Ex-JPMorgan Asset Manager/Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)/ Certified Fitness Trainer💪/ Chinese living in Switzerland 🇨🇳 🇭🇰🇨🇭 10 years+ working in finance in both Asia and Europe.
I believe finance is NOT only for the privileged rich; finance is for EVERYONE! Wall Street makes finance so complicated and I’m here to simplify finance and share money tips.
My mission is to help you achieve faster financial independence through investing!
I wanted to seek some guidance. I have completed my Eco. Hons and then CFA Level 1. Now, to build a solid finance career, what should I do next? What skills should I acquire? I have started studying for CFA Level 2. How should I get a job since I don't have any experience yet? and can you tell little bit about your journey ?
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible. Also, don't forget to download your free resources: Free Guide: Master finance lingo with my "60 Essential Finance Terms Explained" guide!charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Budgeting Template: Down easy-to-use budgeting template that I personally use: charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Charlene xx
Charlene, it's the exact same thing in the subcontinent. Mom is the de facto CFO in a lot of households and for good reason. Like Serena said, they have a tendency to plan long term and put children first. Locally, we've seen that the education attainment rates of children is higher in households where the Mom controls the finances iirc. As a result, we've seen that government assistance programs generally transfer the amount to Mothers.
Hi Charlene, thanks for sharing how to prep CFA exam. I wonder have you paid for the kaplan schweser cfa level 1 learning materials? They offer different packages online, don't know if I can buy their digital books separately, or it is free?
How did you tackle the math being someone from a literature and journalism background? As someone from similar backgrounds, the maths are intimidating!
Thank you for your content. I have 3 questions though. 1. What are the chances a swiss company will hire a recent Master's graduate in Information Systems with a bachelor in Business having a total work experience of ~1 year 2. Are swiss companies open to discussing for positions entirely remote from Greece let's say? 3. How easy is for someone who knows a wide variety of tools and programming languages with a decent portfolio to land a job in Switzerland?. The potential employer will recognize my efforts on acquiring all this knowledge and certifications or will he assume that having all these will ask for extra money and in the end he is not worth the trouble? Thank you for your time. Keep up the good work
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible. Also, don't forget to download your free resources: Free Guide: Master finance lingo with my "60 Essential Finance Terms Explained" guide!charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Budgeting Template: Down easy-to-use budgeting template that I personally use: charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Charlene xx
Reading 1 hour every day for the rest of your life will always make you the smartest person in the room and you'll always be ahead of the competition. CFAI is fraudulent with the amount of money they make and the CFA resource industry. Most people say L3 is useless. So why waste all that precious time of your life that you're never getting back?
Hey there! 📚 Reading an hour a day is definitely a great habit for staying sharp and ahead of the game. As for the CFA, it's true that it's a big investment, and opinions on its value can vary. Some find it incredibly beneficial, while others feel differently. Ultimately, it's about what aligns with your goals. If the CFA helps you get where you want to be, it might be worth it. But if you think there are better ways to spend your time and money, trust your gut! What other ways do you think are valuable for staying ahead in the finance world? ❤
Those who are about to obtain CFA certificates and analytical and decision-making skills will be replaced by artificial intelligence Shall we continue on our path?
Hey there! 🤔 AI is definitely changing the game, but those CFA skills and your analytical and decision-making abilities are still super valuable. AI can handle a lot of data, but it can't replace the human touch for making strategic calls and understanding complex market dynamics. So, keep going! Your skills will complement AI, not be replaced by it. How do you feel about the rise of AI in finance? Exciting or a bit nerve-wracking? 😅📈
Hello mam ! how are you? I'm 17 years old. I'm a commerce student in Bangladesh. And now I am studying in intermediate. Then I will study ACCA and then I will study CFA. I want to be an Investment banker. Considering the trend of AI and Automation, will my this study plan be secure for the future?
