The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

Clever Girl Finance

The Clever Girls Know Podcast is your go-to space for real, relatable conversations about money, business, and building wealth — without shame, without judgment, and without confusion. I'm Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, and I created this podcast to help you take control of your finances, build confidence, and create lasting wealth with practical strategies that actually work in real life. I share actionable tips and interview incredible guests who are navigating real life and real money decisions, just like you. Whether you're building wealth, working toward financial independence, investing, saving, or paying off debt, you'll find the guidance and motivation you need to keep going. Ready to take the next step? Start building real wealth with my book Clever Girl Millionaire: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books You can also access 30+ completely free courses and resources at https://clevergirlfinance.com

  1. 420: 8 Money Moves Every New Parent Needs to Make Right Now

    1D AGO

    420: 8 Money Moves Every New Parent Needs to Make Right Now

    New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now If you just had a baby, or you're about to, your life has changed in a big way. And your finances? They've changed too. In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 essential money moves every new parent needs to make right now to protect their family and build long-term financial security. These are practical, real-life steps you can take immediately—even if you're exhausted and short on time. Because the truth is: the decisions you make in these early months can have a lasting impact on your financial future. You'll learn key tips on:  How to update your budget for your new reality Why your emergency fund needs to grow—and by how much What to know about adding your baby to health insurance Why life insurance is critical once you have a child Updating your beneficiaries and create a will Starting to save for college with a 529 plan Thinking through your income and career plan as a parent Why automating your savings is a game-changer   For new and expecting parents: Whether you're a new mom, expecting your first baby, or growing your family, these money tips will help you feel more confident and prepared with your finances.   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: https://clevergirlfinance.com/start-here ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

    9 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Esther Perel: The REAL Reason You’re Struggling to Find Love (Fix THIS to Build Chemistry in Real Life) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today,  Jay Shetty welcomes back Esther Perel to unpack a growing tension in modern relationships: in a world more connected than ever, why so many people feel deeply disconnected. Esther reframes dating struggles as something deeper than love itself, pointing to a broader loss of real-life social practice. Without the everyday interactions that once taught us how to approach, connect, and handle rejection, dating now feels like a high-stakes performance instead of a natural progression. What was once built through play, curiosity, and gradual connection has been compressed into a single moment of pressure, turning love into something overwhelming rather than something we can explore. Jay and Esther explore the illusion of connection in the digital age, where texting replaces talking and screens replace presence. Esther explains how this disembodied way of relating strips away the elements that create real intimacy, like eye contact, tone of voice, touch, and shared energy. While it can feel like we are communicating more, we are often losing depth, nuance, and emotional resonance. This shift has shaped a culture that avoids friction and discomfort, yet still feels more anxious, lonely, and exhausted. In trying to make relationships easier and more efficient, we may be losing the very experiences that give them meaning. In this episode you'll learn: How to Build Real Connection Offline How to Turn Dating Into Discovery, Not Pressure How to Be More Curious Instead of Judgmental How to Create Attraction Through Presence Not Perfection How to Ask for What You Truly Need How to Build Trust in Small, Consistent Moments How to Balance Independence and Interdependence How to Stay Open to Love Without a Checklist If there’s one thing to hold onto, it’s this: nothing about love is broken, you’re just being asked to approach it differently. The world may have made connection feel more complicated, but at its core, it still comes back to showing up, being present, and allowing yourself to be seen without needing to get everything right. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Why Is Gen Z Dating Less? 04:23 The Disappearance of Physical Connection 06:26 Living in a Fully Contactless World 09:54 Connected, Yet Deeply Disconnected 12:01 Dating in the Age of Surveillance 14:11 Why Real Connection Feels Harder Than Ever 17:07 Why Love Falls Flat Without Friction 18:41 The Missing Skills No One Taught Us About Love 24:35 The Hidden Power Struggles Shaping Modern Relationships 27:05 The 4 Pillars of Relational Intelligence 30:07 Have We Lost the Ability to Problem-Solve? 32:38 How to Know If You Can Really Trust Someone 36:44 From “Me” to “We”  38:27 Should You Make a Dating Checklist?  41:04 Why Dating Feels Like a Full-Time Job 43:00 The Pressure Behind “Intentional” Dating 47:50 When Love Doesn’t Speak Your Language 50:25 Why Talking to AI Feels Easier Than People 55:16 The Trap of Wanting Love to Feel Effortless 56:35 Is Love Supposed to Be Hard? 57:58 Why Wanting Love Isn’t “Cringe” 01:02:43 Codependence vs Healthy Love 01:07:09 What Actually Keeps Desire Alive? 01:10:26 Breaking Down Viral Relationship Myths   01:17:38 Esther on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.estherperel.com/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@estherperel  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/esther.perel/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/estherperelofficial  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherperel  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@estherperel_official  Substack | https://estherperel.substack.com/  Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 418: From Credit Card Debt to Business Owner: Nancy's Real Money Transformation (Listener Interview)

    APR 23

    418: From Credit Card Debt to Business Owner: Nancy's Real Money Transformation (Listener Interview)

