❤ 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.

• 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

• 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

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

Struggling to budget because you feel like you don't have enough money? You're not alone, and this is exactly when budgeting matters most.

On this podcast episode, I'm walking you through how to budget when you have no money using 8 practical steps that will help you take control, reduce stress, and create a financial plan even if you're starting from zero (or less). Whether you're dealing with debt, inconsistent income, or just feel like you're stuck, this episode is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to assess your finances when you're broke
• How to create a bare-bones budget that helps you survive and rebuild
• Ways to cut expenses fast without shame
• Simple strategies to track small wins and increase your income
• How to stay consistent, even when progress feels slow

Budgeting isn't just about dollars, it's about direction. The sooner you get a handle on what's coming in and going out, the sooner you can create a plan to move forward. Even if all you have is $5, this episode will show you how to make it work for you.

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

Big news, friends! Today's episode is a little different, and deeply special to me. I am officially announcing my brand new book, Clever Girl Millionaire: A Guide to Redefining What's Possible, Turning Ambitions into Actions, and Dreams into Millions!

This is my sixth book (technically my seventh!), and it represents years of lived experience, real mistakes, and the steady discipline required to build wealth in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on:

• Why I wrote this book: I didn't write this to sell you a dream or an overnight success story. I wrote it to show you how wealth can be built intentionally through mindset, systems, and patience.

• Sowing the seeds: Why your financial wellness is non-negotiable and how to start "Chapter 1" of your own millionaire mindset and millionaire journey.

• The Pillars of Prosperity: A sneak peek into the core areas I have focused on to become a millionaire: Earned Income, Investing, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurship.

• How you can help this book succeed! I'm sharing why pre-orders are the single most important way to support this message and help us reach more women!

If Clever Girl Finance has played a part in your journey, I would be so honored if you supported this launch!

👉 PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE: https://amzn.to/49M4J13

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

Feeling stuck with your finances, even when you're trying your best? Sometimes, it's not just about what you do with money... it's about what you believe about money.

In this episode, I'm sharing 5 toxic money beliefs that kept me financially stuck for years, and the mindset shifts that helped me break free. These aren't just budgeting tips. They're the internal narratives that quietly sabotage your goals and block your abundance.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The money lies we tell ourselves (and how to reframe them)
• How mindset directly impacts your saving, spending, and wealth-building
• What to believe instead so you can finally make consistent financial progress

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

On this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Melissa A. Rowe, M.Ed., award-winning Scholarship Specialist, College Coach, and founder of Capture Greatness!, to explore how students can graduate from college without the debt.

Melissa has helped students secure over $12 million in scholarships, including multiple Gates Millennium Scholars, and gain acceptance to elite institutions like Yale, UPenn, Cornell, Howard, and Morehouse—all while keeping their families financially secure.

As the author of Scholars Get Dollars and a Certified Financial Education Instructor™, Melissa believes college should be a legacy-building experience, not a lifelong financial burden. She shares practical strategies to find scholarships, busts myths about who qualifies for them, and explains how to turn the college journey into a launchpad for long-term wealth.

• Her journey into college coaching and why she's passionate about helping students graduate debt-free.

• The secret to standing out in the scholarship application process.

• Common myths about scholarships, and why they're not just for straight-A students.

• Where to find scholarships and how to start the search effectively.

• How she helps students get into top-tier schools with a financial strategy in place.

• What it really means to treat college as a wealth-building opportunity.

• Common mistakes families make when planning for college and how to avoid them.

• How she integrates financial education into the college planning process.

• Simple, actionable steps for families who feel behind or overwhelmed by college costs.

• A success story of a student who used scholarships to build a legacy, not just fund their education.

AND SO MUCH MORE

• Website: CaptureGreatness.org

• LinkedIn: Melissa A. Rowe

• Instagram: @CaptureGreatnessScholars

• YouTube: Capture Greatness Scholars

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

Did the past year leave your finances feeling off track; unexpected expenses, plans falling apart, or goals you just couldn't reach? If so, I want you to hear this first: You're not alone, and you're not stuck.

On this episode, I'm walking you through a 6‑step financial comeback plan to help you reset your finances after a rough year, without shame, guilt, or unrealistic pressure.

This is about regrouping, rebuilding, and moving forward with clarity and confidence.

You'll learn how to:

• Forgive yourself and reframe your money story
• Audit your finances and face the numbers with confidence
• Create a realistic "comeback budget" for your current season
• Rebuild a mini emergency fund, even if you're starting small
• Set clear, achievable financial goals for the next 3, 6, and 12 months
• Reset your finances with support, not shame

This reset isn't about perfection, it's about progress. Small steps taken consistently can completely change where you are a year from now.

