Arese Ugwu - The Smart Money Woman

PRAISE

FOR

THE SMART MONEY WOMAN

A practical, no-holds-barred guide to building wealth for the 21st century African woman. Written in an engaging style and full of actionable strategies, this money book is a must-have for every bookshelf.

Aisha Ahmad

Chairperson, WIMBIZ & Head, Consumer Banking & Wealth, Diamond Bank

A journey through personal finance written from a truly African context by a gifted young woman who seeks to reposition and redefine the way we think about the subject.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON,

President, The Nigerian Stock Exchange

There can't be any question whether the concept of finance is important for every woman, and this book brings it to life. Arese provides insights, real-world examples and practical advice about the importance of getting it right. She has again showed us money is a partner in a relationship that must thrive for us to enjoy! Completely educative, easy to read, and most enjoyable.

Osayi Alile

Head, ACT Foundation

Unprecedented. A Nigerian woman's answer to 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad'. Using prose and a mirror, Arese demystifies the art of money making by analysing and conquering the African woman's fear of investments. She tackles the financial taboos and shackling mindsets using our everyday realities to connect. A must read!

Bolanle Austen-Peters

Producer, Director, & Founder, Terra Kulture & BAP Productions

An entertaining way to learn about money ushering in a new narrative of Africa, specifically of the African woman in the 21st centuryher perspective, her ambitions, her journey, flaws and all, but wholly hers.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,

Chairman & CEO, Dangote Group

Great storytelling with a strong message and focus on changing or improving your view on money matters. You have a good laugh, set in a familiar place, and most of all you close the book determined to change your money habits.

Tara Fela-Durotoye

Founder, House of Tara

A must-read for anyone looking to have a better understanding of financial literacy. Arese provides a straight-talking, practical, step-by-step approach to a better financial future. A great self-help guide for the young, driven, entrepreneurial African woman.

Peace Hyde

Correspondent, Forbes Africa

Arese puts an interesting and picturesque spin on how women can better manage her money in the book 'The Smart Money Woman'. She addresses the issue of money management in a way every woman can relate to. The style is mellifluous yet profound in its message.

Betty Irabor

Publisher, Genevieve Magazine

Arese wraps fundamental truths in humour and real life relatable experiences, impacting knowledge and a guide to making better choices financially. Such a breath of fresh air for the 21st century woman on her way to financial freedom.

Toke Makinwa

Celebrity & Media Entrepreneur

Money is a hard topic to think and talk about, but Arese breaks it down and removes the fear and discomfort for young African women.

Afua Osei

Co-Founder, She Leads Africa

'The Smart Money Woman' is the modern African woman's book and Zuri's captivating story will keep you turning the page. The real kicker comes in the Smart Money Lessons included in every chapter; easily digestible but vital lessons on how to get started up the financial success ladder. You get double the value with this bookan entertaining read and a valuable education. Well done, Arese.

Uche Pedro

Founder, BellaNaija

THE SMART MONEY WOMAN

An African Girl's Journey to Financial Freedom

ARESE UGWU

Copyright 2016 Arese Ugwu

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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ISBN 9781785897603

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Matador is an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd

Meet The Author

Arese is the Founder of smartmoneyafrica.org a personal finance platform for the African millennial. As a contributor to the Guardian newspaper, the host on Guardian TVs 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 non-executive 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 the Lagos Business School, INSEAD Abu Dhabi and The London Business School executive education programs.

For my daughter Zikora.

I hope this inspires you to live life fearlessly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'm officially an author guys! This journey has been unreal and there are a number of people I would like to thank because I couldn't have done it without them.

My parents, who taught me early on to be fearless in the pursuit of my dreams. My dad, who started talking to me about the capital markets from the age of seven. My mum who taught me the value of money and made me track my expenses every term and threatened not to give me pocket money if I didn't. Thank you!

My siblings Isoken, Kolapo and Ivie who are absolute rock stars! You took the time to read all the different versions of this book and were my first set of critics and encouragers. I love you.

My BFFs Nadine Domingo, Nnenna Okoye, Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Toke Makinwa and Eniola Taiwo. You all listened to me go on and about the characters in the book like they were our friends in real life and allowed me to test out dialogue. I love you guys. Thank you for your patience and support.

To my mentors, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Tara Fela Durotoye and Osayi Alile, who have all taught me that no goal is too big, continuously challenge me to set new goals and smash them. Your investment in me can never be repaid. I am extremely grateful.