The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

You just got married, congratulations!

This is one of the most exciting chapters of your life… but it's also one of the most important times to get your money right. Because here's the truth: merging your life also means merging your finances — and if you don't do it intentionally, money can quickly become a source of stress instead of strength in your marriage.

On this episode, I'm walking you through 9 smart money moves every newly married couple should make right away to build a strong financial foundation together. Whether you're combining finances, keeping things separate, or doing a hybrid approach — these steps will help you avoid common mistakes and start building wealth as a team.

You'll learn key tips on:

• How to talk openly about money with your spouse
• How to structure your bank accounts as a couple
• How to align your financial goals and avoid conflict
• What to update immediately after getting married
• How to build an emergency fund and protect your future
• Why estate planning matters (even early on)

Marriage is about partnership, and that includes your money.

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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Deora Clairé—Digital Marketing Professional, author, speaker, and Christian bilingual singer-songwriter—for a deeply honest conversation about rebuilding your life after financial and personal setbacks.

Deora opens up about her mental health crisis during the pandemic, the experience of filing for bankruptcy at 26, and the reality of starting over from the ground up—financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

She shares how she moved from that low point into a high-earning corporate role while intentionally rebuilding her savings, paying down debt, and restoring her credit.

Through her story, Deora offers powerful insight into choosing consistency over perfection, releasing financial shame, and finding the confidence to begin again—no matter where you're starting from.

What Deora Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her experience navigating a mental health crisis and how it impacted her finances.
• What filing for bankruptcy at 26 was really like—emotionally and financially.
• The reality that habits don't automatically change after debt discharge.
• The turning point that sparked both mental and financial transformation.
• What choosing consistency over perfection looks like in real life.
• Mindset shifts needed to break cycles of debt and negative net worth.
• Letting go of financial shame and rebuilding confidence.
• Advice for anyone feeling like they've completely messed up their finances.

How to Keep Up With Deora Clairé:

• Follow on Instagram: @deoraclaire
• Learn more: deoraclaire.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

If you've paid off your debt… first of all, congratulations. That is a huge financial milestone.

But here's the truth most people don't talk about: What you do next matters just as much as paying it off. Because if you don't have a plan, that extra money can disappear just as quickly as it used to go toward debt.

On this episode, I'm walking you through 10 smart money moves to make after paying off debt so you can stay debt-free and start building real wealth.

You'll learn:

• What to do immediately after paying off debt
• How to avoid lifestyle creep
• Where to put your extra money now
• How to build your emergency fund the right way
• How to start investing after debt
• How to shift your mindset from debt-free to wealth builder

This is your next chapter. Paying off debt is often about survival. What comes next is about ownership, investing, and long-term wealth.

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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Angela Weikel, founder of The Moneta Academy, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to rebuild your finances while navigating burnout, service work, and real life pressure.

She shares her personal journey from being nearly $80,000 in debt and emotionally overwhelmed to achieving financial stability, paying off her car, and becoming a homeowner. Through a nervous-system–informed lens, Angela reframes financial stress and burnout not as personal failure, but as a response to systemic strain, and offers a more compassionate, sustainable path to building clarity, confidence, and peace with money.

Angela is deeply committed to supporting the helpers—case managers, advocates, and system leaders—who carry so much for others, often at the expense of themselves.

What Angela Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her background and what led her to join Clever Girl Finance.
• What life felt like while carrying nearly $80,000 in debt—emotionally and financially.
• The decision to stop staying stuck and take control of her finances.
• Building a relationship with money rooted in clarity, consistency, and self-trust.
• The specific tools and frameworks that helped her pay off debt.
• What made her financial transformation sustainable—not just temporary.
• The difference between financial stability and true financial peace.
• How goal setting helped turn intention into real, measurable progress.
• Challenging the belief that financial stability isn't possible for everyone.
• How her personal journey now shapes the way she supports others through The Moneta Academy.
• Advice for women who pour into others but feel financially and emotionally drained themselves.
• Her clever girl superpower.
• Where to learn more about her work and offerings.

How to Keep Up With Angela Weikel:

• LinkedIn: Angela Weikel
• Instagram: @the_moneta_academy
• Join her waitlist: Mini Course Waitlist
• Learn more: Angela Weikel

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

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

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 felt like wealth is only for "other people," you're not alone. I used to think the same thing—until I realized that building wealth isn't about luck, or hype. It's about having a system. In this video, I'm breaking down the 4 pillars of wealth that helped me become a millionaire, and how you can start using them in your own life today.

You'll learn:

• What the 4 pillars of wealth are
• How to turn your income into long-term wealth
• Why you don't need to do everything at once
• How to build a strategy that actually fits your life

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to level up, this framework will help you build wealth with intention—not guesswork.

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

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 Clever Girls Know Podcast, I'm sitting down with one of you—a Clever Girls Know Podcast listener and community member—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

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

Life has been life-ing lately… and my wallet felt it! From planned car expenses to unexpected damage costs, I had thousands of dollars hit all at once. But instead of stressing, I leaned on my systems, my savings, and my mindset, and stayed on track.

In this live, I'm sharing:

• What happened (real numbers, real life)
• How my emergency fund showed up for me
• Why I still kept saving (yes, even now!)
• A mindset check-in from Chapter 1 of Clever Girl Millionaire
• How to stay grounded when life throws financial surprises your way

If you've ever felt like unexpected expenses derail your progress, this is for you. You're not off track. You're learning how to navigate real life with your money.

Savings binder mentioned:

• https://amzn.to/477mSWT

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

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

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, I'm joined by Odunayo Ajayi, a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft and Clever Girls Know Podcast listener, 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.

• 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

• 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