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

It's a brand new year, and that means a fresh start, new goals, and big dreams. But before you try to do everything all at once… let's slow down.

In this episode, I'm sharing a gentle but powerful reminder: sustainable progress is so much better than quick burnout! You'll learn 4 simple things you can do this week to build real momentum with your money, no pressure, no overwhelm.

• Don't forget to check out the replay of our Goal Setting Call on YouTube for an extra dose of motivation to kick off your year strong: https://youtube.com/live/q8kt06jBUBU
• Be sure to grab your copy of My Wealth Plan Workbook to map out your year with intention: https://amzn.to/4qsAvHd

Ready to reset and refocus? Let's go!

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

** Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter: https://clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

🎉 Welcome to our annual goal-setting session at Clever Girl Finance!

This isn't about resolutions; it's about creating meaningful goals that align with the life (and money) you actually want.

As we close out 2025, this is your space to reflect, reset, and start building your 2026 blueprint, with clarity, peace, and purpose.

In this live session replay, we'll walk through:

• What 2025 taught you (and what to leave behind)
• Clearing out mental and emotional clutter
• Choosing your 2026 *word of the year* to stay grounded
• Simple, specific goals and habits to focus on Whether you're starting over, shifting gears, or staying the course, you're right on time.

This call will help you reconnect with your why and map out your next steps with intention. 📝 Grab a journal and join the conversation.

NEW BOOK AND RESOURCES:

• Clever Girl Millionaire is now available for pre-order (out March 31, 2026!): https://amzn.to/4p6Y2wf
• Join our 26-Week Savings Challenge: https://learn.clevergirlfinance.com/dashboard/space/26-week-savings-challenge/home
• Our new course platform + community is live; sign up today: https://clevergirlfinance.com/courses

LINKS TO CASH ENVELOPES BOOK AND STICKERS:

• Savings Challenge Envelopes Book: https://amzn.to/4jp4pbs
• Motivational stickers: https://amzn.to/4k5Nk7A
• Black girl christian stickers: https://amzn.to/3FaLO55

Let's make 2026 your most grounded and powerful year yet. 💫

❤ Subscribe to the weekly Clever Girl Finance Newsletter for financial motivation: https://clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

❤ Get the best-selling Clever Girl Finance Books: https://clevergirlfinance.com/books

❤ Get access to 30+ free courses, worksheets, savings challenges, and our favorite banking resources: https://clevergirlfinance.com/course-packages

❤ Schedule a 1-on-1 coaching call with team CGF: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/coaching

❤ Read the Clever Girl Finance Blog: https://clevergirlfinance.com/blog ❤ Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/clevergirlfinance

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

In this end-of-year episode, I'm reflecting on a season that stretched me in ways I never expected.

Losing my dad in August made 2025 one of the hardest years of my life, and navigating grief while showing up for my family, my business, and this community wasn't easy.

I share some of the bright spots that brought me grounding this year, and the incredible opportunities that continued to come to Clever Girl Finance even in a difficult season.

I'm stepping into 2026 with intention. Thank you for being here. Thank you for giving me grace. And thank you for being such a meaningful part of my journey. I'm excited for what we're building together in 2026.

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

Only have $100 to invest and wondering where to start? You're not alone, and yes, you can begin your wealth-building journey with just that!

In this beginner-friendly episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'd do if I only had $100 to invest, step by step.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to start investing with as little as $100
• Ideas of index funds to get started with (like FZROX, VTI, FXAIX, and more)
• How to build momentum and confidence as a first-time investor
• The importance of consistency over perfection

AND MORE

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

❤ Subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance newsletter for weekly motivation! clevergirlfinance.com/subscribe

You've probably heard it all before, "Just stop buying lattes." "Get a better job." "Cut out everything non‑essential."

But what if some of the most popular money advice doesn't actually work, at least, not for real life or in your current season of life?

On this episode, I'm breaking down six common pieces of financial advice that sound good but often fall flat, plus what to do instead to actually make progress with your money.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why "stop buying coffee" won't make you rich
• Smarter ways to increase your income (beyond "get a better job")
• The truth about saving vs. investing
• How to cut expenses without feeling deprived Why it's never too late to start building wealth
• How talking about money openly can transform your finances

AND MORE

Real wealth isn't built on trendy tips, it's built on smart, sustainable habits. Take the advice that fits your life, leave what doesn't, and keep moving forward.

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