lunarfollies

I used Shweser notes for preparing for CFA Level 1 exam and I passed in the first attempt. They are comprehensive and easy to retain. In case you don't understand any thing from Shweser try moving to the CFAI text books. As far as Ethics are concerned especially the standards, try reading them from CFAI text books and plan it after you have at least covered the other four books because there are several terminologies which you'll find in Ethics but they are elaborated in other books.

The major advantage is that the curriculum is from CFAI whereas the disadvantage is that CFAI text books are quite lengthy and require a lot of time to go through. As I used shweser I can only speak about them.

The first book is quite lengthy. The other books aren't that much apart from the Financial reporting and analysis book but as compared to Shweser; Yes they are quit lengthy!

I found Ethics to be challenging. The other tricky parts are Derivatives and Alternatives but their weight-age is less that's why dealing with them is easy. The FRA portion holds the maximum weight and Ethics come next to it. Its better to make yourself good in these areas.

Come on! CFA vs MBA? No comparison at all! CFA is considered to be a highly respectable course in the field of Finance. Professionals have designed it and the CFAI keeps on evaluating the course to maintain its quality and prestige.