The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

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

417: My Life has been Life-Ing… Unexpected Expenses & Staying on Track (Live Session Replay) 04/21/2026

416: Starting a New Job? 7 Money Moves You Must Make Right Away 04/16/2026

415: How Odunayo Went From $40K to $1M Assets in 5 Years (Listener Interview) 04/14/2026

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 - 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: Learn more: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40765600

414: I Thought My Rental Was Passive Income… Until This Happened (Tenant From Hell) 04/09/2026

413: Ditching $150K in 16 Months - How Arden Transformed Her Financial Future 04/07/2026

413: Ditching $150K in 16 Months - How Arden Transformed Her Financial Future New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Arden Missal, founder of She’s Financially Free, to talk about how she paid off $150,000 in student loan debt in just 16 months—and completely transformed her financial future. Rejecting the common advice to “take it slow,” Arden went all in, working multiple jobs and making intentional short-term sacrifices to gain long-term freedom and control over her life. Now, she’s on a mission to help women stop avoiding their finances and start building a life that feels calm, confident, and aligned. In this conversation, Arden breaks down the mindset shifts, simple systems, and no-nonsense strategies that helped her achieve debt freedom—and how others can do the same without perfection or overwhelm. What Arden Discussed on the Podcast: Her financial journey and what led to launching She’s Financially Free. The decision to aggressively pay off $150,000 in student loan debt in 16 months. The emotional and mental shifts required before financial progress could happen. Practical tools, habits, and routines that kept her focused during her payoff journey. Her income sources at the time and how she maximized them to accelerate debt repayment. Limiting beliefs about money and self-worth she had to confront. How debt influenced her decisions around work, lifestyle, and relationships. Why many women feel stuck financially even when they’re doing “all the right things.” One simple shift to start gaining momentum when dealing with overwhelming debt. How becoming debt-free transformed her mindset, confidence, and long-term goals. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Arden: Website: Free toolkit: Instagram: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40751565

412: Should You Combine Finances in Marriage? (What Actually Works) 04/02/2026

Clever Girl Millionaire is Officially Here + What I Want You To Take Away 03/31/2026

411: It's Not Too Late, You Are NOT Behind (Starting At 35, 45, 55...) 03/26/2026

410: How Teachers Can Build Wealth, Without Leaving The Classroom 03/24/2026

410: How Teachers Can Build Wealth, Without Leaving The Classroom New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Rose Mendonca, career educator and founder of Teacher Talks Money, for an important conversation about how teachers can build wealth without leaving the classroom. Rose is passionate about helping educators gain confidence in their finances and break the long-standing myth that teachers must struggle financially to be truly dedicated to their students. As a first-generation college student raised by immigrant parents from the Azores and a bilingual learner growing up in Lowell, Massachusetts, Rose’s personal journey shaped her determination to succeed and empower others. Today, she uses her platform to help educators understand their financial options, plan for retirement, and build long-term wealth while continuing to do the work they love. What Rose Discussed on the Podcast: Her personal journey and how it led to the creation of Teacher Talks Money. The myth that teachers must struggle financially to be devoted to their students—and why it needs to change. The real earning and wealth-building potential available to educators. How her experience as a first-generation college student and bilingual learner shaped her relationship with money and ambition. The biggest financial challenges teachers face and practical steps to overcome them. What educators should be doing now to build strong retirement plans. Mindset shifts teachers can make to move from financial limitation to long-term wealth building. Creative and lesser-known income strategies teachers can use without leaving the profession. How to balance a passion for teaching with the need for financial stability and independence. The role of mentorship and community in helping teachers build financial confidence. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Rose: Website: Social media: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40506195

409: How I Lost 40% of My Retirement Savings (A Huge Money Mistake) 03/19/2026

408: The High 5 Banking Method - A Simple System to Organize Your Money and Thrive Through Life’s Challenges 03/17/2026

