New Book & Giveaway: “Clever Girl Finance”

Morning y’all!

Got another book to share and give away today :)

This one comes from Bola Sokunbi of CleverGirlFinance.com, and is aptly titled “Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, save money and build real wealth”.

I got my hands on two copies to give away, but before we get to that let me real quick give a shout to LeeAnne who won last week’s book giveaway on having the “Mom and Dad” talk. Congrats, friend!  Hope it makes it all a lot smoother! :)

Here’s more on Bola’s new book which just dropped today:

Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, save money and build real wealth

clever girl finance book

Bola Sokunbi saved an impressive $100,000 in 3 years after college, kickstarting her passion to help other women achieve financial independence.

In her new book, Clever Girl Finance, the Certified Financial Education Instructor, money expert and founder of the popular website Clever Girl Finance, shares stories of her own financial journey, including her money mistakes and financial redemption, to educate and empower a new generation of women.

Bola was inspired by her mother, who found her own financial independence later in life and worked many jobs in Nigeria in an effort to put her daughter through college in the US. Her mother’s sacrifice for her laid the foundation of Bola’s desire to be financially successful and independent herself.

Along the way, Bola began noticing a recurring theme that women do not talk about money and financial wellness enough. Realizing that many women may not take control of their financial situation due to the lack of support or encouragement, Bola created a platform that empowers and educates women to achieve financial independence in order to live life on their own terms.

Her new book, 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. Lighthearted and accessible, it will help you:

  • 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”

You can learn more about the book via Amazon: Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, save money and build real wealth, or by visiting Bola’s blog and website @ CleverGirlFinance.com.

Look like something that can help you?

Answer this question down below, and I’ll randomly select two lucky winners to take it home with them:

What’s the one area of your finances you need the most help with?

Get your entries in by the end of this upcoming weekend, and we’ll announce the 2 winners here on this same blog post come Monday. Open to the U.S. and everywhere else! :)

Good luck!! And congrats on the new book, Bola! The world needs more of your positivity!!

UPDATE: Congrats to Nita and Kathryn for winning the two books!! For everybody else, be sure to look for it at your local library! :)

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89 Comments

  1. Kate June 25, 2019 at 5:54 AM

    Love the title! (I suspect many other women here have also been called “clever girl” in the workplace by people who are “less clever” to put it politely!)
    I would love to learn more about investing! Budgeting, saving, mortgages, credit cards and banking, planning, getting good deals, NOT spending/wanting less I’m pretty much on top of but INVESTING scares me a bit still. Like if I can’t SEE something how am I buying it?!

    Reply
  2. DONNA LADOUCEUR June 25, 2019 at 6:11 AM

    I would love to have help with planning for retirement.

    Reply
  3. Leslie June 25, 2019 at 6:47 AM

    Hey J,
    This book sounds so good! I can’t wait to read it. I’m anxiously awaiting Quit Like a Millionaire so this would be a good one to keep me busy until then. The one area I could currently improve on is reigning in my spending. I used to be great at tracking my everything but my schedule is way too busy to do that manually now, which is my preference. But hey, if I don’t spend as much I wouldn’t have to track as much now would I? ;)
    Thanks,
    Leslie

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:30 AM

      Haha, this is true!

      Reply
  4. Joley June 25, 2019 at 7:42 AM

    I like to think I’m decent with my money but one thing I struggle with is putting money back for savings. Every single pay day we have about $100 left over after I make the budget and EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. that money gets spent in the blink of an eye. It’s like someone else takes over my body and thinks “ehh, who needs a savings account??”

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:31 AM

      What if you pulled out the money *first* instead of at the end?

      Reply
  5. Clarise June 25, 2019 at 7:46 AM

    The one area I have the most trouble is physically making a budget. I get started and 2 lines later, I quit. I think it’s because I feel like I’m restricting myself. But for whatever reason, I just can’t do it. I use multiple ways of saving, I have a 401k, I’m working multiple streams of income but still living payday Friday to Wednesday.

    Reply
  6. Yeng June 25, 2019 at 7:50 AM

    I would love to get my hands on this book. I definitely struggle with learning how to invest. I have a 401(k) through work and max it out, but I don’t know what to do with it. I’m not confident that I have the knowledge and control to invest my money. Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Kat June 25, 2019 at 7:50 AM

    I am struggling with earning more (i.e. side hustles). I’d love to increase the pace at which I can save after working so hard to pay off the debt. I also like the idea of using an already established side hustle for some income as I get closer to leaving the soul-crushing corporate job.

