REVIEW AND LESSONS FROM ARESE UGWU’S ‘ THE SMART MONEY TRIBE’

Though this book centered on women and their struggle to balance earning and spending, it is a book with financial lessons on investments, good risks, business mistakes and it is for everyone. Through the book we get to see the collaborative power of women in wealth generation, we get to see friendships geared at helping one another attain financial freedom. This wasn’t a rag to riches story, but the middle class struggles was covered here to show that the rich also cry. There was a rich combination of personalities; both male and female. While some had nasty sides (Adesuwa’s husband), others were just stars in their own way. This book teaches money matters women should be made aware of, leveraging on what you have to get what you want.

ZURI

Zuri was earning more but was at risk of falling back into old habits, increasing her expenses alongside her income, which is a trap most people fall into, but is an overall unhealthy money habit. But through her friends she realized her falling out and got better at managing and investing her money. She is also a good example of rising from mistakes and going big, even after the misunderstanding with Tsola concerning her ex, she worked on being a better person.

“A smart woman is one who knows that improving her Net Worth is more important than upgrading her wardrobe”.

LARA

Lara was always the money getter, due to her building grit after her father’s death. But that didn’t stop her money problems and because she let family indirectly control her money, she was left at a loss after her mum’s burial. However, being a strong woman, she set out to get a new job and make an impact there rising again to be the money mogul she was.

“The true test of friendship is when bad things happen-true friends mourn with you when you're mourning and celebrate with you when you're celebrating”

TAMI

Tami was a daddy’s girl, who started her fashion brand as a hobby. As soon as she realized her money mistakes, she picked up the reins and through the help of Tsola got back on her feet and became a responsible business owner, critical about her expenses and income.

LADUN

Her fall from being the cream of the crop, did not paralyze her, even when she was dispirited about her 9–5 she showed up and did her part. She was a supportive partner to Bode and didn’t run off when the going was tough, rather together they rebuilt their life around their new reality. Also, when she was appointed to work with the new team she let her expertise shine through and with the help of her friends, she got a side hustle in her job. This shows the power in leveraging.

“No matter how hard it gets, try to keep yourself in the game and maintain a champion Mindset because once you give into negative mindset, you've already lost”

ADESUWA

A strong woman who because of family and societal pressure almost lost herself to the circle of financial abuse. A successful lawyer who was going through deep personal issues that constantly drained her mentally. But in the end she made the decision to rid herself of that which was threatening her peace.

The truth is simple: You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm

TSOLA

Tsola was a go getter, risk taker, goal driven man who had his priorities right. He never settled for less and maintained same energy even in his relationship with Zuri.

The Smart Money Tribe is an exciting and knowledge packed book which does not only deserve a place in our bookshelf , but deserves to be read and reread as many times as possible. Also, what better gift can you share with your family and friends other than this? So cheap, but yet so rich!

Remember, a smart woman is one who knows that improving her Net Worth is more important than upgrading her wardrobe!

Written by Anah Zita

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