Take charge of your finances and achieve financial independence - the Clever Girl way
Join the ranks of thousands of smart and savvy women who have turned to money expert and author Bola Sokunbi for guidance on ditching debt, saving money, and building real wealth. Sokunbi, the force behind the hugely popular Clever Girl Finance website, draws on her personal money mistakes and financial redemption to educate and empower a new generation of women on their journey to financial freedom. Lighthearted and accessible, Clever Girl Finance encourages women to talk about money and financial wellness and shows them how to navigate their own murky financial waters and come out afloat on the other side.
- Monitor your expenses, build a budget, and stick with it
- Make the most of a modest salary and still have money to spare
- Keep your credit in check and clean up credit card chaos
- Start and succeed at your side hustle
- Build a nest egg and invest in your future
- Transform your money mindset and be accountable for your financial well-being
- Feel the power of real-world stories from other “clever girls”
Table of Contents
About the Author xi
Acknowledgments xiii
You are in the Right Place xv
How to Use This Book xvii
Introduction xix
My Story xv
Part I The Start 1
Your What and Your Why 3
Chapter 1 Your Mindset 9
Let Go of Your Money Mistakes 11
Dream Big - Affirm Yourself to Being Wealthy 17
Shift Your Circle of Influence 22
Meet Latoya Scott 25
Chapter 2 Get Organized 29
Get Your Records in Order 31
Track Your Spending 37
Identify Your Bad Money Habits 42
Know Your Net Worth 47
Define Your Values 51
Set Your Goals 53
Meet Molly Stillman 55
Part II The Plan 59
Chapter 3 Budgeting 61
Budgeting 101 - The Basics 63
Setting Up Your Budget Using Categories 65
Budgeting Styles 68
Rewarding Yourself 72
Budgeting on an Inconsistent Income 77
Budgeting as a Couple 78
The Save Yourself Fund - Your Emergency Savings 84
My Story: How I Saved over $100,000 in Three Years 87
Chapter 4 Debt and Loans 93
Let’s Talk About Debt . . . Because It Sucks 95
Paying Off Your Debt 98
Student Loans . . . Facts and Basics 104
Meet Melisa Boutin 105
Where to Start with Your Student Loans 107
Ideas to Pay Off Your Debt Fast 112
Meet Naseema McElroy 117
Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards 119
Meet Monica Louie 121
Chapter 5 Investing 127
Investing 101 129
Meet Adeola Omole 136
Investing for Retirement 139
How to Start Investing 146
Meet Brittney Knies 149
Part III The Necessary 151
Chapter 6 Credit 153
Credit 101 155
Credit Scores 157
Busting Credit Myths 162
Chapter 7 Protecting Yourself 165
Creating a Backup Plan with the Right Insurance 167
Recession-Proofing Your Finances 174
Compromised Information 177
Chapter 8 Making More Money 181
Negotiating to Win 183
Side Hustles 189
Chapter 9 Key Financial Actions 193
Steps to Keep Your Financial Plans Intact 193
In Closing 197
Index 199
