I passed BEC and AUD on the first try just using Wiley books and Gleim software. I think the company that produces the Yaeger materials is the same as the one that makes the Wiley books as well.
Right now I'm studying for FAR with Wiley and Gleim software, and I'm feeling pretty confident since I passed BEC and AUD on the first try using the same materials. I did fail REG last window using this method, but Im still going to retake it in May using the same materials. I know now what areas I need to work on. If I fail REG a second time, then maybe i'll invest in Yaeger.
I think it really just depends on your learning style. I had Becker available to me for free through my previous job, but I ended up only using the multiple choice practice questions, hated the lectures so I never watched them. By the time I sat for AUD and BEC my Becker license had expired, and so I ended up using Wiley books and Gleim software instead.
Personally, I learn by re-working practice problems and trying to figure out why I missed each one, etc. I like the practice software because you can get instant feedback on the answer, and you can test different topics all at once. The Gleim software doesnt have practice simulations though, and I definately struggled with the sims on REG. You could use the Wiley test bank as well, thats accessible online from any computer, and has practice simulations. I've heard that there isnt much overlap between the Wiley test bank and Wiley books, but I dont know for sure. I didn't see much overlap between the Wiley books and the Gleim software.
Hope that helps! Like you, I also didn't want to spend $2,000 on practice materials. And in my opinion, what you are really paying for are the lectures. I don't think these expensive programs really help you focus your studying, or give you any significant "tricks" to help you pass the exam.
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