Where have you been, Ary?

Wow, how a month can fly by just like that! I'll admit: I've been MIA. But the amount of learning I've done this month has been incredible. Let me tell you what's been up.

As some of you may know, I have been pursuing my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and just recently, wrote one of my exams. On top of that, I've been attending various workshops for continuing education for insurance and investments.

I must say though: being out of university made me forget how to study for these kinds of exams. You see, for the CPA exam for taxation, only a small portion of the exam was multiple choice where you answer 1 of 4 choices, and if you really didn't know the answer, you could guess! But that was for less than 10% of the exam! They provide you with cases in which you would analyze data and the client's situation while you deal with a bunch of calculations, tax planning, financial forecasting, and even a bit of ethical dilemmas! You would then present your analysis as if you were presenting to the client, face to face, with a memo stating the best decisions, alternatives, and of course a breakdown of how you came to such a conclusion! And as for the multiple choice, they were heavy technically and a lot of calculations were needed, but nonetheless, they were multiple choice. Overall, you either knew how to provide quality, useful and correct advice or you didn't.

I will tell you this: the exams are not meant to be easy. I am pleased by the challenge of the taxation exam I wrote, and am confident in my knowledge and skill set. The format of these exams and its quality test our professional judgement and opinion. If anything, going through this rigorous process will groom me into a more well rounded advisor. I am constantly studying and refreshing myself with accounting knowledge, but also in insurance and investment knowledge too!

This month has also been heavy on attending workshops set up by our trusted product providers. When our clients need a certain insurance policy or investment, I would be able to provide them with the best advice for their needs thanks to this continuous educational development. In our business, you're constantly learning. If you don't keep up to date with the latest information and changes, you will fall behind and be living in the past.

I've always been a big picture, future thinker. Just like with this business, I am seeing the long game. What is it? To provide my generation, the millennials, with access to financial knowledge and literacy to make informed decisions for their future. Both you and I, we're always studying, always learning, and always growing. I want to specialize here, in personal finance and tax, so that you don't have to. But I want to provide you with a foundation so that with or without me, you can make solid financial decisions without hesitation.

With that said, keep an eye out for little tips and tricks on our Instagram and Facebook. We'll be sharing short posts with quality information that can provide you with some insight into what I've learned and continue to learn about personal finance. We're very excited about this and can't wait to share and grow with you all.

Best,
Ary