So, I’ve been using a Wiley book to study from, but you can’t go wrong with more studying, so I’ll be using Roger CPA’s online review software from now on too.

I’ve had access to the software for a couple of days, but I haven’t had a chance to sit down with it yet and see how the experience compares to using books. I have read a lot of good stuff about the Roger CPA review though, especially about how engaging it can be.

I wish I could say I’ve been silent for the last several days since I’ve been so busy studying, but honestly, I’ve been studying so little that I was embarassed to write! The four-day weekend was too relaxing, I guess!

Sitting down and studying is definitely a struggle for me–one that I need to win, especially before the school year starts and I have even less free time to squish studying into. I forsee my various tactics of re-learning how to focus (because I haven’t had to sit and study for long periods in months) to become a pretty big topic as I make my way through the CPA exam review process!

I’m going to sit down right now with the Roger CPA review software and get some studying done before it’s time for bed. I’ll have some opinions to post soon!

The first part of my studying process involves answering a whole lot of multiple choice questions, pre-studying, to get a feel for which areas I need to work on the most. This is super frustrating, because I am struggling to remember all topics, so I would rather just get on with the actual studying part.

However, I think there is some benefit to this exercise. At the very least, I’m getting a quick and dirty overview of the questions that will be asked, and I can get a feel for how much of the information I’m familiar with, even if I don’t remember the specifics of how to solve the problems. Also, sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised with how well I do remember some topics.

In the meantime, I am trying to come up with ways to motivate myself to study each day. I have a study goal, although so far I haven’t been sticking to it (too many excuses).

I am also still trying to figure out the best time and place to study in my house. I originally planned to study after work, but I often find I’m too tired to focus. I think I am going to try setting my study time after I have had a chance to fit some exercise in.

Finally, I am trying to motivate myself by “paying” myself per hour. For every hour I study, I put a bit of money aside to save towards buying a netbook. This is the best motivational tactic I can come up with, and it’s working pretty well!