Finance

Actuaries help businesses estimate what financial risks could cost. That might mean figuring out how much an insurer should charge for coverage or whether a pension fund can meet its future obligations. The work combines math, statistics, and business judgment, and the median annual wage was $125,770 in 2024. Getting into the field takes more […]

So, how many candidates actually pass FRM Part I? The short answer is less than half. The more useful answer is that the pass rate has stayed surprisingly consistent, even as the exam and curriculum have changed. That tells us something important: FRM Part I is difficult, but it is not randomly impossible. Certain parts […]

Weeks, months, a full year… FRM exam study time is always explained in calendars, but what amount of study time do you really need to pass the test? Around 240 hours is the usual benchmark, but you will also need the right time for each topic, consistent question practice, and enough room for review and […]

78%. That’s how many Americans had either never heard of ESG or were not sure what it meant, according to the ESG Monitor. So, if you are part of that group, do not worry. The title sounds complicated, but the job is mostly about research. ESG analysts collect information, compare companies, identify risks, and explain […]

The FRM can lead to a great career, but only if you know exactly what you’re getting into. That sounds obvious, yet plenty of people start because they want a “good finance certification” without knowing what FRM jobs are actually like. Then they spend months preparing for exams with pass rates around 50%, only to […]

Financial models can look intimidating at first. Open a large spreadsheet packed with formulas, figures, tabs, and forecasts, and it may feel like you need a finance degree just to find the starting point. The good news is that most models have a clear purpose. Some help you understand how a company makes money. Others […]

One exam. Then another. Then several more. That is the part people leave out when they say actuaries “take an exam.” The process can sound confusing when every test has a different name, subject, and place in the pathway. It gets much easier once you see how everything connects. In this guide, I’ll break down […]

75 questions. 1 hour and 45 minutes. A lot of securities information packed into one exam. The SIE is considered an entry-level exam, but that does not mean you can skim a few definitions and pass. Products, risks, trading rules, customer accounts, and regulations can start blending together quickly. As a test prep reviewer, I […]

44% of the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam focuses on understanding securities products and their risks. That can be a lot to take in when words like bonds, options, mutual funds, and derivatives are new to you. A little context can make studying easier. Start with these five things. Key takeaways What Is the Securities […]

If you’re exploring a career in finance, you’ve probably come across the term financial modeling. Financial modeling is the process of using financial data, business information, and projections to create a picture of what could happen to a business in the future, financially speaking. The Association for Financial Professionals notes that financial models can support […]

The FMVA and CFA both show employers that you have serious finance knowledge, but that is about where the simple comparison ends. The Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification is built around practical skills like financial modeling, valuation, forecasting, and analysis. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation takes a much broader path through investment […]

How many repeat test-takers in one study reported high emotional exhaustion? 52.2%. While I suspect this number may be even higher, most agree that cramming for the Series 7 can leave you burned out before exam day. Planning ahead spreads out the pressure and gives the material more time to stick. The Series 7 can […]

The timer can make the SIE exam seem more intimidating than it is — especially when you are trying to figure out how long the SIE exam actually takes. You have definitions, product questions, and longer customer scenarios to work through, and some will slow you down more than others. The actual SIE exam is […]

The SIE exam covers a little bit of everything. You have investment products, market rules, customer accounts, prohibited activities, and enough industry terms to make your notes look like another language. It can feel heavy at first, especially if finance is completely new to you. Still, you do not need to memorize an entire textbook […]

Risk is everywhere in finance. Markets drop, borrowers miss payments, and even one bad decision can cost a company millions. But how do financial professionals prepare for what could go wrong? That is where the FRM exam comes in. It covers the tools and ideas used to measure financial risk, understand where it comes from, […]

A finished estate plan means your family knows exactly what you decided, and nobody has to guess later. The verified Trust & Will promo code on this page gets you to that finish line for less: reveal the code below, or use the discounted link to arrive at Trust & Will with the offer already […]

