The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

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No Savings. No Investments. Here's Exactly What I'd Do To Start Over!

What would I do if I had to start over, with $0 in savings, no investments, and no financial cushion? On this episode, I'm walking you through the exact money plan I'd follow to rebuild my finances from scratch.

Whether you're starting over after a setback or just beginning your financial journey, this step-by-step plan will help you move from survival mode to stability, and then to success.

What you'll learn:

• How to assess your real financial starting point
• How to cut expenses and survive on the bare essentials
• Creative ways to generate fast cash flow
• How to build a starter emergency fund (even on a low income)
• A simple budget formula that actually works
• Choosing the best debt payoff method for your situation
• The importance of rest and celebrating small wins

AND MORE

This is a realistic, actionable plan for anyone rebuilding from $0. Start where you are. Use what you have. And take the next right step!

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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Deon Stokes, MBA—entrepreneur, speaker, strategist, and founder of The Ambition Brand—for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to reinvent yourself at 40 (or any age).

Deon shares her own journey from political campaigns to building successful businesses in media, strategy, and tech, and now dedicates her platform to helping ambitious women design lives and careers that align with their purpose and financial goals.

With nearly two decades of experience, Deon breaks down the mindset shifts, planning tools, and practical strategies women need to confidently pivot, whether they're launching a new business, starting over after a setback, or simply craving a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

What Deon Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her personal story and how it shaped her mission to help women reinvent themselves.
• What reinvention looks like after 40 and why this stage of life is so powerful for transformation.
• Key financial mindset shifts women need to make before leaping into a new career, business, or passion project.
• How to craft an intentional reinvention plan that aligns with ambition and financial wellness.
• Using planners, clarity exercises, and income projections to map out a new chapter.
• Encouragement for women who feel it's "too late" to make a bold pivot.
• The role of discipline in turning purpose into sustainable financial and personal progress.
• The first three steps to take when ready for reinvention but unsure where to start.

AND SO MUCH MORE

How to Keep Up With Deon:

• Follow Deon on all platforms: @TheFaceOfAmbition

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

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❤ 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

Tired of complicated budgeting systems that never stick? On this podcast eisode, I'm sharing my exact monthly budgeting routine; from reviewing last month's numbers to planning for irregular expenses and closing out the month with reflection.

This is a realistic, flexible approach to budgeting that actually works. Whether you're just getting started or want to refresh your process, these steps will help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

What you'll learn:

• How I start with a financial reflection, not shame
• My method for planning income (even with variable pay!)
• Why I budget for my goals first before any expenses
• How I build a realistic, values-aligned spending plan
• The importance of planning for irregular expenses
• Why I track my budget weekly (not daily!)
• How I close out each month to stay consistent

This budgeting routine is simple, sustainable, and designed to help you make real financial progress. No perfect templates. Just a system that works.

❤ 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

On this episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down 7 everyday financial habits that seem harmless—but are quietly draining your bank account, delaying your progress, and keeping you stuck in stress mode.

From only saving what's left over, to using credit cards like income, to ignoring your actual numbers, these habits might be the reason you're not hitting your financial goals. No judgment, just real talk and practical fixes to turn things around.

You'll Learn:

• Why paying yourself first is a game changer
• How minimum payments are costing you thousands
• What to do instead of emotional sale shopping
• Why lifestyle inflation keeps you stuck
• How to shift from credit card dependency
• The power of knowing your numbers
• Why you don't need a lot of money to start investing

🎯 These are the mindset shifts and action steps that will help you build real wealth—starting now.

❤ 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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by powerhouse entrepreneur and Fortune 500 sales veteran Mara Dorne to talk about going From Rock Bottom to $1B. Mara shares her incredible journey from financial struggle to building a billion-dollar sales career and becoming a self-made millionaire by 35.

She opens up about the mindset shifts, intentional money moves, and fearless leadership strategies that helped her rise in a male-dominated industry. As the founder of the BILF (Boss I'd Like to Follow) podcast and leader of a nationwide team of over 1,500 health insurance agents, Mara is on a mission to empower women to lead boldly, build wealth with purpose, and redefine what success looks like, on their own terms.

What Mara Discussed on the Podcast:

• Her personal story, career background, and the defining moments that shaped her journey.
• How hitting rock bottom sparked the transformation that led to $1B+ in sales.
• The financial mindset shifts that were key to building lasting wealth.
• Lessons learned from leading large teams as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
• The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on her approach to money, risk, and resilience.
• Encouragement for women looking to lead with confidence despite fear, finances, or imposter syndrome.
• How she cultivates high-performing teams and integrates financial education into leadership.
• What intentional money management looks like in both her personal and professional life.
• How to turn purpose into profitable and sustainable business ventures.