    Reply
  8. Chanda June 25, 2019 at 8:13 AM

    Have had a budget set up for years and stick to it mostly. Don’t have or tolerate large credit card balances well so I work to get anything paid promptly. I Am pretty decent at saving & have set up new methods the last couple years for bigger purchases (shout out DIGIT!!) But INVESTING is still a super scary thing for me. Need to read more and learn about that here soon—-I’m not getting any younger.

    Reply
  9. Melissa June 25, 2019 at 8:44 AM

    I would definitely say that I struggle with the investment area of my finances. I am a government employee and would love to know how to maximize my TSP.

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:38 AM

      Are you at least contributing to it right now and getting the free matches?! That’s 90% of it right there! :) Doubles your money on the spot!

      Reply
    2. Alan June 27, 2019 at 12:46 AM

      $1583.33/month will max out your TSP/401K. ;)

      Reply
  10. Brenda Kroez June 25, 2019 at 8:47 AM

    I’d like to learn more about the best types of investments to put in the different types of investment accounts, to be the most tax efficient. Love the title!

    Reply
  11. Jessica June 25, 2019 at 9:08 AM

    Even though I’m working a full-time job, plus have a side hustle, I’m struggling to cover my budget every month (and yes, I try my best to follow one). I’d like to increase my income, and learn how best to move up in the world :)

    Reply
  12. Norma June 25, 2019 at 9:12 AM

    I hope there is a chapter on stress. I am constantly checking my accts and worrying about all the “What ifs?”

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:39 AM

      i feel like we need an *entire book* around this :(

      Reply
  13. Leann Holloway June 25, 2019 at 9:23 AM

    I have trouble making a proper budget. I tend to go overboard. I would love to read this.

    Reply
  14. Samantha June 25, 2019 at 9:50 AM

    I’m working on investing enough for early retirement, but I struggle with the taxes aspect.

    Reply
  15. Kat June 25, 2019 at 10:00 AM

    Looks like such a great read! The area I need the most work with is just feeling comfortable to save some money instead of throwing everything toward debt. I might be eligible for loan forgiveness (yay!) and I want to balance paying the high interest loans with creating a nice little saving nest.

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:41 AM

      Set up $50/mo automated transfers for now just to get you going!! It’s okay to divert your money towards multiple places even if it’s not 100% optimized!

      Reply
  16. Richelle June 25, 2019 at 10:01 AM

    One of the things I struggle with the most is working with a variable pay check. My husband’s take home pay changes drastically from one pay period to the next and I find it extremely difficult to budget with that.

    Reply
  17. Jaime June 25, 2019 at 10:04 AM

    The area I need the most help in is investing. I had a 401k that was rolled into an IRA years ago but that’s it and I don’t know anything about other investing avenues.

    Reply
  18. LeeAnne June 25, 2019 at 10:08 AM

    I struggle with the “preservation of my money/assets” – meaning I really need to set up a will! After that, I struggle with investing. I’ve learned a lot from this blog and it’s followers which gave me the confidence to start a Roth (and I’m already maxing our 401k) – but I feel like there is more I need to learn about investing.

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:42 AM

      Good job getting that Roth going!!

      Reply
  19. Becca June 25, 2019 at 10:14 AM

    After many mistakes with money my first 40 years, I would like to make my next 40 substantially different!

    Reply
  20. Alice @ Earning My Two Cents June 25, 2019 at 10:17 AM

    The one area of my finances that I need help with the most is for my husband to bring in more money. Is there a book for that? Darn working at start up companies! But seriously though, I think diligence with sticking to balancing the checkbook frequently to know how much we have left in budget categories to make sure we stick to them. It is far too easy to go over due to lack of knowledge and updating the numbers

    Reply
  21. Kathy June 25, 2019 at 10:19 AM

    I struggle with staying within my budget when it comes to “fun” spending. I give myself $50/month for things I want but don’t necessarily need, like cocktails, clothing, Starbucks,etc. Once my debts are paid, I plan on upping it to $100, which will be more feasible, but in the meantime I need to work on the willpower!

