Clever Girl Finance, Expanded & Updated

BOLA SOKUNBI is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), investor, finance expert, speaker, podcaster, and the founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance platforms for women in the U.S. Through her platform, she empowers women to achieve real wealth and live life on their own terms.

• About the Author xiAlso by Bola Sokunbi xiiiAcknowledgments xvWelcome to the Expanded and Updated Edition of This Book! xviiYou Are in the Right Place xixHow to Use This Book xxiIntroduction xxiiiMy Story xxxiPart I The Start 1Your What and Your Why 3Chapter 1 Your Mindset 11Let Go of Your Money Mistakes 13Becoming Emotionally Balanced for a Positive Money Mindset 18Meet Dr. Chavonne Perotte 23Dream Big: Affirm Yourself to Being Wealthy 27Shift Your Circle of Influence 32Meet Latoya Scott 37Chapter 2 Get Organized 41Get Your Records In Order 43Track Your Spending 50Identify Your Bad Money Habits 55Meet Christina Mychas 61Know Your Net Worth 67Meet Brittney Suttle 70Define Your Values 73Set Your Goals 75Meet Molly Stillman 78Part II The Plan 81Chapter 3 Budgeting 83Budgeting 101: The Basics 85Setting Up Your Budget Using Categories 87Budgeting Styles 90Don’t Ignore Your Money Leaks 96Common Budgeting Challenges and How to Get Out of Your Own Way 100Rewarding Yourself 102Meet Esther Bangura 106Budgeting on an Inconsistent Income 111Budgeting on a Low Income 113Budgeting as a Couple 115The Save Yourself Fund: Your Emergency Savings 121Sinking Funds to Stay on Track 124My Story: How I Saved over $100,000 in Three Years 126Chapter 4 Debt and Loans 131Let’s Talk About Debt Because It Sucks 133Paying Off Your Debt 139Student Loans: Facts and Basics 145Meet Melisa Boutin 146Where to Start with Your Student Loans 148Ideas to Pay Off Your Debt Fast 155Meet Naseema McElroy 160Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards 162Meet Monica Louie 164Chapter 5 Investing 171Investing 101 173Meet Adeola Omole 182Investing for Retirement 185How to Start Investing 192Meet Mabel Nunez 197Part III The Necessary 203Chapter 6 Credit 205Credit 101 207Credit Scores 209Busting Credit Myths 218Compromised Information 221Meet Rosemary A.B. 223Chapter 7 Protecting Yourself 229Creating a Backup Plan with the Right Insurance 231Recession- Proofing Your Finances 239Meet Ashlee Sang 247Chapter 8 Making More Money 251Negotiating to Win 253Meet Steph May 259Side Hustles 266Meet Lucille Roache 271Chapter 9 Your Self- Care 277Nuturing Your Self- Care Alongside Your Financial Wellness Because Yes 279Chapter 10 Key Financial Actions 285Steps to Keep Your Financial Plans Intact 286In Closing 291Appendix 293Index 297