Trying to pass P and FM by YE 09 advice needed

[Amsterdamque]

Greetings All,

I trust that this posting finds all of you in good spirits either in your actuarial career or passing exams. I hope to soon join in both endeavors.

I failed horribly in Nov. 08, using a manual that was NOT intended for career changers with no intimate familiarity with calc/stats in over a DECADE AND only 2 months to prepare for FM/2.

I have determined now that I will use the ACTEX manual for exam P/1
and ASM (Cherry's) manual for FM/2

My goal is to successfully triumph both courses this year. My issue is a question of timing. My options now are:
Take FM/2 in AUG/ P in Nov.- the only catch is that I wont be able to afford the material until June 12 leaving me exactly 2 months to study FM/2 is that a reasonable accommodation.( 1 month to go through manual and then 1 month of straight problems)

or should I pursue option 2:
Take P/1 in Sept- I'd have those materials by June 15 and then have 3 months to study (2 to get through manual and 1 month to just hit the problems) and sit for FM/2 in November.

I thank you in advance for all comments

[peeps_inc]

The only advice I can give is that it costs a lot to even take the exams, so since money seems to be an issue, you may not be able to afford both this year.

[Jessica Chung]

I don't see a difference in the two options since your goal is to finish by 2009. Both options allow you to finish by 09. If this is the case, then why not choose the option which allows you more time to study for both exams? Most think FM is easier than P, so maybe you should allow yourself more time for P. :)