The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

Clever Girl Finance
  • 4.8 (879)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    441: Financial Advice I Don't Give After 10+ Years in Personal Finance

    Some of the most popular financial advice sounds great in theory, but doesn't always work in real life. After more than 10 years in personal finance and helping hundreds of thousands of women through Clever Girl Finance, I've learned that technically correct money advice can still be bad advice when it's too rigid, unrealistic, or impossible to sustain. On this episode, I'm sharing 4 pieces of financial advice I no longer give, why I've changed my perspective, and what I believe works better for building wealth over the long term. What you'll learn: Why you don't necessarily need to pay off all debt before you start investing When it actually makes sense to use your emergency fund Why cutting every small joy out of your budget can make your financial plan harder to sustain Why waiting until you feel completely ready can keep you from investing, negotiating, starting a business, or pursuing bigger financial goals How to think beyond rigid personal finance rules and make smarter decisions for your own circumstances Why sustainable financial habits matter more than trying to follow a "perfect" money plan  The biggest lesson I've learned is that personal finance is rarely all-or-nothing. The goal isn't to follow the strictest financial rules—it's to build a financial life you can realistically sustain for decades.   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    441: Financial Advice I Don't Give After 10+ Years in Personal Finance

  2. Sep 15

    440: Are You Asking AI for Financial Advice? Listen To This First

    AI can help you plan a vacation, write an email, compare products, and answer almost any question you can think of, so it's no surprise that more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for help with their money, too. In this episode, I break down how to use AI as a helpful financial education and research tool without handing over your financial decision-making. From understanding financial concepts and asking better questions to recognizing when AI might be giving you incomplete, outdated, or simply incorrect information, this conversation is all about staying informed and keeping yourself in the driver's seat. What you'll learn: The difference between financial education and personalized financial advice Smart ways to use AI to learn about money Why AI doesn't know your complete financial situation How AI can give incorrect information with a lot of confidence Why changing tax rules, contribution limits, and regulations should always be verified The risks of blindly following AI-generated investing recommendations Financial and personal information you should be cautious about sharing with AI How to use AI to ask better financial questions instead of making decisions for you Why consequential financial information should be verified with trusted primary sources When it may make sense to consult a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional Why financial literacy matters even more in the age of AI How to keep yourself, not AI, as the CEO of your financial life The bottom line: AI can be your research assistant, brainstorming partner, and financial education tool, but it shouldn't become the CEO of your financial life. Use it to become a more informed decision-maker—not to hand over your decision-making.   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    440: Are You Asking AI for Financial Advice? Listen To This First

  3. Sep 8

    439: Why So Many Women Don't Believe They Deserve Wealth

    Wanting to build wealth doesn't make you greedy, selfish, or ungrateful. But for many women, believing that intellectually and truly believing that wealth is available to them are two very different things. On this episode, I'm talking about why so many women struggle to believe they deserve wealth, from the examples we grew up seeing and the pressure to always be the giver, to imposter syndrome, financial setbacks, guilt around wanting more, and the money stories we carry with us. What you'll learn: Why some women struggle to believe they deserve wealth How the messages and examples you grew up with can shape what you believe is financially possible Why wanting wealth is not the same as being greedy or selfish How imposter syndrome can quietly affect your earning, investing, and financial decisions Why always being the giver can make prioritizing your own financial future uncomfortable How past financial setbacks can cause you to limit what you believe is possible Why healing your money story is an important part of building lasting wealth How to start shifting the beliefs that may be holding you back financially I also share how my mother's sacrifices shaped what I believed was possible for my own life, and why building wealth requires more than budgeting, saving, and investing. We have to examine the beliefs driving our financial decisions too. Because wealth isn't greed. Wealth is options. Wealth is security. Wealth is the ability to take care of yourself, support the people you love, give generously, and make decisions from a place of greater freedom. If you've ever wondered whether you're allowed to want more financially, this conversation is for you. New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    439: Why So Many Women Don't Believe They Deserve Wealth

  4. Sep 1

    438: How Freelancers and Creatives Can Build Financial Stability With Emily Batdorf And Cassidy Horton

    On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Emily and Cassidy, co-hosts of The Finance Girlies podcast, for a practical conversation about managing money as a freelancer, creative, or anyone with a nontraditional career. After spending more than a decade writing and editing personal finance content for brands like Yahoo, Experian, and NerdWallet, they realized that much of the financial advice available simply didn't reflect the realities of Millennial and Gen Z women. Together, they share why traditional money advice often falls short for freelancers and entrepreneurs, along with practical strategies for managing inconsistent income, planning for retirement without an employer, building financial stability, and creating systems that make running a business, and your finances, feel far less overwhelming.   What Emily and Cassidy Discussed on the Podcast: Why traditional financial advice often misses the realities of Millennial and Gen Z women. How conventional money advice falls short for freelancers, creators, and self-employed professionals. Practical strategies for managing inconsistent income and improving cash flow. Retirement planning options for freelancers and business owners without employer-sponsored plans. The financial foundation to build before leaving a traditional job to freelance or start a business. The financial realities of working for yourself that social media often overlooks. Common money mistakes freelancers and creatives make—and how to avoid them. Financial systems and habits that help business owners stay organized and confident. How young professionals can prepare for a future where careers and income are increasingly nontraditional. Their best financial advice for freelancers and creatives just starting out.   How to Keep Up With Emily and Cassidy: Website: thefinancegirlies.com Behind the scenes of how they manage their finances: thefinancegirls.com/bts Instagram: @thefinancegirlies   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    438: How Freelancers and Creatives Can Build Financial Stability With Emily Batdorf And Cassidy Horton

