Book Review | The Smart Money Woman

The Smart Money Woman by new author, Arese Agwu was a book I picked up hoping to learn a few lessons from. However, I only had to read the first few pages of the sample I’d downloaded before I realised that I had chanced upon a life-changing masterpiece.

The text introduces us to Zuri, a young professional Lagosian female, supposedly living her best life; she has a good job, rents her own apartment in no other neighbourhood but Lekki, and has a girl gang of equally stylish and successful female friends. But underneath the surface, she is really a struggling woman unable to pay her bills, at loggerheads with her landlord, and riding on the cusp of becoming laid off.

The question is, how will Zuri overcome her monetary woes and come into a life of financial freedom? This is the incredible journey the reader embarks on with Zuri as she peels back the layers of facade she has built for herself and deals with the core of her money problems.

Real-life lessons

What sets this book apart is the fact that the chapters of the story are intercepted with reflective “Smart Money Lessons” and real exercises that can be immediately implemented. This allows the reader to enjoy the narrative as well as learn in a practical way. If you follow the lessons as you progress through the book, you could potentially transform your life by the time you reach its conclusion. How ingenious?

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As an avid lover of African literature, I was excited at the fact that the story is set in Lagos, Nigeria. There are several references made to modern Nigerian societal norms, from the aspiration to find a sugar daddy to the constant pressure to spend plenty of nairas on a different aso-ebi each week. This book is basically a literary version of Nollywood – with more than one valuable lesson to learn!

What is financial security?

What becomes glaringly obvious is that many of the money woes that Lagosians, and by large many Africans face are underpinned by cultural and societal norms. Why is it as Africans, we feel immense pressure to constantly keep up appearances? Why is it taboo to be seen in the same outfit at more than one function?

Sassy, sexy wahala

Aside from Zuri who is dealing with her own wahala, we also meet other characters fighting their fair share of trouble. Cue Adesuwa, na correct babe wei dey earn plenty money...the only problem is she is married to the philanderer of all philanderers; the habits of her underachieving, cheating husband plunges her further into the bottomless pool of debt. Or what about Ladun, a wonderful housewife, dedicated to her family, but without any of her own dough? In the words of Lara, one of Zuri’s friends, “society and culture sell young African girls the lie that marriage is the financial security they should aspire to”.

But for every Adesuwa or Ladun, there is also a “head-screwed-on” kinda woman, with her business and finances together. Meet Ijeoma the super networker, or Omosede the investment worker. Together, the different characteristics of these financially stable women (and others) are an accumulation of the one financial powerhouse of a girl boss that we should all aspire to be.

The business of love

My favourite character (aside from Zuri of course!) is Tsola, Zuri’s love interest and the voice that would trigger Zuri’s journey to financial freedom. His instructions to “write down what your perfect day would look like”, to me was the catalyst for Zuri’s life-changing journey. He is first introduced as a very hostile and impatient character, but as you flick through the pages, you come to find that im be correct guy! Every good story needs a bit of romance, but Zuri’s and Tsola’s love story isn’t one of frivolity. Ladies, I think we have a lot to learn from this partnership.

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Receiving gifts and being treated to dinner is nice, but your man should also be invested in helping you to better yourself!

My biggest takeaway from this is that in a world where everyone wants to quit their 9 to 5 and venture into entrepreneurship, not all are called to be businesswomen. But rather, whether a nine-to-fiver or a businesswoman, the important thing is to have an entrepreneur’s mentality. I.e: manage your salary, investments, and side hustle like a boss! In other words, get your shit together!

In conclusion

Can you tell that I really enjoyed this book?! Ha! Honestly, it was written with sass and simplicity so even the most laywoman can understand it and begin to make changes. If you are looking for a life-changing read, peppered with a bit of sassy, sexy wahala, then The Smart Money Woman is the one. Thank you sister Arese for providing financial literacy to thousands of African Women!

