Article: The most useful certification for an equity analyst is the Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA. There are other certifications, but the CFA is the most likely to be beneficial. Some top business schools offer MBA programs that include study for the CFA certification. The CFA Institute has partnered with 41 graduate schools to provide CFA instruction as part of an existing MBA program. A joint MBA/CFA program lets you prepare for and earn the CFA certification more efficiently, while enrolled in your MBA program. Before you can apply for the CFA certification, you must complete 48 months of relevant work experience in the financial field. This work does not have to be specifically in a role as an equity analyst. The definition of relevant work is fairly broad and can include such areas as trading, economics and corporate finance. To earn the CFA charter, you must pass three successive levels of exams, in order. The Level I exam is offered in either late spring or fall, while the Level II and Level II exams are offered only once a year, in the late spring. The passing rate for the exams is very low, so you should plan to study hard for it. The CFA Institute, that administers the exam, estimates that applicants should plan at least 250 hours of study for each level. Each level consists of a six-hour exam, covering a wide range of topics related to the financial field. The general range of topics includes: ethics and professional standards quantitative methods economics financial reporting and analysis corporate finance equity investments derivatives alternative investments portfolio management wealth planning. The CFA Institute publishes free study materials online, which you can access at https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/Pages/index.aspx. In addition, you can find many commercial materials or study programs with a simple search online. You can learn more about the CFA program and the exams at https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/Pages/index.aspx. On that page, follow the link to "Register" in order to begin your application. That page contains everything you need about registering for the exam and applying for CFA certification after you complete all requirements. Before you even begin a CFA program, you should discuss your plan with your direct supervisor. Some companies will value this certification, while others may not place such a premium on it. You will be dedicating a great deal of time and effort to your study, and you need to know that the work will be beneficial. Assuming that your application is successful, you should then notify your supervisor when you obtain your certification. This good news should be entered in your personnel file and should help you advance in the company.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Investigate a joint MBA/CFA program. Complete four years of work experience. Prepare for the CFA exams. Register for the CFA exams. Keep your employer advised of your progress and certification.
Article: Most people could stand to be a little healthier. See if your family wants to get in on the action. Talk to your parents about making healthier changes for the whole family. For instance, you could say to your parents, "I don't feel like I'm at a healthy weight, and I'd like to make some changes. What do you think about getting the whole family involved? I think we could all be a little healthier." If possible, it's best to keep junk food out of your house completely. However, if other people in your house still eat it, then you obviously can't do that. You can ask them to hide it away from you, though. Maybe the rest of the family could have a special cabinet for junk food that you don't go into, or maybe they could keep special snacks in their rooms, when possible. If you can't see it, you'll be less likely to eat it. You're going to not do what you're supposed to sometimes. It's just human nature. The key is to do it in moderation. Try to do the right thing about 90 percent of the time, and you'll be fine. Beating yourself up isn't going to help the situation. It's best if you can sit down to a meal with your family, as you can all enjoy a healthy meal together. However, even just sitting down for a meal instead of eating standing up or in front of the television can help you pay attention to what you're eating and learn not to mindlessly plow through your food. If your parents aren't much into cooking, maybe you can learn a few simple, healthy meals to cook for your family once and a while. For instance, baking fish in the oven is fairly simple, and perhaps you can learn how to boil vegetables. If you're interested, ask your parents if you can take a basic cooking class. Breakfast gives you enough energy to start your day. Plus, when you eat breakfast, you won't be as hungry later. That means you won't be as tempted to snack throughout the day. Include a little bit of protein, whole grains, and a fruit or veggie if you can. For instance, try a bowl of oatmeal with some low-fat yogurt and blueberries. You could also have whole-grain toast with boiled eggs and a side of strawberries. This step is easy, though it can be hard if you're busy or a night owl. Basically, getting enough sleep can help you be healthier and lose weight. If you're in school, you need to get 9 to 11 hours every night. Let's face it, life as a kid can be tough sometimes. You've got school and friends and family to deal with. But stress can also make you gain or keep on weight. You're not going to make stress go away completely, but you can learn ways to cope with it. One way you can deal with stress is to write about it. Keep a journal, and at the end of the day, write about what's bothering you that day. Just writing it can help take a load off your mind. You can also try meditation or deep breathing. It's not as crazy as it sounds. Deep breathing is literally just taking a moment to focus on your breathing. Close your eyes. Focus only on your breathing. Breathe in slowly through your nose, counting to four in your head. Hold your breath for four counts, then breathe out slowly. Try to block out any other sensations or thoughts. Continue breathing this way for a couple of minutes until you feel yourself calming down.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Get your family involved. Hide the junk food. Forgive yourself. Sit down for meals. Don't skip breakfast. Get enough sleep. Take time to de-stress.
Article: Avoid snacking or having large meals before you go to bed since it will be more difficult for you to fall asleep. Instead, try to relax or sip water if you start feeling hungry. Be careful not to drink too much though, or else you may wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Immediately after enjoying your meal, spend a little time going for a leisurely walk to help your food settle. Walk at a comfortable pace so you don't stress your body. Your walk should help excess gas escape from your stomach and make it easier for you to digest your food.Avoid lying down after you eat since you're more likely to get acid reflux. Stress and anxiety can either slow down or speed up digestion, so it can affect how your body reacts to your meals. Take a deep breath and do your best to stay calm so you're less likely to experience any digestive issues. Try doing meditation or practicing yoga whenever you start feeling stressed to combat your symptoms.Avoid having food if you feel stressed or anxious since you may overeat.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Don't eat for 3 hours before going to sleep. Go for a 15- or 20-minute walk after eating so food works through your system. Practice stress-relieving techniques so your body processes food easier.