Hey there! 👋 I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Wow, your study plan sounds solid! ACCA and CFA are both impressive qualifications, and they’ll definitely give you a strong foundation in finance. AI and automation are shaking things up in every field, but the skills you'll gain will still be super valuable. Investment banking will always need sharp minds to analyze data and make strategic decisions, even if some tasks get automated. Are you excited about diving into the world of finance? What part of investment banking interests you the most? 💼
I'm thrilled you enjoy the podcast. It's important to have open conversations about sensitive topics like divorce, and I'm glad it's resonating with you.
Thanks for the question! As a CFA charterholder, I see the CMT designation as a great complement. It adds a technical analysis perspective to the fundamental analysis skills from the CFA. It also depends on your goals and what you want to achieve in your career. Plus, job experience is often more important than any designation. Are you considering pursuing the CMT?
@@CharleneCong yes Ma’am! Hopefully you can make a video about it too! Keep making great contents Ma’am! We need credible Finfluencers these days… God bless!
If you are rich and powerful, 1 + 1 is equal 2.01. Everyone will applaud , if U fail and not successful, in $$$$$$, your 1 + 1 equal 2 , are to be argued to makes you look stupid & failure. ( metaphor statements). That's human n people's nature. Worst your love ones incl: parents will discard you , even your own children. Read Karl Marx, on Power Of Money. $$$ , ...99% of all things Evil.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's a powerful metaphor and certainly resonates with the idea that success and perception are often influenced by wealth and power. It's true that societal attitudes can be harsh and judgmental, especially when it comes to financial success. Karl Marx's insights on the power of money are indeed thought-provoking and still relevant today. How do you think we can navigate these societal pressures and focus on building meaningful and fulfilling lives beyond just financial success?
@@CharleneCong we can't change sea water from salty to natural water, that's why communism did not work.. Doesn't applied to human nature. But we could help or donate our wealth to the people of various needs. .Not to forget nature environmental.
I agree, education is important, example CFA, MBA, MASTER FINANCE, ACCA.........etc.....for investing. Again Warren Buffett, emphasise on TEMPERAMENT, many finance or accountant or Bness people, aren't investment, why? Buy shares on Tuesday morning and sell at Friday afternoon😅. Investment is long term, 5 to 10 t yrs. Warren never sold a share of Coca cola. ? Bought invested in the 80s. SORRY, ... CFA, MBA, ACCA..... doesn't teach on TEMPERAMENT investing😂😂 . MBA never teach you on INTEGRITY😂. Short sharing.....my Grand dad ( 1914 - 2003) no education, but hard working, and in 1954, he and 7 other partner form or start a bness on Sundry supplies in Msia. Eventually invested in Pig farm, ( 3rd biggest pig farm in Msia). All of them without MBA/CFA......BUT!!!... they had one thing in mind....INTEGRITY( of which academic fo not teach)😂. The bness wind up in 2012, most left , pass away. The last director was 82 yrs old. And he pass in 2021 at 91.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and that awesome story about your grandfather! You're right-while degrees like CFA and MBA teach you a lot about finance and investing, temperament and integrity are crucial too. Warren Buffett's focus on long-term investment and not selling shares quickly is a great reminder of what truly matters. Your grandfather's journey is really inspiring, showing that hard work and integrity can lead to big success, even without formal education. Do you have any personal tips or lessons from your grandfather that you find especially valuable?
In a interview with Warren. The interviewer ask Warren Buffet, do you believe in luck. Warren without doubt answer yes! Interviewer ask why? ... Warren reply,...if i am not born in America i would not have this opportunity. If i am born as a BLACK, or FEMALE, in America , i would not be what i am today. ( just add on....if you are born Autistic, 😅 you are not anywhere) ...(My son is Autistic , non function, can't write even).,,,, of couse everyone needs to try to do better, not give up , be positive, But as 58 yrs old man, been through life more than half a century, at many times FATE, determine what you are. !!!....Anyway congrats on your achievement so far. .....