408: The High 5 Banking Method - A Simple System to Organize Your Money and Thrive Through Life’s Challenges ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Sahirenys Pierce—financial wellness educator, author, and creator of The High 5 Banking Method—to talk about how a deeply personal family health crisis reshaped the way she approached money. When Sahirenys learned that her son had a heart defect and would need open-heart surgery at just six months old, she realized her finances needed more clarity, structure, and resilience. That experience led her to develop the High 5 Banking Method, a simple yet powerful system designed to help women and families organize their money, reduce financial stress, and build stability even when life throws unexpected challenges their way. In this conversation, Sahirenys shares practical tools and mindset shifts to help you feel more confident, prepared, and in control of your finances. What Sahirenys Discussed on the Podcast: Her background and what inspired her to create The High 5 Banking Method. How her son’s health crisis sparked a complete shift in how she managed money. What the High 5 Banking Method is and how it works in everyday life. How the method simplifies budgeting and reduces financial overwhelm. The purpose of the 2 checking + 3 savings account structure and how it helps prevent overdrafts and overspending. How to use the “Cut, Keep, or Reduce” (CKR) strategy to reset spending habits. The 2-Week Gap Strategy and how it helps break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. How to run “All Hands” family money meetings to keep everyone aligned. Why this system works especially well for first-generation wealth builders and families navigating financial uncertainty. How her approach meets people where they are—even if they feel like money systems aren’t designed for them. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Sahirenys: Instagram: Website: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40504755

407: From $0 to Millionaire: What My Immigrant Parents Taught Me About Money 03/12/2026

407: From $0 to Millionaire: What My Immigrant Parents Taught Me About Money New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - What can having immigrant parents teach you about building wealth? I’m sharing the powerful money lessons my immigrant parents taught me, lessons that shaped my mindset, my career, and ultimately helped me build wealth. Success doesn’t always start with money. Sometimes it starts with resilience, sacrifice, and the lessons passed down from the people who raised you (Note: that doesn't only mean your parents). My parents didn’t give me a trust fund. But they gave me something far more valuable: discipline, perseverance, and the belief that financial freedom is possible, even when you start with nothing. As the daughter of first-generation immigrants, I watched my parents break barriers, start over in a new country, and build a life through education, sacrifice, and determination. Those experiences shaped how I think about money, success, and legacy. What I share: The money lessons I learned growing up in an immigrant household How my parents’ sacrifices shaped my mindset about wealth Why financial freedom is about more than just money The importance of building generational impact and legacy Why wealth is possible even if you didn’t grow up with money Whether you're building wealth from scratch, breaking generational cycles, or creating a new financial path for your family, this conversation is for you. Your background does not determine your financial future. More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40407585

406: The Excuses We Can't Afford, The Mistakes & The Truth About Becoming a Millionaire | Fo Alexander interviews Bola Sokunbi 03/10/2026

405: How To Save Money On A Low Income (Realistic Strategies That Work) 03/03/2026

404: How to Recover From Money Mistakes and Forgive Your Financial Past 03/03/2026

403: How Brittany Crushed Her $39K Debt in 8 Months 02/25/2026

403: How Brittany Crushed Her $39K Debt in 8 Months New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What’s Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Brittany Charles, better known as Mrs. Fiscally Responsible, to talk about how she and her husband paid off $39,000 in debt in just 8 months—and turned that experience into a proven roadmap for others. As a personal finance coach and founder of Fiscally Responsible, Brittany helps women ditch debt, take control of their cash flow, and build sustainable wealth using simple, repeatable systems. She shares the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and accountability strategies that fueled her rapid payoff, along with the practical framework she now teaches her growing community to help them do the same. What Brittany Discussed on the Podcast: How she became Mrs. Fiscally Responsible and the story behind the brand. The turning point that pushed her and her husband to fully commit to their debt-free journey. The biggest mindset shifts and sacrifices required during their 8-month payoff period. A breakdown of her specific debt payoff strategies and systems. The framework she created to help others replicate her results. How to move forward when debt feels overwhelming and impossible to tackle. The powerful role of accountability in accelerating financial progress. One thing she would do differently—and one thing she’s glad she did exactly right. How becoming debt-free transformed her emotionally, mentally, and financially. Her clever girl superpower. Where to connect with her and learn more about her debt payoff framework. How to Keep Up With Brittany: Instagram: Website: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: 👋 New to Clever Girl Finance? Start here: ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40213780

402: How to Negotiate With Creditors (Even If You’re Behind on Payments) 02/19/2026

