The Smart Money Woman Digital Edition

by Arese Ugwu (Author)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 66 customer reviews

Meet Zuri. She’s living a fabulous life. Great car, gorgeous apartment, well paid job.

Meet Zuri. Broken down car, an apartment she cant afford, a job she’s about to lose.

What’s a broke girl to do?

With her best friends Tami (the flighty fashion designer), Lara (the tough oil and gas executive), Adesuwa (the conservative lawyer), and Ladun (the fabulous housewife), Zuri grows a little, learns a lot and navigates her way to making better financial decisions and building wealth.

This book tackles, debt, spending, the consumerist culture of the African middle class, the fear and misconceptions surrounding money and the lack of it, love, friendships, cultural and societal pressures and the roles they play in success. With each chapter comes a Smart Money Lesson, there to help you work your way up the financial ladder.

Meet The Author

Arese is the Founder of smartmoneyafrica.org apersonal finance platform for the African millennial. As a contributor to the Guardian newspaper, the host on Guardian TV’s new personal finance show “Your Life
Your Money” , and a co-host for “Analyse This” on Ndani TV, she has helped shape the new narrative on personal finance in the media.  She serves on several boards including House of Tara and the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation as a nonexecutive director, and is also an associate member of WIMBIZ, serving on its planning committee since 2015.   She was most recently a 2015 finalist for the Access Bank W Award for young professional of the year.  After eight years working in wealth management, Arese is now engaging young Africans on the importance of financial literacy and the impact it has on helping them get money, keep money and grow money as they drive the continent forward.  She holds an MSc in Economic Development from
University College London (UCL) and a BSc in Business and Management from Aston Business  School, Birmingham. She is also an alumna of the of 9 the Lagos Business School, INSEAD Abu Dhabi and The London Business School executive education programs.

Nwamaka Umeweni
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must read!
06 July 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
This book actually got me thinking about my life. It wasn’t necessarily the story about the girls that kept me going, but the messages, advice and tips on understanding and managing your finances. I have known for a while that something was wrong with the way I handle my finances. I thought the problem was simply overspending and buying things I don’t need, but I did not understand that it was beyond overspending. Halfway through the book, I started understanding what I wanted the money I earn to do for me. I was inspired enough to actually create a spreadsheet to assess my finances, particularly my spending habits. What I discovered on that spreadsheet shocked me to my bones and was a wake-up call. I’m really glad I bought this book and I am now inspired to take charge of my finances. The book is probably not for everybody, but it sure did speak to me.
62 people found this helpful

ChiflexTWG
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am Inspired!!! I Highly Recommend This Book!!!
26 June 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
This book is FANTASTIC!!! It breaks down financial tips in a way that any literate layperson (especially those like me who usually see financial language as ‘Latin’) who takes the time to read them would easily understand. It highlights the dangers of giving in to instant gratification and impulsive spending, and most importantly stresses on the importance of having a savings culture (whilst dividing your income into long term goals, short term goals and living expenses) and living within one’s means, while taking reasonable, active and conscious steps to attain the lifestyle that one desires. It also delves into areas that go beyond finance like discovering and fulfilling one’s purpose in life and finding ways to create value for oneself by solving specific problems for others, as well as the importance of having relationships (marital and otherwise) that reflect your way of thinking and where you aspire to get to in life (Reminds me of Amos 3:3 and Proverbs 27:17).
This book additionally took me down memory lane by its mention of a few places in Benin, having schooled in Edo State and been to Benin on countless occasions. I also like how she directly and indirectly raised a glass to several Nigerians (especially women) who have achieved and continue to achieve great things in their respective industries like Tara Fela Durotoye, Betty Irabor, Nimi Akinkugbe, Mo Abudu, Chef Fregz, Bolanle Austin-Peters to mention a few. This is a book that encourages its readers to reach for their dreams in a practical, sensible and well planned out manner. It encourages one to maximize one’s earning power by utilizing ones skill-sets, passions, talents, interests etc. and it does all of the above in a simple and intelligent fictional story telling manner about Zuri and her friends that makes it more relatable to the reader. The author’s intelligence, smartness, knowledgeability, and style (I must add) are very evident in this book and I give her 2 thumbs up for this wonderful book that has set me on a serious path to achieving personal financial growth and freedom. By God’s grace and by my utilization of same, as well as my application of the lessons in this book, I am on my way to becoming a Smart Money Woman!!!
PS: I was looking forward to seeing a glossary at the end of this great book to aid foreign readers in their understanding of particular Nigerian terms/phrases used in the book. Perhaps this is something the writer could consider in reprints of the book.
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One person found this helpful

