The Clever Girls Know Podcast With Bola Sokunbi

403: How Brittany Crushed Her $39K Debt in 8 Months

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Brittany Charles, better known as Mrs. Fiscally Responsible, to talk about how she and her husband paid off $39,000 in debt in just 8 months—and turned that experience into a proven roadmap for others. As a personal finance coach and founder of Fiscally Responsible, Brittany helps women ditch debt, take control of their cash flow, and build sustainable wealth using simple, repeatable systems. She shares the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and accountability strategies that fueled her rapid payoff, along with the practical framework she now teaches her growing community to help them do the same.   What Brittany Discussed on the Podcast: How she became Mrs. Fiscally Responsible and the story behind the brand. The turning point that pushed her and her husband to fully commit to their debt-free journey. The biggest mindset shifts and sacrifices required during their 8-month payoff period. A breakdown of her specific debt payoff strategies and systems. The framework she created to help others replicate her results. How to move forward when debt feels overwhelming and impossible to tackle. The powerful role of accountability in accelerating financial progress. One thing she would do differently—and one thing she's glad she did exactly right. How becoming debt-free transformed her emotionally, mentally, and financially. Her clever girl superpower. Where to connect with her and learn more about her debt payoff framework.   How to Keep Up With Brittany: Instagram: @mrs.fiscallyresponsible Website: fiscally-responsible.com   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to pre-order now ❤ 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

402: How to Negotiate With Creditors (Even If You're Behind on Payments)

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to pre-order now If you're overwhelmed by credit card debt or behind on payments, negotiating with your creditors can make a real difference. On this episode, I walk you through how to confidently talk to your creditors, lower your interest rates, reduce monthly payments, and request temporary relief. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: What to say (including a sample script) What to ask for: lower rates, waived fees, hardship options What to avoid saying on the phone How to escalate when you're told "no" How to work with a nonprofit credit counselor How to protect your credit score during negotiations  AND SO MUCH MORE Even if you're already behind, it's not too late. You can do this.   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ 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

401: 3 Easy Ways to Start Investing—Without the Stock Market

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to pre-order now Today, I'm breaking down 3 easy, beginner-friendly ways to invest outside the stock market. Whether you're nervous about stock volatility or just want to explore other options, there are smart, accessible paths to build wealth that don't require buying shares.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to invest in your own business or side hustle Ways to grow your money with real assets (without buying a house!) Long-term investments that create lasting peace of mind and impact And more!  AND SO MUCH MORE This video is for you if, you're looking to diversify how you build wealth or you're curious about low-barrier ways to grow your money!   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ 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

400: Budgeting With Irregular Income? Try These Game-Changing Tips

New Book - Clever Girl Millionaire; A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions - Available to pre-order now A lot of people think budgeting only works with a steady paycheck.If your income changes month to month (freelance, commissions, motherhood seasons), this episode breaks down the only approach that actually worked for me. On this episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down how to budget when life keeps changing and your income isn't consistent. You'll learn practical, flexible budgeting strategies that help you stay in control of your money, even when your paycheck isn't predictable. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to create a baseline (bare‑bones) budget Why you should budget based on your lowest income months How to use a buffer account to smooth out income swings How to prioritize spending when money is tight Why sinking funds are essential for unpredictable expenses How to automate your finances without creating stress How to stay consistent, even when your income isn't Inconsistent income doesn't mean inconsistent progress. With the right systems and mindset, you can build stability, reduce anxiety, and make steady financial progress, no matter how much you earn each month.   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ 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

399: Start Early, Build Wealth - A Student's Guide to Financial Freedom With Paris Woods

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Dr. Paris Woods, bestselling author, financial educator, and founder of Freedom Unlimited LLC, for an inspiring conversation about helping students start early and build wealth. Known for her breakout book The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom, Paris returns with her newest release, The Student's Guide to Financial Freedom, written to empower first-gen, low-income, and BIPOC students with the tools they need to make confident money decisions early in life. With a background in education and a passion for equity, she breaks down the money myths young people face, offers actionable advice for avoiding common financial traps, and shares how students can lay the foundation for long-term financial success, starting right now.   What Dr. Paris Woods Discussed on the Podcast: Her mission to help young people build financial freedom and what inspired her to focus on student audiences. What led to the creation of The Student's Guide to Financial Freedom as a follow-up to her bestselling book. Gaps in traditional financial education and how her book fills them for first-gen, low-income, and BIPOC students. Why it's crucial for students to start learning about money in high school or college. Small but impactful steps students can take now to begin building financial independence. Common money myths and traps to avoid, especially around student loans and credit cards. How her book helps students who don't see themselves reflected in traditional financial advice feel seen and supported. Ways parents, educators, and mentors can support students in becoming financially confident early on. One lesson or habit every student should adopt to set themselves up for lifelong financial freedom. AND SO MUCH MORE   How to Keep Up With Dr. Paris Woods: Website: pariswoods.com Instagram: @authorpariswoods TikTok: @authorpariswoods Facebook: Author Paris Woods YouTube: Author Paris Woods Channel   More Clever Girl Finance Resources: ❤ 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