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:44 AM

      That’s a good goal/idea!! You have to enjoy your life a little or you’ll drive yourself mad!

      Reply
  22. Kate June 25, 2019 at 10:27 AM

    The area I could use the most help with is retirement investments.

    Reply
  23. Jodi June 25, 2019 at 10:45 AM

    I need help with budgeting. Usually if i see something , if i want it i buy it. This results in a lot less savings than i want. Also t is pushing me further away from fi.

    Reply
  24. Meg June 25, 2019 at 10:51 AM

    Willpower? I need to stick to my budget and make the appointments to actually put the funds in my investment account … in investments, instead of sitting there in cash? Why is that such a sticking point for me?

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 11:45 AM

      Automation time!! Maybe just start with $20/mo and then set it and forget it and see how that makes you feel??! You’ll probably be so proud of yourself for just *doing it* regardless of the returns! :)

      Reply
  25. Kristine June 25, 2019 at 10:54 AM

    Which student loan to pay off first. How much of my paycheck should I put into retirement. How much should I put in saving each month.

    Reply
  26. Maggie June 25, 2019 at 11:05 AM

    Love the name as well. So happy more women are taking control of their finances and helping more women take control of theirs! For me personally, I need more diversity in my investments.

    Reply
  27. Andrea June 25, 2019 at 11:22 AM

    I think I need help with impulse control. I was going to say credit cards, retirement savings, budgeting, grocery spending, or clothing spending, but it all comes down to impulse spending. I can’t seem to get a handle on it.

    Reply
  28. Breanna B June 25, 2019 at 11:33 AM

    What’s the one area of your finances you need the most help with?

    I need the most help with budgeting. I’m absolutely horrible when it comes to budgeting in fact I’m intimidated by budgeting. I think this is solely because i don’t know how, i was never taught on how to actually budget. I follow a few blogs that stress the importance of it but doesn’t really show you how. Especially for someone like me who needs to be walked through the steps like a toddler. This book would be so beneficial for me and my husband.

    Reply
  29. Nita June 25, 2019 at 11:45 AM

    I’d need help for both investing and hustling.

    Being government-employed, starting hustling is a real PITA (conflict of interest, approval paperwork, long delays) so I need to be really sure about my venture: it must check the “little time – lotta money – lotta fun” trifecta exactly.

    Investing as well. How do you make a good start when you don’t know anything?

    I also would take the budget tips. My budget could probably use improvements

    Reply
  30. emma June 25, 2019 at 11:56 AM

    My biggest struggle is savings. It feels like every time it is built up to a good comfort level, we are hard-hit with some financial obligation be it medical bills, water heater, new tires, etc. that requires digging into savings.

    Reply
  31. Becky H June 25, 2019 at 12:02 PM

    The one area I need the most help with is investing! I’ve FINALLY mastered the art of saving (direct deposits into a few different accounts for various purposes), but now investing and growing my money is something I’d love to learn more about!

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 25, 2019 at 12:36 PM

      Good job rocking those savings!!!

      Reply
  32. Stephanie June 25, 2019 at 12:03 PM

    I want to learn more about saving and investing so that I can create a plan that works for the lifestyle I want after studying all of my options.

    Reply
  33. Jason June 25, 2019 at 12:28 PM

    Great review, looking forward to this book some day.

    I feel like we do pretty well, but think we can do better with budgeting. I mostly don’t spend money by telling myself “don’t by that it’s not really needed” but actually setting limits each month and sticking to it would be helpful. Especially since most months I’d be allowed to spend more in some categories if the budget allowed it!

    Reply
  34. Maria June 25, 2019 at 12:36 PM

    For starting a new business in my twenties, how much debt is too much? Is it better to start out as a side hustle to grow organically? Hoping this book has Bola’s advice and what worked for her.

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:25 AM

      I personally like that 2nd route :)

      Reply
  35. Eboni Dunbar June 25, 2019 at 12:42 PM

    The area I need the most help with is paying down my debt.

    Reply
  36. Kelly O June 25, 2019 at 12:58 PM

    I was also never taught how to manage money or budget as a kid. My parents have told me that they overdrafted their account every month to pay for our living expenses when I was young. I see now that, while they worked hard, they live with an “I deserve more” attitude that has always left them a victim of their finances. I’m a new mom who is trying to build a different financial situation for my family, one where we have a budget, appreciate all we have, and keep our eyes on the joy of financial freedom. I’d love to read this book to help us in our financial journey!