The CFA Institute renamed the Certificate in ESG Investing to the Sustainable Investing Certificate. New name, same issue: Finding the best ESG course that will actually make the material make sense. So, which one will actually help? I tested the main courses to see which ones actually helped me understand the material and which ones […]

Management accounting is where numbers turn into decisions: understanding what that data means and using it to help businesses plan, budget, and grow. That’s why the right training matters. With management accounting roles projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, the FMAA credential can be a smart starting point for building credibility and strengthening […]

I’m going to be blunt and preface everything by saying that passing the professional actuarial exams will be hard. According to the Society of Actuaries (SOA), the pass rate for Exam P is below 43%. With that in mind, I’ve spent a lot of hours reviewing several major actuarial exam prep courses so I could […]

The CFA® exam has a way of exposing shallow understanding. Only about 50% of first-time candidates passed in 2025, which is why prep quality matters. When I compared UWorld and Kaplan, I wasn’t interested in flashy features or claims of high pass rates. I wanted to see which course actually trains you to think the […]

Looking to save on your CFP® journey? These verified Kaplan CFP® promo codes can help. Whether you’re diving into comprehensive study tools or brushing up with some practice quizzes, Kaplan promo codes can help you get started for less. From on-demand videos to live online classes, Kaplan offers flexible, high-quality study options designed to fit […]

Passing your FINRA® securities exam is easier and more affordable when you use a Kaplan Financial Education coupon code. Whether you’re preparing for the SIE or an advanced Series exam, our verified discounts help you save money on Kaplan’s top-rated test prep courses, study materials, and live online prep—so you can focus on achieving your […]

Preparing for the CFA® exam is a major investment in your finance career—and using a Kaplan Schweser promo code from the Miami Herald is one of the easiest ways to unlock significant savings on Kaplan CFA® Review courses (with packages often including live classes, performance tracking tools, and comprehensive study notes). With exclusive promo codes, […]

Kaplan Schweser is known for high-quality exam prep tools, and this year’s Kaplan FRM® promo code options give eligible students a chance to reduce costs on top-rated courses. Whether you’re preparing for the first exam or returning for Part II, these promotions help you access trusted study materials without paying full price. Kaplan FRM® Discount […]

Kaplan’s CAIA® study system is built for students preparing to advance in alternative investments, and this year’s Kaplan CAIA promo code listings provide a timely opportunity to reduce the cost of high-quality materials. If you’re starting your preparation for the next exam cycle—or returning to strengthen what you learned last time, these promotions can help […]

The Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) is a go-to name in the top CFP® review courses, known for pairing academic rigor with practical training that busy financial professionals can actually use. This year’s Black Friday season brings reliable BIF promo codes and limited-time discounts across Instructor-Led courses, self-paced CFP® education, Premium BIF Review, Core BIF […]

Kaplan’s Black Friday event delivers some of the biggest discounts of the year across its most popular exam prep programs. From CFA® and CFP® to CAIA, LSAT, and Bar Review, students can access expert-taught lessons, analytics tools, and realistic practice exams at a reduced price. Whether you prefer studying live with an instructor or learning […]

Securities Training Corporation promo codes are some of the best, cutting the price of courses that have served over 1.5 million professionals to make them more affordable. Securities Training Corporation Discount Code Why Choose Securities Training Corporation STC’s comprehensive training programs give you the structure and confidence you need to pass any securities exam and […]

Preparing for the CFA, FRM, or other financial certifications doesn’t have to be expensive. AnalystPrep, a trusted name in the finance education industry, offers high-quality study materials at affordable prices—and with the right AnalystPrep coupon code, you can save even more on your exam preparation. AnalystPrep is not only a CFA and FRM shop — […]

Ask almost any CFA® charterholder, and they’ll tell you: Level II is where things get serious. It’s often considered the hardest of the three exams, and the prep course that got you through Level I might not be enough this time around. But here’s the good news—financial analysts earn a median salary of over $100K, […]

