The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now

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: 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

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

Show notes

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 candid interview, Fo Alexander of Mama & Money sits down with Bola Sokunbi—founder of Clever Girl Finance and author of the new book, Clever Girl Millionaire, to uncover the unfiltered truth about building wealth.

They dive deep into the excuses that keep us stuck in "survival mode," the expensive setbacks we are too ashamed to talk about (like Bola's massive 401(k) and wedding expense mistakes!), and the practical steps required to move from financial stability to serious abundance. If you have ever felt "behind" or overwhelmed by the pressure of perfect financial timelines, this conversation is for you.

FO AND BOLA DISCUSSED:

Why your financial comeback matters more than your setback, and why you cannot shame yourself into wealth.
Why it is never too late to start building your legacy.
The Excuses We Can't Afford: How to pivot from fear-based saving (safety) to asset-based growth (freedom).
The 4 Pillars of Prosperity: A realistic breakdown of Earned Income, Investing, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurship.

CONNECT WITH FO ALEXANDER:

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MamaNMoney
Via her website: https://mamaandmoney.com/

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

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

Show notes

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've ever thought, "How am I supposed to save money when I barely make enough to cover my bills?", this podcast episode is for you.

Saving money on a low income can feel impossible. Rent, groceries, debt, childcare — it adds up fast. But here's the truth: you can start building savings, even if it's just $5 at a time.

On this episode, I'm walking you through realistic, practical ways to save money on a tight budget, without shame, without skipping meals, and without feeling deprived.

YOU'LL LEARN:

How to start an emergency fund on a low income
How to automate tiny savings transfers
How to save money when living paycheck to paycheck
Simple ways to cut expenses without extreme restriction
How to create extra income with micro side hustles
How to stay motivated when savings feel slow

Building financial security isn't about big deposits. It's about consistency and strategy. Even small amounts saved can create real peace of mind.

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

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

Show notes

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've ever maxed out a credit card, drained your savings, avoided budgeting, or stayed in a bad financial situation longer than you should have, you're not alone.

On this episode, I'm sharing exactly how to recover from money mistakes and forgive your financial past so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace.

Financial shame keeps so many women stuck. But here's the truth: You are not your money mistakes. You are not behind. And it is absolutely possible to rebuild your finances - no matter where you're starting from.

YOU'LL LEARN:

How to process financial regret in a healthy way
How to stop replaying past money mistakes
How to separate your identity from your financial decisions
Practical steps to start rebuilding your finances today
How to shift from guilt to growth

AND SO MUCH MORE

Whether you're recovering from credit card debt, overspending, drained savings, or poor financial decisions, this is your turning point.

If you're ready to start fresh, take one small step today. Open a savings account. Make a payment. Create a simple budget. Progress, not perfection, builds wealth.

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

403: How Brittany Crushed Her $39K Debt in 8 Months Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

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 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: @mrs.fiscallyresponsible
Website: fiscally-responsible.com

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

402: How to Negotiate With Creditors (Even If You're Behind on Payments) Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

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're overwhelmed by credit card debt or behind on payments, negotiating with your creditors can make a real difference.

On this episode, I walk you through how to confidently talk to your creditors, lower your interest rates, reduce monthly payments, and request temporary relief.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

What to say (including a sample script)
What to ask for: lower rates, waived fees, hardship options
What to avoid saying on the phone
How to escalate when you're told "no"
How to work with a nonprofit credit counselor
How to protect your credit score during negotiations

AND SO MUCH MORE

Even if you're already behind, it's not too late. You can do this.

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ 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

401: 3 Easy Ways to Start Investing—Without the Stock Market Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now

Today, I'm breaking down 3 easy, beginner-friendly ways to invest outside the stock market.

Whether you're nervous about stock volatility or just want to explore other options, there are smart, accessible paths to build wealth that don't require buying shares.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

How to invest in your own business or side hustle
Ways to grow your money with real assets (without buying a house!)
Long-term investments that create lasting peace of mind and impact And more!

AND SO MUCH MORE

This video is for you if, you're looking to diversify how you build wealth or you're curious about low-barrier ways to grow your money!

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ 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

400: Budgeting With Irregular Income? Try These Game-Changing Tips Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now

A lot of people think budgeting only works with a steady paycheck.If your income changes month to month (freelance, commissions, motherhood seasons), this episode breaks down the only approach that actually worked for me.

On this episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down how to budget when life keeps changing and your income isn't consistent. You'll learn practical, flexible budgeting strategies that help you stay in control of your money, even when your paycheck isn't predictable.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

How to create a baseline (bare‑bones) budget
Why you should budget based on your lowest income months
How to use a buffer account to smooth out income swings
How to prioritize spending when money is tight
Why sinking funds are essential for unpredictable expenses
How to automate your finances without creating stress
How to stay consistent, even when your income isn't

Inconsistent income doesn't mean inconsistent progress. With the right systems and mindset, you can build stability, reduce anxiety, and make steady financial progress, no matter how much you earn each month.

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ 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

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

Show notes

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

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:

More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ 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

398: Why Budgeting Still Matters Even When You Have No Money Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now

Struggling to budget because you feel like you don't have enough money? You're not alone, and this is exactly when budgeting matters most.

On this podcast episode, I'm walking you through how to budget when you have no money using 8 practical steps that will help you take control, reduce stress, and create a financial plan even if you're starting from zero (or less). Whether you're dealing with debt, inconsistent income, or just feel like you're stuck, this episode is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

How to assess your finances when you're broke
How to create a bare-bones budget that helps you survive and rebuild
Ways to cut expenses fast without shame
Simple strategies to track small wins and increase your income
How to stay consistent, even when progress feels slow

Budgeting isn't just about dollars, it's about direction. The sooner you get a handle on what's coming in and going out, the sooner you can create a plan to move forward. Even if all you have is $5, this episode will show you how to make it work for you.

More Clever Girl Finance Resources:

❤ 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