CFA Qualifications

I've been wondering how useful studying the CFA curriculum really is. It does seem to give a broad overview of "finance" and apart from the section on ethics, is generally quite interesting. I need to resume study of financial instruments. I like doing my own investing but I still don't understand a lot of the products out there, especially the structured products.

Note, if you're looking for a financial advisor, make sure you know the following:
1. What their own financial position is like
2. How are they renumerated - flat fee based or commission based
3. How are they qualified to give you advice

I've come across financial advisors who have hardly any savings or investments to speak of. Some of them also advise beyond their capacity. Having some first hand experience in the real estate market, for instance, I have a better sense of when these people are bulling me. The truth is, if you're willing to put in the time, there are a lot of public information you could look at that can give you a decent picture. The rest is up to you to sleuth and the best information sometimes come from indirect sources, if you know how to ask the right questions of the right people.