Lola Lawal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must read if you need a reality finance check or can relate to being a young woman in 2017!
22 June 2019
Format: eBay Verified Purchase
This was such a great read. I’m a British born & raised Nigerian woman (25 years of age) yet I could still relate as I’m not far removed from the African culture!
Pros:
– Written very well in terms of relating it to the current culture of women today.
– It’s honest, the topics are raw but put across in such an entertaining manner
– A lessons learned summary at the end of each chapter
– Practical things you can actually do straight away are also put at the end of each chapter.

Cons:
– Probably too short lol! Can we get a part 2
– Perhaps more drama, although there are mild challenges, they seem to skim the surface and get better over a few months. So maybe an emphasis on more disasters.

Going to read the book again and do all the exercises x

D. Gilbert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great insights into combating financial insecurity
01 June 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
This book is fantastic because there are many people it can relate too with regards to debt caused by whatever reason and also poor financial decisions. Each page makes one not want to put the book down, it is very inticing and each chapter ends with extremely powerful financial tips which could be incorporated in ones life in order to overcome debt and have a healthier bank account/s and stock/bond/ assets portfolio.
I hope Arese Ugwu creates more books like this. I would look forward to reading them. I highly recommend purchasing this book.

Kosi Ejieji
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing!
24 May 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
I would recommend this book to any woman who wants to take control of their financial life! Being Nigerian, it was so very relatable. Including woes about marriage pressure from parents, family wahala and societal pressure to travel out and buy designer items also made it even more realistic and did not take away from the point which is to become a Smart Money Woman!
The story was so engaging and the smart money lessons that itemised everything and broke it down were just the best. I haven’t had just an entertaining and enlightening read in a long while. 100% recommend as a gift to family and friends.
I read the kindle version but best believe I’m guying a hard copy to reread the best parts and I don’t even like reading books twice!
A couple of grammatical errors and typos but I’ll excuse them.
One person found this helpful

Nkor1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would highly recommend for everyone! A really enjoyable book to read with insightful actionable points
11 May 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
Between the compelling characters, the hard to put down story line and the useful action steps and advice in each chapter, this has been the most enjoyable and aspirational book I’ve read in a very long time! I read a lot of money and self help books, but the advice in this book really inspires me to take action. I enjoyed the characters and the insight into a specific culture. There’s a self development section at the end of each chapter, which is extremely inspirational and comes with specific action steps. I found myself relating to Zuri and her friends, even though our countries and cultures are different. Where can I find more of this style of book?

Bibi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The African version of rich dad poor dad
19 April 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
The smart money woman is a book that every African woman should have on her library. Well written we are following the struggle of Zuri to maximize her money. This book teach us that financial indépendance does not happen overnight.
When the audible version will be available ?

Remi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must read for all (esp. Nigerian) women
18 April 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
I was a bit hesistant to buy this book , as I thought it would be a waste of time. However, I’m pleasantly surprised by the amount of information woven into a storyline of a typical Nigerian woman! I definitely recommend it to all women (especially Nigerian women). I really enjoyed how the storyline incorporated financial tips and insight into being a more financially independent person! I’m definitely looking forward to increasing my knowledge on how to become financially independent. Brb , going to fix my life!

O Ap
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oh my! Thank you Arese! This book has been insightful!
21 March 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
I got ideas on how to manage my finances going forwards and how to prioritise spending. Whilst the book appears geared primarily towards women, it would be of benefit to everyone. I need to reread some parts in order to make sure I have understood the lessons well enough to apply them.

Thanks again Arese Ugwu for breaking down complex financial talk into simple to understand concepts and illustrating them through stories.
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Books-For-Everyone Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must Read
20 March 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
I was a bit sceptical as first about reading this book. But I can honestly say the title of this book is so befitting to the content. If you want to make those wise financial steps and you’re not sure how to make it a reality, I’ll definitely recommend reading this book. I love the Zuri storyline and the little insights and exercises at the end of each chapter. Great read!!!!!! Arese truly did a great job with this one, I look forward to reading more of her books.

