The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

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 episode of the Clever Girls Know Podcast listener interview series, I'm sitting down with one of you—our community—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, we're highlighting a powerful real-life journey from our own community in this special listener interview series.
I'm joined by Odunayo Ajayi, a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, 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.
What Odunayo Discussed on the Podcast:
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


How to Keep Up With Odunayo:
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

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now
Everyone talks about rental properties like they're the ultimate passive income strategy, but that hasn't always been my experience.
On this episode, I'm sharing the real story of how one of my rental properties turned into a stressful and expensive situation, and the lessons I learned the hard way about real estate investing! If you're thinking about becoming a landlord, building passive income through real estate, or adding property to your wealth-building strategy, this is something you need to hear first.
I walk through:
What went wrong with my tenant (and the red flags I missed) 
The financial and emotional cost of dealing with a difficult tenant
Why real estate is not always "passive income"
The key lessons I learned about cash flow, screening tenants, and setting boundaries
How I changed my real estate strategy after this experience Real estate can absolutely be a powerful way to build wealth, but only if you approach it like a real business, not a side hobby.
If you've ever wondered whether rental properties are really worth it, this video will give you a much more honest perspective.
 
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