The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

Hosted by Clever Girl Finance

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446

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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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September 8, 2026Episode 43912 min

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

September 1, 2026Episode 43849 min

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

August 18, 2026Episode 43750 min

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

August 11, 2026Episode 43614 min

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

August 4, 2026Episode 43546 min

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

July 28, 2026Episode 43436 min

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

July 14, 2026Episode 43315 min

433: 8 Truths About Money Every Woman Needs to Hear

Building wealth as a woman isn't just about saving more or investing earlier. There are unique financial realities that many women face—and most traditional money advice doesn't talk about them. On this episode, I share 8 important truths every woman should know about building long-term wealth, including how the wage gap, career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, longer life expectancy, and financial expectations can shape your financial future. You'll learn: Why negotiating your salary matters more than you think How career breaks impact long-term wealth Why women need a different retirement strategy How to protect your financial future while supporting family Why building wealth isn't just about discipline—it's about strategy If you're serious about becoming financially independent and building lasting wealth, 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

July 7, 2026Episode 43231 min

432: When Good Money Habits Go Off Track: Recovering From Lifestyle Creep With Stephanie Khumalo

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Stephanie Khumalo, an events and communications professional whose financial journey is a powerful reminder that a healthy relationship with money can be learned, and relearned. Despite growing up with a strong financial foundation and later earning an MBA, Stephanie found herself facing lifestyle inflation, consumer debt, poor credit, and delayed financial goals after falling into spending habits that gradually pulled her off track. In this candid conversation, she shares how financial stress affected multiple areas of her life, the mindset shifts that helped her regain control, and how support from loved ones, delayed gratification, and intentional financial decisions helped her rebuild. Today, Stephanie is focused on investing, paying down student loans, managing a mortgage, and creating multiple income streams while defining financial success on her own terms. What Stephanie Discussed on the Podcast: Growing up with a strong financial foundation and how lifestyle creep began after getting her first car. Early warning signs that spending was getting ahead of her financial goals. How financial stress impacted her confidence, relationships, and future plans. Her experience with poor credit, consumer debt, and delayed financial milestones. Why a healthy money mindset can be learned or relearned at any stage of life. The role her husband and loved ones played in supporting her financial recovery. Navigating periods of being underpaid or underemployed without giving up on her goals. How delayed gratification helped accelerate her financial progress. What financial success means to her today compared to a decade ago. Advice for anyone feeling ashamed of past financial mistakes or worried they're too far behind. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Stephanie: Follow on Instagram: @stephforthewin27 Learn more: Stephanie's website 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

June 30, 2026Episode 43137 min

431: Building Financial Stability as a Single Mom

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Easter Givens-Okoli for an inspiring conversation about building financial stability as a single mom during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. During the height of the pandemic, Easter was managing overwhelming credit card debt, caring for her household on one income, and trying to keep everything together emotionally and financially. Through faith, entrepreneurship, resilience, and the practical financial education she found along the way, she slowly began transforming her finances and breaking cycles of financial burden for her family and future generations. Easter shares the mindset shifts, small habits, and intentional decisions that helped her pay off debt, improve her credit, and build a stronger financial foundation—all while navigating the realities of single motherhood. What Easter Discussed on the Podcast: What life looked like during the pandemic as a single mom managing everything on one income. The emotional and financial weight of carrying overwhelming credit card debt. Why shame around debt and financial struggle is so common, especially among single mothers. What made personal finance finally feel accessible and realistic for her. Small financial habits and changes that created momentum early on. How her mindset around money evolved as she paid off debt and improved her finances. Why financial stability is more about managing what you have than how much you earn. Balancing household responsibilities while still prioritizing financial goals. The emotional impact of improving her credit score and becoming debt-free. Staying motivated through slow progress and discouraging moments. Advice for women and single mothers feeling financially overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. What she's most proud of about her journey. How to Keep Up With Easter: Facebook: Easter Okoli Google: Okoli Heart & Soul CPR 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

June 23, 2026Episode 42844 min

430: Vicky Quit Corporate, Moved to 4 Countries, and Finally Stopped Feeling Behind

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Vicky South for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, debt, emotional spending, and redefining success at 40. Vicky is a British expat who has spent more than 15 years living across Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and Argentina, navigating money across multiple countries and currencies while intentionally choosing a nontraditional path. Despite being financially knowledgeable from a young age—even researching savings account interest rates as a child—she shares how emotional health, anxiety, and burnout shaped her financial decisions just as much as financial literacy did. Now in the middle of an 18-month transition out of corporate life and into entrepreneurship, Vicky opens up about managing finances without a traditional paycheck, unlearning shame around money, and helping women understand that they are not "behind" just because their lives don't follow conventional timelines. What Vicky Discussed on the Podcast: How living across multiple countries shaped her perspective on money, freedom, and success. Why choosing not to buy property was an intentional decision—not a failure. Her early fascination with money and financial literacy. Why financial knowledge alone isn't enough to build healthy money habits. The connection between anxiety, emotional health, shopping, and overspending. What burnout taught her about work, identity, and financial security. How she has stayed financially stable during an 18-month career pivot without a salary or pension. Why so many women feel "behind" financially by 40 and how to release comparison-based thinking. How teaching herself to invest during the 2008 banking crisis shaped her confidence with money. Lessons learned from managing finances across currencies, countries, and financial systems as an expat. Shame narratives and money beliefs she had to unlearn. Advice for women feeling embarrassed about debt, financial mistakes, or starting over later in life. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Vicky: Substack: Money — For Those Who Feel Behind LinkedIn: Vicky South Instagram: @vicsouthexplorer 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