Subject: CFA Aug final week, PCP investigations, study setup & memory tools

What Ben Franklin print on the first official US cent? ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

8 articles • 15d to Aug'26 • 100d to Nov'26 • 203d to Feb'27

  • CFA August exam - final week: 10 things to do in your last week before exam day, what the refund & withdrawal policy looks like if you're having second thoughts, and 9 warning signs that you may be underprepared - plus what to do about them.

  • CFA Professional Conduct Program: What actually happens if CFA Institute flags your exam conduct? We explain the full PCP investigation process, the possible sanctions, and what candidates need to know to stay on the right side of the rules.

  • Study setup & memory tools: 18 science-backed ways to improve memory retention, our roundup of the best CFA apps for on-the-go study, and two bonus tools - the best ambient sound apps and headphones to keep you focused through the final stretch.

Read, and remember to comment!
Zee Tan, 300Hours

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Quick Question: In 1787, Benjamin Franklin designed the very first official U.S. cent (the "Fugio Cent"). Rather than the familiar "In God We Trust" seen today, what surprisingly direct piece of advice did he choose to print on the coin?   


Answers at the end of this email!

CFA Last Week Prep: 10 To-Dos Before Exam Day

CFA Last Week Prep: 10 To-Dos Before Exam Day

Sophie Macon • CFA • How to Study

What should you be doing in the last week before the CFA exams? We've got a list that's proven to work for candidates, every time.

Last-week to-do list ➔

CFA Refund And Withdrawal Policy, Clearly Explained

CFA Refund And Withdrawal Policy, Clearly Explained

Zee Tan • CFA • Exam Day & Results

Need to withdraw from the CFA exam? We break down the CFA Program's refund and withdrawal policies, so you know the deadlines and potential financial implications. This will help you make informed decisions.

Again, know your options ➔

Your Best Chance to Pass the CFA Exam Starts with Schweser

AdYour Best Chance to Pass the CFA Exam Starts with Schweser

Kaplan Schweser • Prep Providers

CFA candidates who use Schweser are more likely to pass because our study packages include quality study tools, expert guidance, and PassProtection.

Choose Your Study Package ➔

Prepare With Questions That Reflect Real Exam Difficulty

AdPrepare With Questions That Reflect Real Exam Difficulty

UWorld CFA • Prep Providers

Higher-rigor questions help you measure true readiness so the real exam feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

Start for Free ➔

CFA Professional Conduct Investigation: A Clear Guide

CFA Professional Conduct Investigation: A Clear Guide

Sophie Macon • CFA • Exam Day & Results

As a CFA candidate, you may have heard occasional horror stories about some candidates being subjected to CFA Professional Conduct investigations due to an alleged misconduct. If it does happen to you, here's how to respond to maximize your chances of coming out of it positively.

How to best respond in a CFA PCP investigation ➔

9 Potential CFA Exam Failure Signs To Be Aware Of

9 Potential CFA Exam Failure Signs To Be Aware Of

mikey • CFA • How to Study

If you're lagging behind in your CFA studies, there's always red flags to watch out for. Here are the 9 most common signs to watch out for, so that you can course-correct before it's too late.

Signs to watch for when prepping ➔

Profit Maximization (for the CFA Level 1 Exam)

AdProfit Maximization (for the CFA Level 1 Exam)

Let Me Explain • Prep Providers

This video focuses on profit maximization (for the CFA Level 1 exam):

  • average and marginal revenue (AR and MR) curves
  • average fixed, average variable, average total and marginal cost (AFC, AVC, ATC and MC) curves, facing firms which operate under conditions of perfect and imperfect competition
  • criteria for choosing a level of output for which profits are maximized

Profit maximisation for CFA L1 ➔

Advance your career with a FMVA certification

AdAdvance your career with a FMVA certification

Corporate Finance Institute • Other Qualifications

100 hours of professional Wall Street training material. 24 courses and certificates included. 20+ financial models & templates.

Special rate for 300Hours readers ➔

How To Be More Disciplined, Instantly

How To Be More Disciplined, Instantly

Zee Tan • Study Motivation

Improving your memory with a few pointers could be a turnkey moment for your exam preparation, as this will positively impact almost every topic area you're preparing for. Here's how to do it.

Improve your memory, right now ➔

CFA Apps: Our Top 4 Shortlist

CFA Apps: Our Top 4 Shortlist

Zee Tan • CFA • How to Study

What are the best apps to be using when you're preparing for your CFA exams? We look at our shortlist.

Apps that help, not hinder ➔

7 Ambient Sound Apps To Increase Your Study Focus

7 Ambient Sound Apps To Increase Your Study Focus

Sophie Macon • CFA • How to Study

Struggling to focus in a noisy environment or just need some background calm? Ambient sound apps can be a game-changer for study sessions. We explore popular options and how they can create your ideal learning atmosphere.

Find your focus sound ➔

The Best Headphones For Studying (and Earbuds Too)

The Best Headphones For Studying (and Earbuds Too)

Zee Tan • Study Break

The right set of headphones or earphones can really make a difference to an effective study or work session. Listening to music, video lectures or having video calls all depend on having a device with excellent audio quality. And with active noise cancellation features, you can instantly create a quiet, focused environment wherever you are.

But which ones would be the best for the needs of a typical finance exam candidate? We’ve tested out the best to figure out which will suit your needs.

Best ear gear for studying ➔

More guides, tips and stories ➔

Answer to Quick Question: "Mind Your Business."

Franklin literally meant it in the economic sense - as in, pay attention to your affairs, work hard, and attend to your commercial interests. Though given how much time analysts spend scrutinizing other people's financials, it remains rather sound advice today.

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