Wednesday 31 January 2018

Book Review: The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu



I have read fiction books, but this one stands out. I’m particularly in awe of this book because it teaches you about the real value of money and finance in general. Aside from the author’s will to ‘Nigerianise’ the concept, she did a wonderful job by pointing women’s focus at working for their own money, while depending less on ‘Sugar Daddies’ and ‘Rich boyfriends.’
In twelve chapters, Arese Ugwu depicted a young woman or what you call a lady – Zuri – from being broke to living her dreams and pursuing her every goal. You have probably been told numerous times that you’re the average of all the people in your circle. Nothing is truer. In The Smart Money Woman, Ugwu outlined this in the best possible manner.
You can’t read a chapter of the book without highlighting one or two sentences. Although, I wished she used more finance terms that will intrigue people like me. I didn’t like the fact that she explained almost every finance term. Readers should be allowed to do their assignments. Also, Zuri is a realtor, and she is expected to know the meanings of ‘asset allocation’ and ‘investment portfolio.’ She didn’t have to be astounded hearing those words when she met Oomosede. Overall, I love the book.
Some quotes I’m taking home: “Nigerian women have to be the CFOs of their financial lives and learn to take control of the income they earn now, instead of waiting for their incomes to increase in the future before they learn to manage money.” “Instead of worrying without action, we need to plan for emergencies.” “You need to get clear on what your goals are so you can spend and earn intentionally.” “Society and culture sells young African girls the lie that marriage is the financial security they should aspire to.” “…Bring value to a marriage and not depend solely on a man for my bread and butter.” “…Most African women are great at saving but they tend to save to spend instead of saving to build.” “…It’s more important to be entrepreneurial in your thinking…”

I believe this book should be made into a movie. Movies have a wider reach than books. It’d really teach our women the importance of finance. I’d recommend this to just anyone – men and women, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. 

Timmylehyn Okungbowa
Founder, GuysNetwork; Environmentalist; Business and Tech Analyst/Consultant; Writer

+2348136830824

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