Thank you for sharing that powerful insight and the story about Warren Buffet. It’s true that many factors, including luck and circumstances, play a significant role in our lives. Your perspective, especially as a father, adds so much depth to this discussion. It's important to recognize the challenges and still strive to do our best and remain positive. Thank you for your kind words! How do you stay positive and motivated through the ups and downs of life?
@@CharleneCong we only live once, achieve your dreams to the end, but not without of Risk calculations. Age is just a number , live healthily. Till your time of expiry.😁
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible. Also, don't forget to download your free resources: Free Guide: Master finance lingo with my "60 Essential Finance Terms Explained" guide!charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Budgeting Template: Down easy-to-use budgeting template that I personally use: charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Charlene xx
Hello Charlene! Your videos are very insightful and certainly immensely help people like me who want to break into finance! I am following your investment advice and putting away a percentage to invest in index funds. I am slowly trying to watch all your videos (there are a lot so it will take me a while, but I will finish them all haha). My goal is to go to Switzerland in maybe 2-3 years, would you have some time for a quick coffee chat for advice? :)
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so happy to hear that you find my videos helpful and that you're taking steps to invest in index funds. It's great to hear you're planning to watch all the videos-there's a lot of content, but I'm sure you'll find it valuable! Your goal to move to Switzerland sounds exciting! I'd love to help out. I'd be happy to arrange a quick coffee chat. Feel free to reach out. What excites you most about moving to Switzerland? :)
It can open many doors in terms of career opportunities and advancement. However, whether it's worth it depends on your career goals and interests. For some, additional qualifications like an MBA or other professional certifications might also be beneficial. What are your career aspirations, and what specific areas of finance are you interested in? Also, you can find CPA MBA CFA comparison in this playlist: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-77AzPs_N2RE.html
Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's true that the cost of living in Switzerland is quite high, and a salary of 4000 USD per month can be challenging to manage, especially in major cities where rents and mandatory expenses are significant. In such cases, it's crucial to budget carefully and look for ways to optimize spending. Have you found any particular tips that help manage living costs effectively in high-expense areas like Switzerland?
Am i the only one who cudnt take the eyes off her hand.. I mean she just makes a claw and just runs and runs on ur face. whats wrong with ur hand.. even till the last second shes got the right hand clenching
Quite interesting that you came from a completely non-finance background, why did you decide on pursuing a career in finance? I’m currently studying a MS in Business Analytics at Boston University and im really interested in working in Fintech so im researching if CFA level 1 would make sense for me
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, it's been quite a journey moving from a non-finance background to finance. I got hooked on financial markets and their global impact, which led me down this path. For Fintech, the CFA can give you a solid financial foundation, which can be really useful. Your MS in Business Analytics sounds awesome and super relevant to Fintech! How are you liking your program at Boston University, and what part of Fintech excites you the most?
Cfa are for people who has a strong maths background in their college or university. You cant enrol cfa with weak mathematics umderstanding. If your maths only gred 11 ( age 17). Not for you. My maths is only gred 9. ( age 15). In china maths are compulsory to enter univ;( Entrance Exam. Not surprised you could do cfa, with humanities degree in China univ😅) in malaysia( where i live), you can avoid maths in your Pre U exam. ( Equivalent to china univ: entrance exam) . So with just level or grade 11 maths( age 17) in Msia , You are out , cfa is not possible. 😢
Thank you for sharing your perspective! It's true that a strong math background can be very helpful for the CFA program. 📚 However, I've seen people from diverse educational backgrounds, including those with less advanced math skills, succeed in the CFA by dedicating extra time to mastering the necessary quantitative concepts. 💪 It's definitely challenging, but not impossible. Have you considered any resources or strategies that might help improve your math skills to pursue the CFA if it's something you're passionate about?
@@CharleneCong hi. I stop maths since 1984 age 18. My gred 11 final exam i did not registered maths. Now its compulsory to sit for maths , at least a pass 50 marks or you have no cert. . I was lucky , my time no need , still get a certificate . So.....i start to learn math by tuition starts from gred 6 😂. IN march 2023. Estimate 6 yrs to complete to reach gred 13 and undergraduate level. Only at this age i find is still hard but interesting. I had a Bachelor Political Science at a Open University in Msia. CGPA 3.56. Hopefully someday i get to do Msc .Mathematics. I read Economics too. A level books. ( SELF STUDY). As i am learning maths, maybe....i wanna tutored on Physics. Maths & Physics, great combination. Regards to cfa, not sure.
