The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

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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.

• 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

• Website: CaptureGreatness.org

• LinkedIn: Melissa A. Rowe

• Instagram: @CaptureGreatnessScholars

• YouTube: Capture Greatness Scholars

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

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

Did the past year leave your finances feeling off track; unexpected expenses, plans falling apart, or goals you just couldn't reach? If so, I want you to hear this first: You're not alone, and you're not stuck.

On this episode, I'm walking you through a 6‑step financial comeback plan to help you reset your finances after a rough year, without shame, guilt, or unrealistic pressure.

This is about regrouping, rebuilding, and moving forward with clarity and confidence.

You'll learn how to:

• Forgive yourself and reframe your money story
• Audit your finances and face the numbers with confidence
• Create a realistic "comeback budget" for your current season
• Rebuild a mini emergency fund, even if you're starting small
• Set clear, achievable financial goals for the next 3, 6, and 12 months
• Reset your finances with support, not shame

This reset isn't about perfection, it's about progress. Small steps taken consistently can completely change where you are a year from now.

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

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

It's a brand new year, and that means a fresh start, new goals, and big dreams. But before you try to do everything all at once… let's slow down.

In this episode, I'm sharing a gentle but powerful reminder: sustainable progress is so much better than quick burnout! You'll learn 4 simple things you can do this week to build real momentum with your money, no pressure, no overwhelm.

• Don't forget to check out the replay of our Goal Setting Call on YouTube for an extra dose of motivation to kick off your year strong: https://youtube.com/live/q8kt06jBUBU
• Be sure to grab your copy of My Wealth Plan Workbook to map out your year with intention: https://amzn.to/4qsAvHd

Ready to reset and refocus? Let's go!

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

** Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter: https://clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

🎉 Welcome to our annual goal-setting session at Clever Girl Finance!

This isn't about resolutions; it's about creating meaningful goals that align with the life (and money) you actually want.

As we close out 2025, this is your space to reflect, reset, and start building your 2026 blueprint, with clarity, peace, and purpose.

In this live session replay, we'll walk through:

• What 2025 taught you (and what to leave behind)
• Clearing out mental and emotional clutter
• Choosing your 2026 *word of the year* to stay grounded
• Simple, specific goals and habits to focus on Whether you're starting over, shifting gears, or staying the course, you're right on time.

This call will help you reconnect with your why and map out your next steps with intention. 📝 Grab a journal and join the conversation.

NEW BOOK AND RESOURCES:

• Clever Girl Millionaire is now available for pre-order (out March 31, 2026!): https://amzn.to/4p6Y2wf
• Join our 26-Week Savings Challenge: https://learn.clevergirlfinance.com/dashboard/space/26-week-savings-challenge/home
• Our new course platform + community is live; sign up today: https://clevergirlfinance.com/courses

LINKS TO CASH ENVELOPES BOOK AND STICKERS:

• Savings Challenge Envelopes Book: https://amzn.to/4jp4pbs
• Motivational stickers: https://amzn.to/4k5Nk7A
• Black girl christian stickers: https://amzn.to/3FaLO55

Let's make 2026 your most grounded and powerful year yet. 💫

❤ Subscribe to the weekly Clever Girl Finance Newsletter for financial motivation: https://clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: https://clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Schedule a 1-on-1 coaching call with team CGF: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/coaching

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: https://clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/clevergirlfinance

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

In this end-of-year episode, I'm reflecting on a season that stretched me in ways I never expected.

Losing my dad in August made 2025 one of the hardest years of my life, and navigating grief while showing up for my family, my business, and this community wasn't easy.

I share some of the bright spots that brought me grounding this year, and the incredible opportunities that continued to come to Clever Girl Finance even in a difficult season.

I'm stepping into 2026 with intention. Thank you for being here. Thank you for giving me grace. And thank you for being such a meaningful part of my journey. I'm excited for what we're building together in 2026.

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

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

Only have $100 to invest and wondering where to start? You're not alone, and yes, you can begin your wealth-building journey with just that!

In this beginner-friendly episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'd do if I only had $100 to invest, step by step.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to start investing with as little as $100
• Ideas of index funds to get started with (like FZROX, VTI, FXAIX, and more)
• How to build momentum and confidence as a first-time investor
• The importance of consistency over perfection

AND MORE

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

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

You've probably heard it all before, "Just stop buying lattes." "Get a better job." "Cut out everything non‑essential."

