Financial Education Instructor and founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi is using her wealth management skills to teach others how to make the most of their funds.
According to the entrepreneur, she was able to save up her first $100,000 before she reached the age of 30. After achieving the feat, Sokunbi sought out advice from a financial planner who expressed doubt about how the young businesswoman acquired so much money on her own.
The last child of the family of four recalled being “infuriated” by the planner’s skepticism after working hard to make the most out of her 401(k) from the first corporate job she landed right out of college.
“I saved a good amount, and I was like, ‘The right thing to do is go to a financial planner’s office. That’s what the books say,’” Sokunbi recalled.
Meanwhile, she was only earning a salary of $54,000 and bringing home $40,000 after taxes and was able to save so much before the age of 30. Now she uses her company, Clever Girl Finances, to teach other women how to take control of their finances.
“As a certified financial educator and money expert, my goal is to help women just like you take charge of their finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, build real wealth and get you in control of the life you REALLY want to live. My mother did it, I’m doing it for myself and now, so can you”.
She shares the four tips for making and saving money when working a corporate job. “What I did are things you can do right now, on your own, and they were:
- Contributing to my employer-sponsored retirement account.
- Keeping my expenses low.
- Saving half of my salary and most or all of every bonus, raise and tax refund I received, and
- Increasing my income by starting my own side business (a wedding & lifestyle photography business) that earned me $40,000 in the first two years.
And most importantly, believing in myself and developing the mindset that I could succeed – especially when other people doubted that I could do it.
Sokunbi also encourages women to start a side hustle. Hers turned into wedding photography that earned her an extra $10,000 in her first year and $30,000 in her second.
According to reports, her new book, The Side Hustle Guide, walks readers through mastering a well-paid side gig that can earn you $100K in your bank account in no time.
“When I am not working or pursuing my other interests, I dedicate my time to my wonderfully supportive husband and our beautiful twins. I am passionate about my family, faith, and friendships,” she said.
