The Brightside

Studying for the CFA

2008-05-24T22:31:00.002-05:00

It's T-minus 14 days and counting until the CFA level 1 exam. I have been reading and studying night and day for the past few weeks, brushing up on the last few things yet to be mastered. I need to get out in the sun.

School is back in session!

2007-08-23T18:38:00.001-05:00

I have never been more excited about school. Although the first week has been extremely hectic, I still managed to do what I needed to do. A typical day consists of me on campus from dawn to dusk. I am multi-tasking, or shall I say, juggling the responsibilities of my vice presidency of the FMA (Financial Management Association), vice presidency of VSA (Vietnamese Student Association) and public relations officer of the SMIF (Student Managed Investment Fund). Also not to mention, I am the analyst of the financial sector of our fund, definitely not the best sector to command seeing how the markets are these days. My finance adviser says I am doing too much, I must disagree. Nothing I can't handle though.

So now I am off to research Goldman Sachs (GS), and apply what I learned in financial analysis.

I will be back with my report.

Fore!

2007-05-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

So I decided to take up my next new hobby, golf. I have always wished to tour the green fairways and enjoy nature as it is on a pristine golf course. Now that I have some time on my hands, I cannot wait to start whacking some balls off the tee.

I went to the driving range for the very first time yesterday. At first I was a little hesitant after seeing the crowded range due to the beautiful weather in the midst of rain during the week. Anyways, after 5 beginner-esque whacks, I managed a beautiful line drive straight down the range. I looked at the marker, 200 yds. Instantly I imagined perfect drives of 250+. The reason being I was hitting with my friend's clubs, lady friend's. While there, I calculated my line drives to be 1 out of 5. With the rest slicing always to the right. Am I not following through enough?

Hopefully the weather will get better and I cannot wait until my clubs arrive.

Watch out Tiger, here I come.

Rule of 72

2007-04-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

Do you know the amount of time it will take for an investment to double? If you know the interest rate, you can approximate by dividing 72 by the interest rate.

This is a very simple example illustrating the power of compound interest. As an account accumulates, the interest payment is calculated on total in account, including all past interest payments. (approximations)

Provided by Primerica Financial Services

An event I am promoting for school.

2007-04-21T14:23:00.000-05:00

Even though I am more business oriented, I still have enough creativity for this.

On the road to a career!

2007-04-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

So, this is officially the first post that will hopefully document my whole career from this point on.

Let me begin by telling you a little about myself. I am a rising junior (senior) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am expected to graduate in May 2008 with a BSBA degree in Finance. My plan is to secure a job as an investment analyst in a reputable firm. To prepare me for that goal, I will be enrolled in the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) for the remaining two semesters of my senior year. I believe that it would give me invaluable experience in valuating investment options. The significance of the program is that the funds are real, provided from the school's trust fund.

Finals are approaching in May. I plan to hit the books pretty soon.

On another note, I have been offered a intern for an accounting position this summer. So plans for the summer include that job plus a course in Investments.

Wish me luck, and I'm off.