The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Esther Bangura, a UK-based neurodivergent money coach, researcher, and podcast host, for an important conversation about managing money with ADHD and neurodivergence. After receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, Esther began to understand that many of the financial challenges she had experienced including debt, avoidance, overwhelm, and stress spending, weren't simply about a lack of discipline. That realization transformed the way she approached her own finances and ultimately shaped the work she does today helping neurodivergent adults build calmer, shame-free money systems. In this episode, Esther shares how neurodivergence can affect financial behaviors, why traditional budgeting and willpower-based advice may not work for everyone, and practical ways to use automation, simplification, and personalized systems to make managing money easier and more sustainable. What Esther Discussed on the Podcast: What neurodivergence means and how it can influence money management. How her adult ADHD diagnosis changed the way she understood her past financial struggles. Why difficulty managing money isn't always a discipline or willpower problem. The impact of executive function, emotional regulation, and overwhelm on financial behaviors. Understanding financial avoidance and practical ways to interrupt the cycle. Strategies for creating a pause between an impulse to spend and making a purchase. What a more neurodivergent-friendly approach to budgeting can look like. Using automation, separate accounts, reminders, and visual cues to reduce the mental load of managing money. Addressing debt without allowing shame to prevent financial progress. Recognizing when a financial system needs more consistency versus when the system simply isn't a good fit. Creating a calmer relationship with money for anyone who has internalized the belief that they're "bad with money." AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Esther: Follow Esther Bangura on Instagram: @bossofmymoney Learn more about Esther Bangura and her work: estherbangura.com Tune into her podcast - Neurodivergent Money Management: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GzXmbU6LwVtMF3DmJcBGm Latest Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Lara Olutunbi, Founder and Creative Director of LarAllan, a London-based contemporary handbag brand known for timeless statement pieces that blend sculptural design, functionality, and African heritage. Originally from Nigeria, Lara built an international career in financial services across the UK, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States before turning a lifelong passion for design into a business. After training at Central Saint Martins and completing the Fashion Executive Masterclass through the London School of Economics and Africa Fashion Week London, she founded LarAllan in 2017. Since then, the brand has earned international recognition through Nordstrom.com, the ADAN x Zalando Black-Owned Brands Accelerator, CANEX, and other global fashion platforms. In this episode, Lara shares how she made the transition from finance to fashion, the realities of building and growing a product-based business, the financial lessons that have shaped her as an entrepreneur, and why creating greater visibility for African luxury is such an important part of her work. What Lara Discussed on the Podcast: Her journey from an international career in financial services to founding LarAllan. Turning a lifelong passion for design into a viable fashion business through education and preparation. The early realities of launching a handbag brand, from funding and manufacturing to product development and finding customers. The challenges of building and growing an independent luxury accessories brand. Financial lessons around pricing, inventory, cash flow, and deciding where to invest in the business. How her finance background shaped her approach to risk, growth, and strategic decision-making. What a career in finance couldn't prepare her for about entrepreneurship. Creating opportunities that led to international recognition and retail placement on Nordstrom.com. How to evaluate opportunities and say no when something doesn't make financial or strategic sense. What African luxury means to her and the importance of increasing its visibility within the global fashion industry. The decisions and lessons that have shaped nearly a decade of building LarAllan. Advice for women who want to explore a creative business idea without immediately walking away from an established career. AND SO MUCH MORE How to Keep Up With Lara: Shop on Website: https://LarAllan.com and on Nordstrom.com Instagram: @larallan Latest Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

AI can help you plan a vacation, write an email, compare products, and answer almost any question you can think of, so it's no surprise that more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for help with their money, too. In this episode, I break down how to use AI as a helpful financial education and research tool without handing over your financial decision-making. From understanding financial concepts and asking better questions to recognizing when AI might be giving you incomplete, outdated, or simply incorrect information, this conversation is all about staying informed and keeping yourself in the driver's seat. What you'll learn: The difference between financial education and personalized financial advice Smart ways to use AI to learn about money Why AI doesn't know your complete financial situation How AI can give incorrect information with a lot of confidence Why changing tax rules, contribution limits, and regulations should always be verified The risks of blindly following AI-generated investing recommendations Financial and personal information you should be cautious about sharing with AI How to use AI to ask better financial questions instead of making decisions for you Why consequential financial information should be verified with trusted primary sources When it may make sense to consult a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional Why financial literacy matters even more in the age of AI How to keep yourself, not AI, as the CEO of your financial life The bottom line: AI can be your research assistant, brainstorming partner, and financial education tool, but it shouldn't become the CEO of your financial life. Use it to become a more informed decision-maker—not to hand over your decision-making. New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Emily and Cassidy, co-hosts of The Finance Girlies podcast, for a practical conversation about managing money as a freelancer, creative, or anyone with a nontraditional career. After spending more than a decade writing and editing personal finance content for brands like Yahoo, Experian, and NerdWallet, they realized that much of the financial advice available simply didn't reflect the realities of Millennial and Gen Z women. Together, they share why traditional money advice often falls short for freelancers and entrepreneurs, along with practical strategies for managing inconsistent income, planning for retirement without an employer, building financial stability, and creating systems that make running a business, and your finances, feel far less overwhelming. What Emily and Cassidy Discussed on the Podcast: Why traditional financial advice often misses the realities of Millennial and Gen Z women. How conventional money advice falls short for freelancers, creators, and self-employed professionals. Practical strategies for managing inconsistent income and improving cash flow. Retirement planning options for freelancers and business owners without employer-sponsored plans. The financial foundation to build before leaving a traditional job to freelance or start a business. The financial realities of working for yourself that social media often overlooks. Common money mistakes freelancers and creatives make—and how to avoid them. Financial systems and habits that help business owners stay organized and confident. How young professionals can prepare for a future where careers and income are increasingly nontraditional. Their best financial advice for freelancers and creatives just starting out. How to Keep Up With Emily and Cassidy: Website: thefinancegirlies.com Behind the scenes of how they manage their finances: thefinancegirls.com/bts Instagram: @thefinancegirlies New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