If you dream of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst, you already know that the three levels of the CFA® exam will be your biggest obstacle. Recent exam candidates recently faced a dismal 44% pass rate. However, I believe that the only difference between passing and failing the CFA® exam is the depth of your preparation […]

The CFA® prep industry is probably bigger than you think, with dozens of top CFA® Level 3 prep courses to choose from. And, now that you’re finally at the last stage in your three-part journey, you really don’t want to fail—not when you’re at the finish line. As a professional course reviewer, I’m here to […]

The Boston Institute of Finance is a nationally recognized provider of financial education, trusted by more than 32,000 students pursuing the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. With expert instructors, flexible online courses, and Premium BIF Review programs, BIF is known for helping professionals prepare for the CFP® exam and strengthen their careers in finance, accounting, […]

How do you pass one of the most challenging licensing exams in finance, the Series 10, on your first attempt? That’s the question I set out to answer by personally testing and reviewing the top Series 10 test prep courses on the market. This isn’t a basic test. The Series 10 is a high-stakes licensing […]

If you’re considering AnalystPrep FRM® for your exam preparation, you’re in the right place. Because honestly, as someone who passed the CPA exams, I know how crucial choosing the right course is. Plus, with a $90k to $130k salary range on average, investing strategically now can lead to an increased ROI down the line—because what […]

If you’re aiming for a finance career, you’re probably pretty money savvy. After all, the median annual wage for employees in the Business and Financial Occupations sector in 2024 was over $30,000 higher than the median for all sectors combined. However, the FINRA SIE exam is your first big hurdle—and with so many SIE exam […]

Struggling to pick the right Series 9 prep course? Most supervisors sit the Series 10 right after — here’s how the Series 10 study materials compare. Hey, I get it—choosing the wrong one can cost you time and, potentially, your passing score. The required passing score for the Series 9 exam is 70%, and most […]

As of 2025, FINRA requires candidates pursuing the General Securities Principal qualification to pass the Series 24 exam, which consists of 150 questions and must be completed in under four hours. With pass rates hovering around 70%, it’s essential to choose a prep course that gives you the tools and confidence to succeed on your […]

Cracking the Series 79 on your first attempt isn’t easy, and finding the best Series 79 prep course can make all the difference. According to the Securities Institute of America, the passing score for students taking the exam is 73%. Most first-time passers are those who use a dedicated prep program and complete all assigned […]

Did you know that in March 2025, 35% of CFP® hopefuls didn’t pass? You already know that the best way of boosting your odds of success starts with choosing the right education program and prep course; the Boston Institute of Finance is one such provider. Although I’m not a CFP®, I’ve been in your shoes […]

Over 12,000 candidates sit for the Series 65 exam every year, but only about 65-70% pass on the first try. Think you’re ready for the Series 65? I gathered these seven practice questions to test what you know (and help you spot what you don’t). Each one mimics the actual exam in structure and content, […]

Passing the Series 65 is your ticket to becoming an Investment Advisor Representative, but not everyone makes it through on their first try. With a pass rate between 65-70%, this exam is more difficult than most expect. Understanding how to position yourself on the right side of that statistic is the best way to make […]

For aspiring finance professionals, their nightmares aren’t filled with ghouls and goblins, no life-or-death high-speed chases, no falling off cliffs to a void below. Instead, that nightmare is… the CFA® exam pass rates. Each level of the CFA® exam is notoriously difficult to pass, and thousands of candidates prepare rigorously every year in hopes of […]

Studying for the Series 66 can be overwhelming, especially when every prep provider claims to be the best. With your exam and career on the line, choosing the right course matters just as much as the hours you put in. In this guide, I’ll unveil the top Series 66 prep courses that actually deliver—whether you […]

The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is a leading provider of online finance education, offering a comprehensive range of courses and certifications designed to enhance the skills of finance professionals worldwide. One of its flagship programs is the Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification, which equips learners with practical skills in financial modeling, valuation, and […]