401: 3 Easy Ways to Start Investing—Without the Stock Market 02/17/2026

400: Budgeting With Irregular Income? Try These Game-Changing Tips 02/12/2026

399: Start Early, Build Wealth - A Student’s Guide to Financial Freedom With Paris Woods 02/10/2026

399: Start Early, Build Wealth - A Student’s Guide to Financial Freedom With Paris Woods ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Paris Woods, bestselling author, financial educator, and founder of Freedom Unlimited LLC, for an inspiring conversation about helping students start early and build wealth. Known for her breakout book The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom, Paris returns with her newest release, The Student’s Guide to Financial Freedom, written to empower first-gen, low-income, and BIPOC students with the tools they need to make confident money decisions early in life. With a background in education and a passion for equity, she breaks down the money myths young people face, offers actionable advice for avoiding common financial traps, and shares how students can lay the foundation for long-term financial success, starting right now. What Dr. Paris Woods Discussed on the Podcast: Her mission to help young people build financial freedom and what inspired her to focus on student audiences. What led to the creation of The Student’s Guide to Financial Freedom as a follow-up to her bestselling book. Gaps in traditional financial education and how her book fills them for first-gen, low-income, and BIPOC students. Why it’s crucial for students to start learning about money in high school or college. Small but impactful steps students can take now to begin building financial independence. Common money myths and traps to avoid, especially around student loans and credit cards. How her book helps students who don’t see themselves reflected in traditional financial advice feel seen and supported. Ways parents, educators, and mentors can support students in becoming financially confident early on. One lesson or habit every student should adopt to set themselves up for lifelong financial freedom. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Dr. Paris Woods: Website: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: YouTube: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/40007730

398: Why Budgeting Still Matters Even When You Have No Money 02/05/2026

397: Your Financial Wellness is Non-Negotiable. Sowing Seeds & Redefining What's Possible (Introducing Clever Girl Millionaire!) 01/29/2026

396: Toxic Money Beliefs That Kept Me Financially Stuck (And What I Believe Now!) 01/27/2026

395: College Without The Debt - How To Win Scholarships And Build Wealth With Melissa Rowe 01/20/2026

395: College Without The Debt - How To Win Scholarships And Build Wealth With Melissa Rowe ❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Melissa A. Rowe, M.Ed., award-winning Scholarship Specialist, College Coach, and founder of Capture Greatness!, to explore how students can graduate from college without the debt. Melissa has helped students secure over $12 million in scholarships, including multiple Gates Millennium Scholars, and gain acceptance to elite institutions like Yale, UPenn, Cornell, Howard, and Morehouse—all while keeping their families financially secure. As the author of Scholars Get Dollars and a Certified Financial Education Instructor™, Melissa believes college should be a legacy-building experience, not a lifelong financial burden. She shares practical strategies to find scholarships, busts myths about who qualifies for them, and explains how to turn the college journey into a launchpad for long-term wealth. What Melissa Discussed on the Podcast: Her journey into college coaching and why she’s passionate about helping students graduate debt-free. The secret to standing out in the scholarship application process. Common myths about scholarships, and why they’re not just for straight-A students. Where to find scholarships and how to start the search effectively. How she helps students get into top-tier schools with a financial strategy in place. What it really means to treat college as a wealth-building opportunity. Common mistakes families make when planning for college and how to avoid them. How she integrates financial education into the college planning process. Simple, actionable steps for families who feel behind or overwhelmed by college costs. A success story of a student who used scholarships to build a legacy, not just fund their education. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Melissa: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: YouTube: More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: ❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: ❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: ❤ Follow us on Instagram: /episode/index/show/265c1263-ce5d-4444-bdf8-234b60e3afc6/id/39753265

394: How To Reset Your Finances After A Rough Year (A 6 Step Comeback Plan!) 01/13/2026

393: Start the Year Strong (Without Burning Out) 01/06/2026

Set Your 2026 Goals: A Guided Session For Clarity & Confidence (Audio Replay) 12/31/2025

2025 End of Year Thank You + Reflection 12/23/2025

392: What I’d Do If I Only Had $100 to Invest (Beginner-Friendly Plan) 12/16/2025

391: Money Advice That Doesn't Actually Work! 12/09/2025

The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

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