Money changes your life, but it doesn't magically erase fear, self-doubt, comparison, or the money stories you've carried for years. In this video, I'm sharing a side of building wealth that doesn't get talked about enough. After building a business, writing six books, and reaching financial milestones I once only dreamed about, I've learned that wealth isn't just about growing your bank account. It's about growing into the person who can manage, protect, and enjoy it. You'll learn: Why money mindset work never truly ends The new financial decisions that come with building wealth Why comparison never really goes away The fear of losing what you've built Learning to actually enjoy your success Why your financial journey is never a straight line If you've ever wondered why reaching a financial goal didn't magically change how you feel about money, this conversation is for you. New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Myasi Jackson for an inspiring conversation about building financial stability against the odds. Myasi shares her journey from living in a group home, working low-wage jobs, and focusing on survival to creating a life grounded in financial confidence, intentionality, and long-term growth. Along the way, she navigated challenges including debt, eviction, living paycheck to paycheck, and taking an unconventional path through college before earning her degree at 30. Most recently, she won a $10,000 financial challenge—an achievement that reflects years of consistency and commitment to changing her financial future. Through her story, Myasi offers encouragement, practical lessons, and proof that meaningful financial progress is possible no matter where you start. What Myasi Discussed on the Podcast: Her financial journey from living in a group home and working low-wage jobs to building stability and confidence. How early life experiences shaped her relationship with money. The difference between surviving financially and intentionally building wealth. The mindset shift that helped her stop seeing herself as unfortunate and start seeing herself as capable and deserving. How budgeting worked when money was extremely tight. Lessons learned from experiencing eviction, debt, and living paycheck to paycheck. Her perspective on using debt strategically and understanding the difference between helpful and harmful debt. Staying committed to long-term goals despite setbacks and an unconventional college journey. What winning a $10,000 financial challenge taught her about consistency, opportunity, and growth. The habits that had the biggest impact on her financial transformation. Encouragement for anyone who feels behind or discouraged about their financial progress. What financial success means to her today. How to Keep Up With Myasi Jackson: Follow on Instagram: @myasijanne New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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

If you've paid off your debt… first of all, congratulations. That is a huge financial milestone. But here's the truth most people don't talk about: What you do next matters just as much as paying it off. Because if you don't have a plan, that extra money can disappear just as quickly as it used to go toward debt. On this episode, I'm walking you through 10 smart money moves to make after paying off debt so you can stay debt-free and start building real wealth. You'll learn: What to do immediately after paying off debt How to avoid lifestyle creep Where to put your extra money now How to build your emergency fund the right way How to start investing after debt How to shift your mindset from debt-free to wealth builder This is your next chapter. Paying off debt is often about survival. What comes next is about ownership, investing, and long-term wealth. New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to order now 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 If you just had a baby, or you're about to, your life has changed in a big way. And your finances? They've changed too. In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 essential money moves every new parent needs to make right now to protect their family and build long-term financial security. These are practical, real-life steps you can take immediately—even if you're exhausted and short on time. Because the truth is: the decisions you make in these early months can have a lasting impact on your financial future. You'll learn key tips on: How to update your budget for your new reality Why your emergency fund needs to grow—and by how much What to know about adding your baby to health insurance Why life insurance is critical once you have a child Updating your beneficiaries and create a will Starting to save for college with a 529 plan Thinking through your income and career plan as a parent Why automating your savings is a game-changer For new and expecting parents: Whether you're a new mom, expecting your first baby, or growing your family, these money tips will help you feel more confident and prepared with your finances. 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