  5. Aug 18

    437: After 23 Years of Marriage: How Requel Rebuilt Her Financial Life

    On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Requel, a personal finance educator who is passionate about helping women take control of their money and build financial confidence, especially after major life transitions like divorce. After spending more than 20 years believing her household finances were being managed as a partnership, Requel found herself unexpectedly becoming the CEO of her own financial life. She had to quickly learn how to manage investments, protect her retirement, negotiate child support, and make major financial decisions while navigating the emotional challenges of divorce. Today, she uses those hard-earned lessons to help other women replace money stress with practical strategies, personalized financial roadmaps, and the confidence to create a more secure future. Her guiding philosophy, "Work with what you have," reminds women that meaningful financial progress starts exactly where they are.   What Requel Discussed on the Podcast: Her personal financial journey and what inspired her to become a personal finance educator. The moment she realized her household finances weren't being managed as she had believed. Financial conversations and warning signs she wishes she had recognized earlier in her marriage. Becoming the sole decision-maker for her finances during separation and divorce. Navigating major financial decisions, including protecting her retirement, negotiating child support, and buying out her ex's share of the family home. The meaning behind her philosophy, "Work with what you have," and why it helps women overcome financial overwhelm. The habits that helped her build confidence after taking ownership of her finances. How shifting from thinking in dollars to thinking in percentages transformed her financial decision-making. Her multiple bank account budgeting system and why it has been so effective. The biggest fears and misconceptions she sees in women who are just beginning their financial journeys. Encouragement for women who feel like they're starting too late or have never managed their own finances. AND SO MUCH MORE   How to Keep Up With Requel: Connect with Requel via email perfincator@gmail.com Her event planning business: http://sfk2events.com/   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    437: After 23 Years of Marriage: How Requel Rebuilt Her Financial Life

  6. Aug 11

    436: I Thought Building Wealth Would Feel Different...

    Money changes your life, but it doesn't magically erase fear, self-doubt, comparison, or the money stories you've carried for years. In this video, I'm sharing a side of building wealth that doesn't get talked about enough.  After building a business, writing six books, and reaching financial milestones I once only dreamed about, I've learned that wealth isn't just about growing your bank account. It's about growing into the person who can manage, protect, and enjoy it. You'll learn: Why money mindset work never truly ends The new financial decisions that come with building wealth Why comparison never really goes away The fear of losing what you've built Learning to actually enjoy your success Why your financial journey is never a straight line If you've ever wondered why reaching a financial goal didn't magically change how you feel about money, this conversation is for you.   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    436: I Thought Building Wealth Would Feel Different...

  7. Aug 4

    435: How Nadia Rebuilt Her Finances After Divorce, Cancer, and Major Loss

    On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Nadia Kotsev for a powerful conversation about rebuilding your finances—and your life—after divorce, cancer, grief, and major personal loss. As a public-school educator, Nadia spent years navigating challenges that included cancer-related infertility, the loss of her best friend, divorce, and the difficult decision to walk away from toxic family relationships. While she was financially functional, she realized she had been operating on autopilot rather than making intentional decisions about her future. Today, Nadia is in a very different place: she increased her income, rebuilt her credit, and created a thriving Teachers Pay Teachers business that generates income beyond her classroom work. In this inspiring listener interview, she shares how courage, self-trust, and a willingness to face discomfort transformed both her finances and her outlook on life.   What Nadia Discussed on the Podcast: Her journey through cancer, divorce, grief, family estrangement, and financial rebuilding. The realization that sparked her shift toward intentional financial decision-making. Advice for women facing difficult personal or financial crossroads. Building a successful Teachers Pay Teachers business and creating income beyond a traditional job. Rebuilding credit and confronting financial blind spots. How her definition of financial success has evolved through different life stages. The decisions she is most proud of and how they changed the trajectory of her life. Encouragement for women who feel like they are starting over later than planned.   How to Keep Up With Nadia: Facebook: Nadia Kaye Personal Instagram: @nadiakaye17 Website: www.authenticeducatorconsulting.com Business Instagram: authentic_educator_consulting Linktree: The Authentic Alchemist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiakauthenticalchemist/   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    435: How Nadia Rebuilt Her Finances After Divorce, Cancer, and Major Loss

  8. Jul 28

    434: 12 Years to a College Degree: How Myasi Built Financial Stability Against the Odds

    On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Myasi Jackson for an inspiring conversation about building financial stability against the odds. Myasi shares her journey from living in a group home, working low-wage jobs, and focusing on survival to creating a life grounded in financial confidence, intentionality, and long-term growth. Along the way, she navigated challenges including debt, eviction, living paycheck to paycheck, and taking an unconventional path through college before earning her degree at 30. Most recently, she won a $10,000 financial challenge—an achievement that reflects years of consistency and commitment to changing her financial future. Through her story, Myasi offers encouragement, practical lessons, and proof that meaningful financial progress is possible no matter where you start.   What Myasi Discussed on the Podcast: Her financial journey from living in a group home and working low-wage jobs to building stability and confidence. How early life experiences shaped her relationship with money. The difference between surviving financially and intentionally building wealth. The mindset shift that helped her stop seeing herself as unfortunate and start seeing herself as capable and deserving. How budgeting worked when money was extremely tight. Lessons learned from experiencing eviction, debt, and living paycheck to paycheck. Her perspective on using debt strategically and understanding the difference between helpful and harmful debt. Staying committed to long-term goals despite setbacks and an unconventional college journey. What winning a $10,000 financial challenge taught her about consistency, opportunity, and growth. The habits that had the biggest impact on her financial transformation. Encouragement for anyone who feels behind or discouraged about their financial progress. What financial success means to her today.   How to Keep Up With Myasi Jackson: Follow on Instagram: @myasijanne   New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now   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

    434: 12 Years to a College Degree: How Myasi Built Financial Stability Against the Odds
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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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