Watch this before you start the CFA (2025)

💰 Want an exclusive 10% discount on all IFT self-study products? Use my affiliate coupon “haaris” at checkout (links below)
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The CFA will change your life, but it’s tough. In this video, I make your life easier.

IFT LINKS (2025)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
💲 Coupon code = haaris (I get a small commission for each sale, but you get tonnes of value)

ANALYSTPREP LINKS (2025)
💲 Coupon code = HAARIS20 (I get a small commission for each sale, but you get tonnes of value)

WSO FINANCIAL MODELLING COURSES

MY CFA DEEP-DIVES

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Optimal study pathway
03:54 - Recommended study materials
08:05 - Creating a study plan
11:25 - Mistakes you avoid

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor, and the content presented should not be construed as professional financial advice. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Viewers should conduct their own research and/or consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions. The content of this video is based on my personal opinions and should not be considered as a recommendation.

I do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this video, nor for any actions taken by viewers based on the information provided.

This video does not represent the official views or opinions of the CFA Institute. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions.

By watching this video, viewers agree to release and hold harmless Haaris Zamir, CFA from any and all liability related to any decisions or actions taken based on the information presented in this video. This disclaimer is subject to change without notice.

[andrescamacho]

Best video I have seen about taking level I

[DrMedPhillibert]

Thank you for the Video!! Great information and I highly appreaciate that you took emphasis on physical activity as well as a healthy lifestyle. This determines the learning process on a very high and from many people underrating degree

[TheBiglili]

Thank you for your video, i ll go with IFT. Thanks for your code. With family my free time is limited so i take all advice 👌

[fitfit]

Thank you. I'm preparing for CFA.

[DanielDiaz-pycj]

Thanks Haaris! Your point about the wrong approach to Qs really hit home for me. I just started Quant - Level 1 and was getting stuck in the EOC Qs and feeling demoralized.
I’ll be using your promo code at IFT.

[gautier]

Thanks for the video Haaris! I've just started working on Level 2 for May 2025 session. Definitely needed a study plan and a prep provider, I'll buy IFT full package with your coupon off. Hope I'll pass :)

[jaydenbrown]

Hey! This video was super helpful and informative! And I am definitely going to subscribe and explore your channel!

I am in in my last year of undergraduate studies (finishing April 2025) and I plan pursuing the CFA charter. I was debating sitting for the Level I exam either in May 2025 or Nov 2025. My biggest concern for sitting in May 2025 exam is that from Jan until Apr, I will also be completing my bachelors degree, hence I will be completing my bachelors degree and my Level I concurrently.

Do you think it is wise for me to wait until the Nov 2025 seating? I must note that I am interested to complete the tests as quickly as possible (without the study burnout that you have mentioned in this video). Any insights are greatly appreciated, thanks!

[odogwuldn]

Hi Haaris, love your channel man!

Just wanted to ask about the Ethics chapter for CFA level 1. I read online on Reddit forum that the Kaplan materials is pointless for ethics and you should only read the CFA institute curriculum for ethics. However the CFA institute material for ethics is very long and time consuming. Just wanted to know the best way to study the ethics chapter as it has the biggest weighting. Is Kaplan material sufficient for the ethics section part?

[solo]

Hello Haaris, I have just enrolled for February 2025, Level I CFA Exam. I basically have around 120 days until my exam date. Considering that I have a full-time job and that I completed my bachelor's degree in finance, if I study for around 3 hours per day until my exam day, are my chances of passing realistic enough? Also, thank you for the prep providers you provided in the video, I was thinking of getting the IFT High Yield package with Mark Meldrum's prep for Level 1. Would that be enough to accelerate my study?

[crayshi]

I’m currently enrolled in my masters but I want to take the exam in February and then level 2 in August maybe. Do you have any advice for someone studying full time for level 1? I have roughly 7 weeks in January and February until the exam. Thank you so much, Haaris!

[drayoolaaguda]

Hey Haaris, thank you very much for sharing this. I plan to take level 1 in Nov 2025, but as far as I'm aware, I will not be to register for it until after I graduate from my undergrad in April 2025. I'm not taking the feb 2025 exam which is the last window before my graduation because I do not have enough time to prepare, and May 2025 is out of the question for that same reason. Do you think it's worth doing the CFA's foundation course before April and/or even buying the IFT level 1 notes and going through before April to further prepare myself for Nov 2025?

[kareeb]

Would you recommend the courses of Udemy for Level 1? There's a course by 365 Careers in Udemy.

[harshitsinha]

love your videos Haaris, my cfa l1 exam window is on feb 2025 and I've completed fixed income couple of weeks back. can u suggest a good strategy, like watching review videos or how many questions to solve and how many readings should i cover in a day. My initial plan is to review on weeekends and do fsa on weekdays. Plz give me your suggestions

[abhishekrathod]

Would you recommend the IFT High Yield: Course ($145) or the IFT Study notes($119)??? I will be signing up for Mark Meldrum for video, and IFT is only for notes.

[ram-it.damn-it]

Thanks for the Video, would it be ok to use Kaplan or Wiley or CFA provided material with Mark Meldrum's course?

[qnvbggv]

Will you recommend Mark meldrum or Ift for August 2025 level 1 exam

[jeevansingh]

Hey Haaris, i Have the 2024 lvl 1 notes i was wondering if I need to repurchase notes for the 2025 exam which i plan to take. Would the content differ alot? please let me know if possible.

[riyadeshpande]

hi sir, i failed the november 24 attempt level 1 on boderline. I am planning to give the may 25 attempt. do i have to pay the entire fee again?

[saksham]

2hrs 5 times a week equals 240hrs max in 6 months, that doesn't even reach the 300-500 hour milestone you recommended

[randomondo]

Do I qualify for this without prior finance experience or finance education?

Do I need prior college education?