AND SO MUCH MORE

How to Keep Up With Mara:

• Follow on Instagram: @maradorne
• Listen and follow the podcast: @bilfpod

❤ 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

In this episode, I open up about losing my dad and how I'm navigating grief, reflection, and healing. He lived a long, full life - married to my mom for 55 years, and in his final days, he told us his time was near and even called to say goodbye.

While the pain of loss is real, I find peace in the chance I had to say goodbye and in the words my dad told me often: "Bola, be happy! Nothing is that serious."

Right now, I'm giving myself grace, taking breaks as needed, and choosing to honor his legacy by holding onto joy. I hope this episode reminds anyone going through loss that it's okay to grieve in your own way and to take things one day at a time. ❤️

Struggling to stay consistent with your money? You're not alone—and you don't need to be perfect to build wealth.

I'm sharing the real self-discipline tips that help me stay on track with my finances—without guilt, burnout, or unrealistic expectations. These habits have helped me grow my savings, stay focused, and still enjoy my life. If you're ready to finally follow through on your money goals, this video is your starting point.

Here's what you'll learn on this episode:

• The importance of knowing your why and how it fuels financial consistency
• Why automation is the ultimate self-discipline tool
• How to set realistic spending rules that actually work for your lifestyle
• The power of tracking your progress weekly to stay motivated
• How to build a budget that's honest—not aspirational
• Easy ways to remove temptation before it derails your goals
• Why routines—not willpower—create lasting financial change

💡 This isn't about being strict or saying no to fun—it's about creating systems and habits that help you protect your money and your peace. ✨

ACTION STEP: Pick one self-discipline strategy from this video and start applying it today. Small, consistent actions are what create real results over time.

📚 Ready to take the next step? Check out the Clever Girl Finance My Wealth Plan Workbook to map out your personalized strategy: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motiviation: 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: instagram.com/clevergirlfinance

Ready to take control of your finances and build real wealth?

I'm sharing the 7 key financial lessons that completely transformed my money mindset, helped me save six figures, and set me on the path to financial freedom. These aren't just tips—they're real strategies you can start using today, no matter where you're starting from.

Here's what you'll learn on this episode:

• Why systems matter more than goals when it comes to your finances
• How to avoid lifestyle inflation even as your income grows
• The power of delayed gratification (and how it saves you thousands)
• Why retirement savings and investing early are game-changers
• How to build a supportive financial environment
• Using credit cards the smart way—without debt traps
• Why your money mindset is just as important as your budget

Whether you're just starting out or rebooting your financial journey, these lessons will help you simplify your approach, stay consistent, and build real, lasting wealth.

Action Step: Choose one of these 7 financial lessons and start implementing it today. Small steps lead to big results.

📚 Ready to take the next step? Check out the Clever Girl Finance My Wealth Plan Workbook to map out your personalized strategy: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motiviation: 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: instagram.com/clevergirlfinance

On today's episode, we're joined by financial journalist and fintech insider Gemma Boothroyd to explore why women are better at investing than we think. With a background in product and marketing at top UK fintech firms, Gemma saw firsthand the stark differences in how men and women approach investing—and how the industry often misinterprets those differences.

That experience inspired her upcoming book, Hidden Risk Economy, which challenges the outdated belief that women are too risk-averse to succeed as investors. Instead, she reframes women's approach to risk as a strength and a powerful driver of long-term success. Her mission is to close the gender investing gap by showing women that not only are they capable investors—they may just be the best in the game.

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• Her background in finance and fintech, and how those experiences shaped her perspective on women and investing.

• The harmful myth that women are too risk-averse to be great investors, and where that narrative comes from.

• Why the problem isn't a lack of confidence among women—it's a lack of fair and accurate narratives.

• What research actually shows about how women invest compared to men.

• The difference between being risk-averse and being risk-intelligent.

• Why women's cautious, long-term investing approach is a competitive advantage.

• How financial marketing often alienates women and what needs to change.

• Advice for women who feel investing is too complicated or risky, including how to take the first step with confidence.

• Practical ways women can reframe their relationship with risk and invest on their own terms.

• The one narrative she would change about women and money.

• On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gemmaboothroyd
• Via her website: https://hiddenriskeconomy.com/

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motiviation: 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: instagram.com/clevergirlfinance

Wondering where your money keeps going—even though you're trying to save?

On this podcast episode, I'm sharing 10 everyday things to stop buying if you're serious about hitting your financial goals. These are the sneaky spending habits—like fantasy lifestyle shopping, takeout overload, and unused subscriptions—that quietly sabotage your progress. But this isn't about deprivation—it's about alignment.

If your spending doesn't reflect your values or goals, it's time to hit pause and reset. Let's break the cycle together and start making purchases that truly support your financial future.

You'll learn:

• What "fantasy spending" is—and how to stop doing it
• How viral trends and duplicate products waste money
• Why decluttering first saves you from unnecessary purchases
• How guilt-based or emotional spending sneaks into your budget
• The truth about productivity tools that don't actually help

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motiviation: 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: instagram.com/clevergirlfinance