I downloaded my copy on Amazon Kindle. You can purchase yours here! 
Are you tempted to make a purchase? Can you please recommend a good read? Comment below!

mumu = dunce
wahala = trouble
aso-ebi = uniform fabric (lace, wax print or velvet) worn by the close friends and family of a celebrant)

Bella Naija = one of Nigeria’s top socialite blogs

27 Comments

  1. Maz #DoBetterEveryday
    January 9, 2018 / 6:58 pm

    Love this review! Seems like a very interesting & insightful read. I am definitely going to add this to my reading list. You have definitely sold it to me! http://www.dobettereverydayblog.wordpress.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 10, 2018 / 9:10 am

      It is a very interesting indeed! Please do add it to the list, you won't be wasting your time at all!

  2. Zinny
    January 10, 2018 / 6:05 pm

    I've read several reviews about this book. I also love African literature. I guess I should buy it soon. Thanks for sharing! And have a great year ahead.www.zinnyfactor.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 10, 2018 / 10:30 pm

      African literature is also my favourite genre. Please do buy it – it's a great investment!

  3. MJ Junior
    January 11, 2018 / 8:54 am

    Wow! Awesome review. I have known abou this book for a while now but never got round to reading it. But with your review I'm definitely checking it out soonest!www.tlmurban.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 11, 2018 / 11:05 am

      Thank you. I'm happy you enjoyed the review. Definitely add it to your list this year. You won't regret it!

  4. Oluwakemi Loriade | LoriKemi
    January 12, 2018 / 3:48 pm

    I've heard or read 'Smart Money Arese' a couple of times over the last year or so but never really bothered to figure out what that was about. Thanks so much for this comprehensive review – I can't wait to read the book now! Are there other (similar) Nigerian books or authors that you highly recommend? || http://www.lorikemi.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 12, 2018 / 6:34 pm

      Hi Lorikemi, you are most welcome. I really do hope you get the chance to read the book. Have you tried Lola Shoneyin, Sharon Abimbola Salu or Tokin Makinwa? Then of course there are some of the giants, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ama Ata Aidoo (Ghanaian). Let me know what you think

  5. kezia
    January 17, 2018 / 1:39 pm

    I totally love this book Madeline. My favorite of all timesThanks for the review!!www.kezzygrace.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 27, 2018 / 2:47 am

      It has definitely taken up space on my 'all time favourites' list. Many thanks for reading.

  6. Bubu Green
    January 17, 2018 / 2:50 pm

    I've heard about this book. What a great review. What you said about Tsola is one thing I do when everything gets so mushed up and tiring in my head. I just ask myself, "How would you want your life to be in a perfect world?" and that makes me keep my eyes stayed on my goals even with circumstances that could try my race. As for keeping up appearances, it's still baffling. It's something I kick against. I recall talking about it severally on my blog. It doesn't even make sense to wear a dress once except your wedding dress. If you are not being sponsored by a stylist, kindly repeat your outfits. I could have a lot of clothes but I'd always wear the ones I'm most comfortable in. So I'm sorry for those checking me out cos you'd see a lot of repetition. Lol.www.bubusboulevard.com

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      January 27, 2018 / 2:50 am

      Haha! Sorry for those checking you out indeed. I don't see what the big deal in repition is either. Is it not money that was used to buy those items? But I guess that's our Instagram culture for you. With regards to the book, grab a copy if you can.πŸ˜‰

  7. Branding Service
    March 31, 2018 / 12:50 pm

    Even if you are going to write a novel, you will find aspects of research you will need to do. Sometimes the research is just simple fact-checking. Excellent

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      April 4, 2018 / 11:56 am

      Yup! There is nothing worse than inaccuracy! A simple fact check can make all the difference

  8. Core vpro
    May 18, 2018 / 1:20 pm

    I am glad you take pride in what you write. This makes you stand way out from many other writers that push poorly written content. manifestation

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      May 21, 2018 / 3:20 pm

      Wow! Thank you very much.

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    June 3, 2018 / 11:59 pm

    You can get that motivation through various means. Play great music, live for the compliments that come as your body starts changing, (gotta love that attention), buy that outfit or swimsuit you want to wear this summer and look at it everyday, or even tape a picture of you with that body of your dreams all over the house. WomenToday

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