CMA Study Group

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  • 1.  Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 02-20-2019 03:36 PM
    I would appreciate if anyone who is working full time and has a family (specifically younger kids) could tell me what their study plan is/was? I am using Wiley and am taking Part 1 probably this year.

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    Benjamin Cleaver
    Accountant
    Indianapolis IN
    United States
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  • 2.  RE: Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 02-21-2019 02:50 AM
    Hi Ben, 
    I work full-time (+), I have 2 kids who have need help with homework and have lots of activities. My husband works on Saturdays so basically what I do is 3-4 days per week study from 8:30-11 after my kids are in bed. Saturday's I study 6-8 hours depending on our schedules and Sunday I study 8-10 hours. It works out to where I can get in 20-25 hours per week. Some weeks don't work out as planned but it's a good goal. Good luck, it's tough.

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    Tambra Davis
    Director/Manager
    Modesto CA
    United States
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  • 3.  RE: Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 02-21-2019 05:34 AM
    I am taking both parts to the exam this year. My plan is to do what I did when working on my masters, which is to get up super early (5am) and get a couple hours of studying in before work. Add some additional time on weekends as well.  I also have young children, so I am doing my weekday studying at work. Best of luck to you!

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    Timothy Howard
    Director/Manager
    Pembroke Pines FL
    United States
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  • 4.  RE: Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 02-21-2019 08:39 AM
    ​I work full time and have two younger kids and I know it is very difficult to take out time to study. But the thing that really helped me is being focused and disciplined. I took my first part in October and I woke up every week day at 4:30 studied till 6, went to work- kept important points handy, read them off and on (And also revised what I had studied in the morning). Came back and studied about 2 hours in the evening (Usually problem solving ) On weekends I studied for 10 hours, (Early mornings and late afternoons were best). I did this for about 6 weeks . And last 10 days I studied even on week days for almost 6 hours. I passed it in my first try. I took my 2nd part in January. Waiting on the results- fingers crossed.

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    Shalini Dabas CPA
    Accountant
    Grapevine TX
    United States
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  • 5.  RE: Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 07-28-2019 05:10 PM
    Hello,

    I have 2 boys 4 and 7.  I try to study 2-3 hours a day.  I study during my lunch break for an hour and 2 hours after I put them down at 8PM.  My wife watches them on the weekends while I study at the library for 4 hours each day.

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    Amedee Barry
    Accountant
    South Pasadena CA
    United States
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  • 6.  RE: Study plan for people working full time/family

    Posted 06-28-2019 05:47 AM
    Hi,

    I'm assuming you've worked this out by now, but for anyone else reviewing.  I have two kids, work 45 + hours with a heavy commute.  One hour every night after they go to bed, 8 hours split collectively on weekends for approx 6-8 weeks for both (probably better to add a couple weeks considering I JUST passed) and jamming in flash cards at lunch.  I also scheduled my exams on Monday mornings and took a PTO day for the Friday before for three days of heavy studying (about 24 hours).  I passed part 1 with a 360 and waiting on part 2 - took that bad boy 4 days ago.  It also helps to have a conversation with your family about expectations, timing and reminding everyone (including yourself) that this is only temporary and will pay itself off.  And be mindful, it's their sacrifice as well.

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    Callie George
    Accounting Manager
    Land O Lakes FL
    United States
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