Before we close out this year, I wanted to pause, and say thank you. Truly.
Your support, your messages, your listens, your shares, your comments on social media, your emails… every single one has meant more to me than I can put into words. You showed up for me this year in ways I didn’t even expect, and I don’t take that for granted.
This has been a year of growth, yes. But it has also been one of the hardest seasons of my life.
As many of you know, I lost my dad in August. Navigating that grief, while still showing up for my family, my business, and this incredible community, felt impossible some days. There were moments when I genuinely didn’t know if I could keep going. Moments where I wanted to disappear into a bubble with my husband and my kids and block out the world.
But every time I returned to record a podcast, film a YouTube video, or connect with you on social media, your encouragement, and even your quiet presence, reminded me why I do this work. Why I care so deeply about Clever Girl Finance. Why I feel called to keep showing up.
This community has helped me grieve.
Many of you shared your own stories of loss with me, and your honesty gave me perspective. It reminded me that grief is universal, that none of us walks through it alone, even when it feels like the ground has cracked open beneath our feet.
Thank you for sharing with me.
Thank you for giving me grace.
Thank you for allowing me to be human, not just someone you see on YouTube or hear on a podcast, but a real person navigating life just like everyone else.
I pressed pause on YouTube Lives for a while because I wasn’t in the headspace to lead anything. Knowing you’d understand meant everything. And yes — the Lives are coming back in 2026.
Even in a heavy year, moments of joy and grounding found their way in. I shared some of them in my 2025 favorites Substack post but they include:
The savings binder challenge I started with my friend Nikki became an unexpected source of motivation and discipline. Setting aside $3,800 in spare change, money I likely would have otherwise “blown”, felt both practical and empowering. It reminded me that small, consistent choices still matter, especially when life feels out of control.
Creating YouTube videos. Creating content became more than a task. It helped to keep me grounded and centered. After my dad passed, sitting down to outline a video or talk through a lesson helped me navigate my grief in a way I never expected. It gave me a sense of purpose and direction on days when everything else felt blurry.
Completing my next book, Clever Girl Millionaire. Finishing it felt like a quiet but meaningful milestone, a reminder that even during loss, I was still capable of building, creating, and moving forward; just like my dad would have wanted.
Despite how heavy this season felt, Clever Girl Finance continued to grow. Opportunities continued to come our way—brand partnerships, speaking engagements, media features, new collaborations. And each one reminded me that purpose doesn’t disappear just because life gets difficult.
My dad was incredibly proud of the work I do. Holding onto that made it easier to keep moving forward, even when it hurts.
Every year, I choose a word to guide me.
For 2026, my word is peace.
Peace in my decisions.
Peace in my schedule.
Peace in how I show up; for myself, my family, and my business.
I’m sharing that because I hope you’ll choose a word or intention too, something that supports the kind of year you want to create. And something that reminds you that you deserve joy.
I also have to give the biggest, deepest thank you to the entire Clever Girl Finance team. There are people behind the scenes working every single day to keep things running; people you may never see or hear from, but whose effort makes everything possible. I am endlessly grateful.
Thank you to every single one of you who listens to the podcast, reads our newsletters, takes our courses, watches the YouTube videos, or quietly absorbs the content from the sidelines.
Wherever you are on your financial journey, remember this:
Some seasons will require hustle. Others will require rest. But building wealth is not about perfection. It’s about intention, resilience, and compassion for yourself.
I’m excited for what we’ll build together in 2026.
Thank you for every message, every listen, every share, every ounce of support. I’m grateful beyond words.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a beautiful new year ahead.
And yes! Our annual Goal Setting Session is coming up on YouTube before New Year’s Day.
Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube Channel, turn on notifications, and join us.
Talk to you soon,
Bola ❤️
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