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:25 AM

      You’re gonna be such a great mom!!! Congrats on the new bundle!

      Reply
  37. Laurie Hake June 25, 2019 at 1:13 PM

    Hi there! I adore your blog! I would love to learn about growing my wealth. I’ve become debt-free, saved for all the right things in my life, my budget is excellent – but now I have this little nest egg and I need it to grow!!

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:26 AM

      So glad you’re enjoying the blog – thank you :)

      Reply
  38. Jen Johnson June 25, 2019 at 1:14 PM

    The ONE area I need the most help in is investing. I’ve always been pretty good at budgeting my money and saving, but investing is where I fall short in a BIG way. Love the blog!! Thanks for all the information and tips you share, truely valuable!!

    Reply
  39. Shane hennessey June 25, 2019 at 1:52 PM

    Setting goals within my means and then not over analyzing them or changing them too quickly

    Reply
  40. Oke Ane June 25, 2019 at 1:53 PM

    How to invest and secure income with some of the savings.

    Reply
  41. Lara June 25, 2019 at 2:16 PM

    I have my monthly budget and I save, but I struggle with getting to the last week of the month with more than 30€ to spend!

    Reply
  42. M L June 25, 2019 at 2:32 PM

    I think the area I am still struggle with is emergency savings, I end up dipping in to it more than I think I should

    Reply
  43. Becky June 25, 2019 at 2:58 PM

    My area that I need help with is understanding insurance -term life or whole life. Not that I have mastered everything else, but that is one area I haven’t dipped in. Thanks!

    Reply
  44. Drew June 25, 2019 at 3:45 PM

    My girlfriend. That’s why I could need that book …for her!

    Reply
  45. Hillary June 25, 2019 at 4:10 PM

    Investing…. sure i put money in my 401k and roth… but managing it myself is just terrifying. I have a boatload of cash just sitting in my roth :/

    Reply
  46. Anne June 25, 2019 at 4:19 PM

    Budgeting to live off of one income while husband is home with the children.

    Reply
  47. Kelli June 25, 2019 at 4:36 PM

    Now that I’ve finally started investing I would like to know more about choosing individual stocks and bonds wisely. You can never learn too much about the market!

    Reply
  48. Kathryn June 25, 2019 at 6:29 PM

    I love this, especially on getting women to talk about money. It’s so important! I’m definitely adding this one to my reading list, giveaway or not! I’m always looking for more advice on side hustles and how to balance savings priorities (down payment vs. FIRE vs. college fund etc. etc.)

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:28 AM

      I’m glad you like it! Please do pick it up if you don’t win one of the copies! :)

      Reply
  49. Liz H June 25, 2019 at 7:40 PM

    Honestly, my biggest financial hurdle right now is figuring out how to get my children to appreciate what they have, stop asking for stuff we don’t need (to own OR eat) and to figure out an allowance/commission system that works so they have to learn to be responsible for their own money. They are almost 10 year old twins so I want to give them a firm foundation but so far none of our trial systems has worked. Also, if you know of any tricks to help fathers say NO, that’d be great… :)

    Reply
  50. Aisha June 25, 2019 at 9:30 PM

    I finally got a job offer after 1.5 years of searching, applying, volunteering, praying…would love to get advice on how to be a clever girl finance. Maybe tips relating to how to do well at work, handle the money etc.
    Always love the book selection J. Money!

    Reply
  51. Nakia June 25, 2019 at 10:50 PM

    Investing! I’m doing well in other area

    Reply
  52. Sheri Joyce June 25, 2019 at 11:01 PM

    Hi there!
    I need help all over the place – I get a little bit ahead but can’t seem to stay there or pull myself further ahead. My mom and I own our house together – a few years ago, my mom, sister and I were renting this house when my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4. At the same time, our landlord said he was selling the house and that we either had to buy it or move. We had very little to put down, so our mortgage payments are high. Since we lost my sister, it’s just my mom and myself. She has since retired and I’m carrying the bulk. I’d like to learn how to live on a tight budget while also planning for the future, other than my retirement through my job. I need to become a creative girl with my finances – in a GOOD way! :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:30 AM

