I recently finished reading Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money, and I must say, this book exceeded my expectations. As someone who is always eager to deepen my understanding of personal finance, particularly investing, I was drawn to this title because its premise felt incredibly welcoming—it promised to break down the intimidating world of finance in an approachable way, specifically for women.
Author Bola Sokunbi brings a refreshing voice to the complex realm of investing. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor and founder of Clever Girl Finance, she has crafted this book to empower women—whether they’re complete beginners or those looking to refresh their financial strategies. The book teaches readers exactly how investing works and how to leverage it for long-term wealth, making it clear that you don’t need a fancy finance degree to embark on this journey.
One of the standout features of the book is its practical, no-nonsense approach. I particularly appreciated how Sokunbi illustrates key concepts with relatable stories and examples. As mentioned in a review by Gen, readers can take notes and leave the book feeling more confident about their investment knowledge. Her method of unfolding complex topics into easily digestible pieces resonated well with me; I found myself nodding along as I read, realizing just how empowering this information could be.
Another positive aspect is the encouragement to build a nest egg and plan for your future. Bola emphasizes the critical difference between making money and building wealth—a distinction that I found particularly enlightening. Many readers, including Kay-Ann, echoed this sentiment, noting how the book simplifies what can be a daunting subject and instills confidence in pursuing financial goals.
However, no book is without its drawbacks. A few readers pointed out that while the book is tailored for beginners, some concepts might feel overly basic for those already familiar with personal finance. This was the case for keeshaun, who identified themselves as intermediate in financial knowledge but still valued the “good financial overview” the book provided. For me, this aspect felt like a double-edged sword. While I appreciated the straightforward language, I sometimes craved a delve into more advanced concepts.
In addition, a few readers mentioned that the book could benefit from more comprehensive coverage of diverse investment options. That said, considering its targeted audience, the focus on foundational knowledge is quite effective for anyone just starting out.
In terms of writing style, Sokunbi’s lively and relatable tone made the content feel accessible and personal. This made for a delightful reading experience; it felt less like a textbook and more like a friendly chat over coffee—something many readers, including Jami, can agree with. The real-world success stories from “clever girl investors” sprinkled throughout the narrative add both inspiration and relatability, reinforcing the message that investing is within reach for everyone.
Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend Clever Girl Finance to anyone looking to unravel the intricacies of investing without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re completely new to this topic or looking to solidify your foundational knowledge, this book serves as an inspiring stepping stone.
With a current rating of 4.7 stars from readers, it’s clear this guide resonates with many. I, too, found it a satisfying companion on my investment journey, instilling confidence and clarity in many areas. If you’re a woman eager to take control of your financial future, Clever Girl Finance is undoubtedly a worthwhile addition to your reading list!