Nwamaka Umeweni
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must read!
18 March 2019
This book actually got me thinking about my life. It wasn’t necessarily the story about the girls that kept me going, but the messages, advice and tips on understanding and managing your finances. I have known for a while that something was wrong with the way I handle my finances. I thought the problem was simply overspending and buying things I don’t need, but I did not understand that it was beyond overspending. Halfway through the book, I started understanding what I wanted the money I earn to do for me. I was inspired enough to actually create a spreadsheet to assess my finances, particularly my spending habits. What I discovered on that spreadsheet shocked me to my bones and was a wake-up call. I’m really glad I bought this book and I am now inspired to take charge of my finances. The book is probably not for everybody, but it sure did speak to me.
Read more
10 people found this helpful

Books-For-Everyone Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ N/a
10 March 2019
N/a I don’t want to review. Why must it be compulsory? Nonsense idea to force ppl to review before leaving an app

ayo toma
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Money journal
07 March 2019
Format: eBookVerified Purchase
Quite an interesting perspective on growing money and making money work for one.
The books brings to light the many distractions along the journey to wealth creation.
The book also seeks to empower women to believe that in each one is the capacity to excel and thrive in the society by creating opportunities that ultimately makes you financially free.
A must for everyone.

Books-For-Everyone Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The best book ever
27 February 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
Miss Uwgu, I must admit at first I was not sure. Whether this book will meets my expectations. However when I decided to give it a try, I could not stop reading, I manage to finish the entire book within 2 days, it is addicting, curiousity, I just wanted to know more. i manage to read it during my night shifts. I just want to say thank you to Miss Ugwu.
I have learned so much from this book, I reflected it to my own life and decision I have made in the past and what I want to achieve. This is an eye opener. Thank you

Iyaalaje
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great book, love the delivery
17 February 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
This has given me a wake up call. So many lessons, going to read again and take time to go through the recommendations. A must read for all not just women and this is really needed for young adults to educate them before they enter the job market. Well done Arese.

Chinny
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Inspiring!
06 February 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
Personally, this book just gave me the big push that I needed to go out there and go for the things I want, believe in myself and do it with passion. Would definitely recommend to all young women especially those who are just starting/in the middle of their careers. It’s never too late to change your financial status.

ola
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eye opener
25 January 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
Brilliant and an eye opener,it helps me puts things in perspective financially and being able to accomplish what I have set for myself to do. Beautifully written. Definitely a book I recommend all women to read not just African. It is a book that enlightens you and gives you new meaning to money and how to own it and not let it run you. I finished it in 24 hours.

R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant
14 January 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
I love how the characters in this book are so relatable. I can see myself in them. The storyline is quite simple but I like how the essentials of money education are conveyed in every chapter and it makes one think about their own financial decisions. I recommend it to anyone who’s been trying to sort out their financial lives but can’t seem to find a way how. It’s all about your mindset!!

Asari
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You have to read this book!
12 January 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
This book was an absolute joy. I loved the fact the book reads like a Chick lit. It is educational and entertaining. Financial literacy for women is so important. The story of Zuri as well as her friends in the story really resonated with me. It has provoked to re-evaluate how I spend. This is a great book for African women but the principles are also applicable for any woman. This is a book i will always refer back to. A must read.

Books-For-Everyone Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best book I have Ever Read
10 January 2019
Format: eBook Verified Purchase
Simplest way to teach every woman (Nigerian or not) the keys to financial freedom. The concept of a story made it totally different from other finance books which could be boring. Had me glued for four straight hours. Absolutely enjoyed the book.
2 people found this helpful

Jully
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A money bible that every woman should own
08 January 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A fantastic and well written book- that every woman should own.

I have learnt from this book and hope to implement the teachings in how I manage and grow my portfolio.

Tolani A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Brilliant read
05 January 2019
Format: eBay Verified Purchase
The use of characters which every African female can relate to gives the book an edge and it also includes exercises so you can put what is taught into practice. I highly recommend!