Closet Conversations Series With Ayooluwa Akande – The Personal Finance Expert Breaking Down the ABC of Money

Money conversations can be uncomfortable, if not outright shrouded in secrecy. What you earn, keep, or spend is often a topic reserved for behind closed doors. As women who swiftly move between roles, from marriage and motherhood to mastering careers, money is often a struggle for women maneuvering budgets shaped by both the burdens and blessings these different roles carry.

That’s why I invited Ayooluwa Akande, a personal finance expert, insurance professional and the founder of ABC of Money, a platform dedicated to demystifying the subject of money, for this edition of #ClosetConversations series at HER Green Room as part of The F Files focused on Finance for Women’s Month.

With a background in accounting and finance, and years of experience helping individuals understand how money works in everyday life, Ayooluwa believes financial literacy is not reserved for experts or economists.

We talked about her ABC framework for understanding personal finance, having uncomfortable money conversations in relationships, and financial tips for women relocating and rebuilding their lives in a foreign country. She also shares why the union between faith and finance is holy, encouraging individuals to live whole and wealthy lives without sacrificing one for the other.

You have had quite a journey, from earning an accounting degree and working as an insurance professional to becoming the founder of ABC of Money. What first piqued your interest in pursuing a career in finance, and what advice would you give a young girl interested in building a career in finance?

Honestly, my journey into finance started for a funny reason. As a teenager, I loved seeing my mum in her corporate outfits, and I wanted that life too.

On a more serious note, growing up as a teenager in Nigeria, I saw people work incredibly hard but end up with little to show for it, often because of a lack of understanding of money. After earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting and later my master’s in finance, I truly fell in love with personal finance, helping people understand money in a practical, everyday way.

That passion eventually grew into ABC of Money and my work in insurance advisory.

If I were advising a young girl, or even my younger self, I would say: just keep going. It will make sense, even when it feels confusing. You will hear a lot of advice and opinions from everywhere, but learn to trust that inner fire and voice.

Build a strong foundation in finance, seek mentors, ask questions fearlessly, and gain practical experience early. Even small steps count. If you genuinely love finance, or any field at all, that passion will guide you, help you stand out, and empower you to make a difference.

If we jump straight into investing without first understanding these habits and emotions, it can quickly become confusing because money is deeply emotional.

I find your ABC framework to be simple yet practical for helping individuals manage their finances. Why do you think personal finance often seems complicated to most people, and how are you addressing this gap through your work?

Personal finance often feels complicated because it’s usually taught in a technical, intimidating way.

Many people, even from a young age, develop fears or worries about money based on their childhood experiences. Seeing parents struggle, not having enough, or hearing stressful conversations about money can shape how we think about it.

If we jump straight into investing without first understanding these habits and emotions, it can quickly become confusing because money is deeply emotional.

I created ABC of Money to simplify the journey, because simplicity is one of my core values. The framework breaks personal finance into three clear steps:

A – Addressing Mindset

B – Budgeting

C – Compounding (investments)

It really covers the full picture of money management. By helping people understand all three steps, I make personal finance practical and approachable, so they can make confident, informed decisions and see the bigger picture, not just one part of it.

When it comes to money, investigate everything before you commit. If you don’t understand it, it’s okay to say “no” and wait until you do.

Many people are relocating, especially in Nigeria with the japa move. As an African woman who moved abroad yourself and is thriving in your career, what financial advice would you give to someone who has just moved to a foreign country while navigating life away from home?

I would say, first, be hungry for knowledge.

Always keep learning and asking questions.

Be “angry” in a good way, meaning don’t settle for the bare minimum. Don’t get so caught up in daily life that you forget to actually build the life you want.

When it comes to money, investigate everything before you commit. If you don’t understand it, it’s okay to say “no” and wait until you do.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by “Black tax”, have a genuine conversation with the people involved and set healthy boundaries where needed.

On the journey to building your life, you will also find your true tribe, people who genuinely support you and understand your goals.

Remember that if you’re breaking norms and striving to become all that God has destined you to be, it’s okay to look like the odd one out. You are not doing too much. You are simply building the life you’re meant to live.

What are the top three resources (such as books, podcasts, tools etc.) you would recommend to someone at the start of their financial journey who wants to save, invest, or grow their income?

If you’re starting your financial journey, these three resources are great:

1. ABC of Money by Ayooluwa Akande

This book covers the full picture of money with three steps:

A – Addressing mindset

B – Budgeting

C – Compounding (investments)

It’s practical, easy to apply, and full of real-life examples.

2. Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett

Guests explore a wide range of topics like business, health, the future, and more. Some episodes touch on finances and offer inspiring, real-life lessons.

3. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

This book explores the mindset behind financial decisions and shows how to make smarter choices.

These resources give clarity and confidence to take control of your finances.

Financial literacy is a gift to yourself, your children, your partner, and everyone around you.

What financial mistakes do you see women make repeatedly? What usually drives these decisions, and how can a woman in that situation begin to get out of it?

The biggest mistake I see is women not being in the driver’s seat of their finances, putting money on the back burner, or thinking it’s someone else’s job to handle it.

Financial literacy is a gift to yourself, your children, your partner, and everyone around you.

Money touches every part of our lives. We work hard to earn it, yet often overlook the most important thing: learning how it actually works.

My advice is to make it a goal to learn at least one thing about money every day. Small steps build confidence, independence, and long-term security.

Over time, I realized that money can actually be a tool God gives us to serve others, create impact, and live with purpose.

I find it interesting that you approach finances through the lens of faith, especially watching videos on your YouTube channel. In what ways has your faith influenced your own financial decisions and your work helping others manage their finances?

If I’m being honest, I struggled for a long time to reconcile desiring wealth with loving God.

Growing up, it often seemed like truly devoted people didn’t care about money, and that wanting financial success might be at odds with faith.

Over time, I realized that money can actually be a tool God gives us to serve others, create impact, and live with purpose.

This perspective has changed how I manage my finances and how I guide others. Faith helps me see money not as a goal in itself, but as a resource to build freedom, create security, and make a positive difference in society.

But genuinely, the deepest joy comes from my faith in Jesus Christ. I’m at peace here on earth and even more joyful knowing that when it’s all done, I’m going somewhere even better.

Your name, Ayooluwa, means “joy”. What non-monetary things bring you joy apart from money?

My name, Ayooluwa, means joy, and I try to live up to it every day.

Apart from money, I find joy in learning and growing, whether it’s reading a new book, exploring a new skill, or having a meaningful conversation. I also love connecting with people, hearing their stories, and celebrating their wins.

Spending quality time with family and friends, seeing others succeed, and being in spaces that inspire creativity and positivity all bring me true joy.

But genuinely, the deepest joy comes from my faith in Jesus Christ. I’m at peace here on earth and even more joyful knowing that when it’s all done, I’m going somewhere even better.

How do you approach money conversations that are uncomfortable but necessary, especially in relationships?

Being upfront and genuine always beats being sneaky or avoidant.

Just have the conversation in a polite, honest, and sometimes firm way. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it builds trust, sets boundaries, and ensures everyone is on the same page.

The biggest investment you can make is in yourself now.

What financial habits do you believe women should prioritise earlier in life, particularly young women who earn little to no income but want to improve their finances?

Even if you’re earning little or no income, there are financial habits that can set you up for long-term success.

The biggest investment you can make is in yourself now. Find a career or area of focus you’re passionate about, take courses, read, or learn from someone who is already where you want to be.

At the same time, understand your money. Know your cash inflows and outflows, your investments, and your money mindset. Track even small amounts as you start. Save and invest consistently, but don’t neglect caring for yourself now.

My mum calls this sustainable living.

Set clear goals so you are intentional with your finances.

Finally, be hungry for knowledge and proactive in applying it. Developing these habits early compounds over time, builds confidence, and creates long-term financial security

Financial freedom isn’t just about money in the bank. It’s about having control, creating positive change, and growing consistently while living intentionally

What does true financial freedom mean to you?

To me, true financial freedom comes down to F.I.G:

F – Flexibility: the ability to make choices and live life on your own terms

I – Impact: using my resources to support others’ visions and give back

G – Growth: continually improving myself and my finances, even just 1% better every day

Financial freedom isn’t just about money in the bank. It’s about having control, creating positive change, and growing consistently while living intentionally.

Money can feel intimidating, but the first step to financial freedom is often just starting the conversation either with yourself or a personal finance expert like Ayooluwa. Through ABC of Money, Ayooluwa’s message is simple: when we understand money, we gain the freedom to live intentionally, support others, and build lives blending both purpose and profit. Ayooluwa’s reminds us that financial freedom does not begin with complicated investment strategies. It begins with mindset, awareness, and small consistent actions. She is proof that wealth can sit at the same table as purpose and profit.

To connect with Ayooluwa and gain access to her personal finance resources including ABC of Money Book please use the links below.

LinkedIn: Ayooluwa Akande

Instagram: @iamayooluwaakande

ABC of Money Website 

ABC of Money E-book

Freedom Network YouTube Channel