirs isn’t.

It is possible to run Windows on a newer Mac (as long as it has a Pentium chip in it).

Here’s what I did
1.) Install OS X
Newer Macs have this already.

2.) Partition the hard drive and install Windows XP. (everyone says bad things about Vista.)

I’m not much of a techie.  Messing with the operating system on my computer is pushing the upper limit of my abilities.  The software works just fine on the Windows side of my computer?

Jarret:  How did you do on the test ( Audit)?

I have no idea.  Actually, I’m going to be really pissed if I didn’t pass it.  Its been 4 weeks, I should find out any day.  Wish me luck.

Which part should I take first?  Why did you take Audit first?

This is the most common question I get.  Look, I don’t think it matters.  I took Audit first because I was working in an Internal Audit department and I felt it was more acceptable to have my head in a book marked ‘Audit’ than something else.  I got a new job in the Tax Department at a public accounting firm.

So, since I’m in a lot of tax training for work, I may as well take Reg.  All tax, all the time.

FAR has the most material, but it is also most similar to my college studies, so I’m not all that worried about it.

You should take the part that you think will be the hardest.  That way, if you fail the first part, your 18 month window isn’t started yet.  If you still have no idea, take BUS, because you probably have the least exposure to the material so far.  But… it doesn’t really matter.

Sandy: Why don’t you blog more?

Well, I have the same pile of excuses as always.  Busy busy.  I have a new job working 6 days a week, and I’m taking Reg February 23rd.  I’m WAAAY behind on studying too.  I also taught my son how to ski.

-Must be a board meeting…

Study time:
Reg : 40 hours
Aud : 139 Hours

Cost:
$3546