But what if some of the most popular money advice doesn't actually work, at least, not for real life or in your current season of life?

On this episode, I'm breaking down six common pieces of financial advice that sound good but often fall flat, plus what to do instead to actually make progress with your money.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why "stop buying coffee" won't make you rich
• Smarter ways to increase your income (beyond "get a better job")
• The truth about saving vs. investing
• How to cut expenses without feeling deprived Why it's never too late to start building wealth
• How talking about money openly can transform your finances

AND MORE

Real wealth isn't built on trendy tips, it's built on smart, sustainable habits. Take the advice that fits your life, leave what doesn't, and keep moving forward.

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

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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Tracy Coenen, a forensic accountant with over 25 years of experience uncovering financial secrets in everything from corporate fraud to high net worth divorces. Tracy didn't originally plan on this path, she once dreamed of becoming a prison warden and pursued a criminology degree.

But a college class on financial crime reignited her childhood love for solving mysteries, leading her to become a CPA and expert in finding hidden money. Today, she's best known for helping women navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity, confidence, and the tools to protect themselves when trust has been broken.

• Her unique journey from criminology student to forensic accountant.

• The role a forensic accountant plays in helping women uncover financial deception and protect their assets during divorce.

• A powerful case example where she helped a woman navigate the financial side of divorce.

• Red flags that may indicate financial dishonesty in a relationship—even before divorce.

• First financial steps women should take when preparing for or going through divorce.

• How women who haven't managed household finances can begin to take ownership during divorce.

• Unique challenges faced by high-income women and how to protect their assets.

• The difference between a divorce attorney and a forensic accountant—and how they work together.

• Common financial mistakes women make during divorce and how to avoid them.

• How to financially rebuild after divorce, especially from a place of uncertainty or limited income.

• What to do if you suspect your partner is hiding money but don't know where to start.

AND SO MUCH MORE

• Follow on Instagram: @divorcemoneyguide

• Learn more: divorcemoneyguide.com and sequenceinc.com

❤ 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

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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Lauren Morley, creator of The 20 Outfit Wardrobe, a simple and effective system designed to help women streamline their closets, feel confident in their personal style, and stop the cycle of overspending on clothes they never wear.

Lauren shares how her own journey of wardrobe overwhelm and emotional shopping led her to develop a system that prioritizes intentionality, confidence, and financial clarity. Whether you're tired of staring at a full closet with "nothing to wear," or you're ready to make more mindful money decisions around fashion, Lauren's approach will help you simplify your style—and save your wallet in the process.

• Her background and the inspiration behind creating The 20 Outfit Wardrobe system.

• How simplifying her own wardrobe helped her stop overspending and feel more confident.

• The first step to take when simplifying a closet to save money and reduce clutter.

• Common financial mistakes people make with their wardrobes and how to avoid them.

• A breakdown of how the 20 Outfit Wardrobe system works and why it's effective.

• How a simplified wardrobe can reduce decision fatigue and make daily life easier.

• Tips for shifting from emotional or impulsive shopping to intentional, value-based purchases.

• How to build a wardrobe that aligns with your real lifestyle—not just online aesthetics.

• Ways to make your closet more sustainable for your budget and the environment.

• Advice for women who feel overwhelmed by their closets but don't know where to start.

AND MUCH MORE

• Follow on Instagram: @twentyoutfitwardrobe

• Learn more: www.twentyoutfitwardrobe.com

• Explore her guides: stan.store/twentyoutfitwardrobe

❤ 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

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

It's time to shift away from all-or-nothing thinking!

Do you ever think, "If I can't save $500, what's the point of saving anything at all?"

Or "If I messed up my budget once, I might as well give up"?

That, my friend, is all-or-nothing thinking, and it's quietly sabotaging your financial progress. So in this episode, I'm sharing how to break free from the perfection trap and finally make progress with your money (and your mindset). Because truthfully? Small, consistent steps matter more than perfect ones.

What you'll learn:

• How to stop giving up on your goals when things don't go perfectly
• Why flexible budgets work better than "perfect" ones
• How to reframe your negative self-talk about money
• The importance of celebrating small habits, not just big milestones
• The power of adopting an "all or something" mindset

AND MORE

Whether you're saving, budgeting, paying off debt, or trying to build consistency with your finances, this video will help you stay on track without shame or guilt.

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