For many Series 65 exam takers, the ultimate goal is to become a financial advisor. Not only is helping others make the most of their budget, investments, and retirement funds rewarding, but it’s also highly lucrative, with an average salary just over the six-figure mark. Plus, with a growth rate of 17% (compared to the […]

To pass the Series 63 exam, you’ll have to get a 72% score, which translates to 43 of the 60 questions answered correctly. With longer exams, you have a little more wiggle room, but the shorter nature of the Series 63 can be unforgiving. But don’t let me scare you off just yet. The secret […]

The personal financial advisor career has a projected growth of 17% in the next ten years—over four times higher than the national average. Meanwhile, securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents can look forward to 7%, almost double the rate for other careers. Needless to say, now is the perfect time to earn your securities […]

How does making $76,900 per year in a career growing twice as fast as the average job in America sound to you? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is true for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents. One way to join them? Master the Series 3 Exam questions and pass with […]

FINRA Series exams are no joke. With pass rates as low as 58%, you’ll need the right prep course, comprehensive study materials, and knowledgeable instructors to pass. If you’re researching the best exam prep resources, you’ve probably come across two popular names: Kaplan and ExamFX. But how do they stack up? Which is better for […]

Feeling overwhelmed by securities licensing exams? You’re not alone. With so many Series options, it can be tough to decide which one aligns with your career goals—especially when comparing the Series 66 vs Series 63. These exams may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. One opens the door to dual roles as an […]

Do you dream of working in the exciting world of futures and commodities? Or maybe you’re after the rewarding feeling of helping clients make safe, profitable investments in their future. If that rings true, you’re in the right place: passing the Series 3 exam can get you there. And the salary doesn’t hurt, either. Top […]

The Series 6 exam is your gateway to becoming a registered representative, enabling you to sell key securities products like mutual funds, variable contracts, and unit investment trusts. So, if you are selling securities in the future, chances are, you’ll have to take Series 6. Let’s face it—the exam isn’t easy. But with a strategic […]

Looking to kickstart a career in financial services? If you’re passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals with products like mutual funds, variable annuities, and unit investment trusts, the Series 6 license is your gateway to success. Think of the Series 6 as your ticket into the world of investment sales. It’s a must-have […]

Whether you’re looking to pass your SIE exam, one (or several) of the FINRA Series exams, or you’re looking to fulfill pre-licensing requirements for your state, Securities Training Corporation has a course for you. Including SIE exam prep, they have review courses for almost every Series exam: 28 of the 34 available. But how do […]

If you’re preparing for licensing exams in the financial services industry, choosing the right study program can mean the difference between passing confidently or having to retake the test. The Securities Institute of America is a well-known provider offering courses for students, managers, and financial professionals. With detailed study materials, engaging videos, and high pass […]

Feeling overwhelmed by all the SIE exam prep options out there? You’re not alone. Choosing the right course means comparing price, value, guarantees, and materials—and it’s easy to feel stuck. But here’s a tip: According to Harvard, active learning techniques like testing yourself and reviewing your mistakes can dramatically improve retention and performance. That’s why […]

According to Google, 53% of shoppers always check multiple options before making a purchase—and you’re one of them! Whether it’s scrolling through reviews, comparing features, or reading recommendations, you’re part of the savvy majority that knows the value of doing your homework. And when it comes to something as important as the Series 3 exam, […]

Understanding the world of securities licenses can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to determine which license suits your career path in the financial services industry. If you’re considering a career in selling securities, investment advising, or financial planning, understanding the difference between Series 63 vs. Series 7 licenses is essential. While both licenses are […]

When you’re looking into the securities industry, figuring out which exams you have to take can be exhausting. After all, there are 32 different FINRA Series exams, and every single one has a seemingly random number name. As a beginner in the industry, it’s easy to get lost. But you’re not here about those. You’re […]