      I’m so sorry about your sister :(

      Reply
  53. Katherine Euliano June 25, 2019 at 11:05 PM

    I am having trouble with conversations about money and the crazy part is that I work as a bank teller. Whenever someone makes a principal payment to a loan, I want to jump over the counter, hug them and tell them “You are doing a great job!” But I shy away. Many customers even ask me for advice with things and I’d like to be able to reference more than a Dave Ramsey book. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 7:31 AM

      I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU DO THAT!!! Hahaha…

      I would give you a raise in a heartbeat if I were your manager :)

      Reply
  54. Pat June 26, 2019 at 12:58 AM

    Sounds like a good book! I could use help with cleaning up cc chaos. Seems I take two steps forward and three back.

    Reply
  55. Lisa June 26, 2019 at 10:24 AM

    I need help with reigning in my spouse! LOL! ok, really . . . not kidding . . .. : )
    I would like help with saving better.

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 26, 2019 at 11:20 AM

      We need an app for that :)

      Reply
  56. Larry June 26, 2019 at 11:35 AM

    I need help with how to maximize my earnings so that I can invest more.

    Reply
  57. mel June 26, 2019 at 3:18 PM

    The one area of finances I need the most help with is planning for the future. I think I finally have my spending under control and am working on paying off remaining debt. So now that I have money left over after paying the bills, what do I do with it? How much should I be saving and where…

    Reply
  58. J. Zoo June 26, 2019 at 4:19 PM

    In a few months I will need help with figuring out how to navigate my finances in conjunction with my boyfriend’s. We’ve been splitting things 50/50 thus far and will likely continue. I’m a little more aware than he is so I’ve been slowly feeding him nuggets of financial information. I also make more money than him so when we have that conversation about shared financial goals, should it stay 50/50 or should it be proportional to our income (closer to 40/60)?

    Reply
    1. J. Money June 27, 2019 at 6:57 AM

      How about keeping a “house fund” where you both contribute to, but then spend/save any remaining money however you wish? That’s what we did when we moved in together before getting married :) (where now everything goes into the “house fund” and then divvied out from there…)

      Reply
  59. Jackie June 26, 2019 at 5:47 PM

    I would love to have the new Clever Girl Finance book to help me learn more about budgeting.

    Reply
  60. Nikki June 26, 2019 at 8:32 PM

    How to stick to a budget! I have a fantastic budget that I struggle to follow.

    Reply
  61. Tonya June 27, 2019 at 12:23 PM

    One area I need to focus more on is paying off debt. I know what and how to do it, I just need to focus and get it done. One area I definitely need more education in is investing.

    Reply
  62. Suz June 27, 2019 at 4:58 PM

    An area of my finances where I need help is retirement planning and tax optimization when the time comes. I also need help surrounding proper rebalancing and asset allocation.

    Reply
  63. Tiffany June 28, 2019 at 11:08 AM

    Investing! I definitely feel behind and a bit overwhelmed with my options.

    Reply
  64. Yanira Del Valle June 28, 2019 at 5:05 PM

    Books looks good. I am always looking for new finance material to read. Never stop learning!!

    Reply
  65. Matt w June 28, 2019 at 8:20 PM

    I need to stop worrying so much about them! I think about our finances most the day i. e. How can I make more money, what is my next side hustle, what don’t I know yet and how do I learn about it. We’re 33 but I can’t wait for retirement! Also…I need to get started on our will too :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money July 1, 2019 at 6:59 AM

      Are you worrying that you don’t have enough or won’t have enough later? Any way you can set your life up so it feels like you’re kinda-retired now even though you aren’t so you get a taste of it? (ie. like not working nights or weekends or looking for more passion-filled jobs…). Hopefully you’re *over* worrying and just trying to speed things up, but either way I know it’s not fun :( Another idea is connecting up with a financial advisor and having them reassure you that all is good! Or point you in a better direction if not!

      Reply
  66. Alissa B June 28, 2019 at 8:26 PM

    I need help with investments!

    Reply
  67. J. Money July 1, 2019 at 6:07 AM

    *** Giveaway now over ***

    Congrats to our two lucky winners!

    — Nita
    — Kathryn

    Thanks for participating, everyone :) I hope you still pick up the book even if you didn’t win it!

    Reply

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