Dear Charlene, thank you for a detailed video - please, could you advise where( in which ) is the best option to take an exam? If in my city there is no CFA centre, where would the best option to go to take an exam? Where could I find it out? Probably directly in the USA?
Thank you so much for watching my video and for your kind words! If your city doesn't have a CFA exam center, one of the best options is to check nearby major cities or international locations that offer the exam. The CFA Institute's website has a comprehensive list of all available exam centers worldwide, which could be really helpful for you. Have you had a chance to look at the CFA Institute's official site yet? www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam/test-center-locations
Thank you for pointing it out! Yes, the CFA Level 1 exam does indeed consist of 180 multiple-choice questions instead of 240, divided into two sessions of 90 questions each. Thanks so much for correcting it! Are you currently preparing for the exam, or are you considering starting the CFA journey soon?
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible. Also, don't forget to download your free resources: Free Guide: Master finance lingo with my "60 Essential Finance Terms Explained" guide!charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Budgeting Template: Down easy-to-use budgeting template that I personally use: charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Charlene xx
Hi Charlene. I came from Vietnam and really impressed with your content recently about cfa exam. I’m working as an Credit Analyst in a Retail Bank and tend to take the Level 1 exam in May 2025. But i have been wondered is it too late to start my Journey because i’m 30 yrsd. Can i compete with young candidates when i turn to 34 or 35 in this investment industry. Hope to receive your comment
Hi! Thank you for your kind words. It's definitely not too late to start your CFA journey at 30. Your experience as a Credit Analyst is a valuable asset. Employers value diverse backgrounds and experience, not just age. Starting now can set you up for great opportunities in the investment industry. What motivates you the most to transition into investment?
@@CharleneCong thanks for your answering. The reason why i try to take the cfa exam is because my investing style… it was tons of failure because i didnt know the first thing about how to maânge my cash flow… FOMO… blah blah. In addition to that i think CFA is really good by providing me with useful knowledge. The only draw back is like i said, i’m worrying about my age. Thanks so much for your motivation.
Man, your directness resonates with me. I studied for 12 months and sat for the the FINRA Series 7 and passed it...on my 2nd try (2012) then NASAA's Series 66 in 2016, and to that extent, I know the sacrifice. Today, I'm finishing up my 2nd MS back-to-back, but I have no more hair to loose in the bath 😂
Hey there! Thank you so much for sharing your journey-it's truly inspiring! Congratulations on passing both the Series 7 and Series 66 exams, and on your perseverance through all the challenges. The sacrifices and stress definitely take their toll, and I can relate to the hair loss struggle! 😂 What inspired you to pursue your second master's degree, and how do you feel it's shaping your career path?
The chances are good if you have the right skills and experience. Data science is in high demand, and many companies are open to hiring non-EU professionals. What specific skills do you have, and are there particular companies in Switzerland you're interested in? :))
@@CharleneCong I am skilled in Python, SQL, Tableau, etc. Do you know a list of companies that hires data science professionals? Also, Do you have a video on Switzerland resume format?
thank you so much for your kind words my friend! I'm thrilled to hear that my experience has inspired you. Your support means the world to me. What part of my journey resonated with you the most?~
@@CharleneCong it is very cool to know that CFA is possible for professionals with different background I still plan my master in Finance but I would definitely go ahead with CFA first
That's great to hear! The CFA program is indeed a versatile option that can benefit professionals from various backgrounds. Pursuing your CFA before your master's in Finance sounds like a solid plan, as it can provide a strong foundation and enhance your credentials. Are there any particular topics or areas within finance that you are especially interested in? Best of luck with your studies and future endeavors!