    New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now In this episode of the Clever Girls Know Podcast listener interview series, I'm sitting down with one of you—our community—to talk about what it really looks like to start from scratch and stay consistent. I'm interviewing Nancy Ceus-Decoteau, an aspiring educator and entrepreneur who began her financial journey during the pandemic in 2020. What started with discovering Clever Girl Finance and using free worksheets turned into a complete mindset shift around money. Since then, Nancy has launched her own childcare business, is working toward her bachelor's degree to become a teacher, and is actively building a foundation for long-term financial freedom. Her story is a reminder that wealth-building doesn't start with perfection—it starts with a decision to do better, one step at a time. What Nancy Discussed How she started her financial journey during the pandemic in 2020 Feeling unprepared with money and deciding to take budgeting seriously Discovering Clever Girl Finance and using free worksheets to organize her finances Building her first budget and creating a clear financial plan Gaining confidence through learning, reading, and applying financial concepts Starting her childcare business and stepping into entrepreneurship Developing discipline and responsibility with money as a business owner Navigating challenges with saving and staying consistent Balancing school, business, and financial goals at the same time Staying committed to long-term financial freedom despite setbacks Defining what financial freedom looks like for her future Advice for others who are just beginning their financial journey   How to Keep Up With Nancy Follow on Instagram: @nancy_poo92 Follow her business journey: @nurturedbynd   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: https://clevergirlfinance.com/start-here ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

    17 min
  4. 416: Starting a New Job? 7 Money Moves You Must Make Right Away

    APR 16

    416: Starting a New Job? 7 Money Moves You Must Make Right Away

    New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now You just started a new job, and that's a huge win. But before your first paycheck turns into lifestyle upgrades, there are key financial moves you need to make right away.  On this episode, I'm breaking down 7 smart money moves to make when starting a new job, so you can turn your new income into real, long-term wealth, not just higher expenses.  If you've been wondering: What should I do with my first paycheck? How much should I contribute to my 401(k)? How do I avoid lifestyle inflation? What financial steps should I take at a new job? This episode will walk you through exactly what to do.  You'll learn:  How to choose the right benefits (and avoid costly mistakes) How to maximize your employer retirement match Why updating your tax withholding matters How to avoid lifestyle inflation with a higher salary How to build or strengthen your emergency fund Why tracking your first paychecks is critical And how to set your next income goal   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: https://clevergirlfinance.com/start-here ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

    8 min
  5. 415: How Odunayo Went From $40K to $1M Assets in 5 Years (Listener Interview)

    APR 14

    415: How Odunayo Went From $40K to $1M Assets in 5 Years (Listener Interview)

    New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now On this episode of the podcast, we're highlighting a powerful real-life journey from our own community in this special listener interview series. I'm joined by Odunayo Ajayi, a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, who shares how she grew her assets from $40,000 to $1 million in just five years. Originally from Akure, Nigeria and now based in New Jersey, Odunayo brings a unique blend of professional experience, faith, and financial discipline to her wealth-building journey. She opens up about the early mistakes, key turning points, and intentional strategies that helped her build momentum—and ultimately achieve a major financial milestone.  If you've ever felt behind or unsure where to start, this episode is proof that with clarity, consistency, and the right mindset, real transformation is possible. What Odunayo Discussed on the Podcast: Her starting point at $40K and what her financial life looked like at the time. Early gaps in financial knowledge and key money mistakes. The turning point that led her to take her finances seriously. The first financial changes that created momentum. A step-by-step breakdown of how she grew her assets to $1M in five years. Her early investing strategy and how she made decisions. Challenges and setbacks faced along the way and how she navigated them. Mindset shifts that helped her move from uncertainty to confidence. Balancing wealth-building with family goals and future planning. Advice for anyone feeling behind or overwhelmed with their finances. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Odunayo: Follow on Instagram: @odunayooajayi Learn more: odunayoajayi.com   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: https://clevergirlfinance.com/start-here ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

    29 min
  6. 414: I Thought My Rental Was Passive Income… Until This Happened (Tenant From Hell)

    APR 9

    414: I Thought My Rental Was Passive Income… Until This Happened (Tenant From Hell)

    New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now Everyone talks about rental properties like they're the ultimate passive income strategy, but that hasn't always been my experience. On this episode, I'm sharing the real story of how one of my rental properties turned into a stressful and expensive situation, and the lessons I learned the hard way about real estate investing! If you're thinking about becoming a landlord, building passive income through real estate, or adding property to your wealth-building strategy, this is something you need to hear first. I walk through: What went wrong with my tenant (and the red flags I missed)  The financial and emotional cost of dealing with a difficult tenant Why real estate is not always "passive income" The key lessons I learned about cash flow, screening tenants, and setting boundaries How I changed my real estate strategy after this experience Real estate can absolutely be a powerful way to build wealth, but only if you approach it like a real business, not a side hobby. If you've ever wondered whether rental properties are really worth it, this video will give you a much more honest perspective.   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: https://clevergirlfinance.com/start-here ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: clevergirlfinance.com/books ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: @clevergirlfinance

    15 min

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
878 Ratings

About

The Clever Girls Know Podcast is your go-to space for real, relatable conversations about money, business, and building wealth — without shame, without judgment, and without confusion. I'm Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, and I created this podcast to help you take control of your finances, build confidence, and create lasting wealth with practical strategies that actually work in real life. I share actionable tips and interview incredible guests who are navigating real life and real money decisions, just like you. Whether you're building wealth, working toward financial independence, investing, saving, or paying off debt, you'll find the guidance and motivation you need to keep going. Ready to take the next step? Start building real wealth with my book Clever Girl Millionaire: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books You can also access 30+ completely free courses and resources at https://clevergirlfinance.com

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