6.5 / 10 (based on 124 reviews)
Meet Zuri. She’s living a fabulous life. Great car, gorgeous apartment, well paid job. Meet Zuri. Broken down car, an apartment she cant afford, a job she’s about to lose. What’s a broke girl to do. With her best friends Tami (the flighty fashion designer), Lara (the tough oil and gas executive), Adesuwa (the conservative lawyer), and Ladun (the fabulous housewife), Zuri grows a little, learns a lot and navigates her way to making better financial decisions and building wealth. This show tackles, debt, spending, the consumerist culture of the African middle class, the fear and misconceptions surrounding money and the lack of it, love, friendships, cultural and societal pressures and the roles they play in success. With each episode comes a Smart Money Lesson, there to help you work your way up the financial ladder.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Osas Ighodaro, Ini Dima Okojie, Toni Tones, Kemi Lala Akindoju
Creators: Arese Ugwu
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1 season, 7 episodes
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In 2020, the African television landscape was treated to a fresh narrative that resonated with many, especially young, career-oriented women. “The Smart Money Woman” is a series that not only entertains but educates, pulling viewers into the world of finance, friendship, and the pursuit of financial independence. This article breaks down the essence of the show, its characters, and why it’s a must-watch, without resorting to the usual TV show review cliches.
The Premise
At its core, “The Smart Money Woman” is about financial literacy, a topic that’s often considered dry or too complex for mainstream television. However, the series, based on the book by Arese Ugwu, wraps these lessons in engaging storylines that follow the life of Zuri, a young professional woman living in Lagos, Nigeria. Alongside Zuri are her friends: Tami, Lara, Adesuwa, and Ladun, each representing different facets of financial management and personal growth.
Zuri finds herself in a financial crisis, living paycheck to paycheck despite having a seemingly successful career. This realization kicks off her journey towards financial enlightenment, with her friends providing support and insights along the way. The show is a blend of humor, drama, and real-life financial advice, making it both entertaining and educational.
Characters and Relationships
Zuri
Zuri is the protagonist, and her financial awakening serves as the backbone of the series. She’s relatable, showcasing vulnerabilities and strengths that resonate with many viewers. Her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to budget, save, and invest, all while navigating her career and personal life.
Tami
Tami, a fashion designer, represents the creative entrepreneur. Her storyline highlights the challenges of managing a startup, dealing with inconsistent income, and the importance of separating personal finances from business revenue.
Lara
Lara’s life is seemingly perfect: a wealthy husband, luxury lifestyle, and no apparent need to worry about money. However, her story delves into financial dependency and the risks it poses, emphasizing the importance of financial independence regardless of marital status.
Adesuwa
Adesuwa is the career-driven member of the group, with a focus on climbing the corporate ladder. Her narrative explores the balance between career aspirations and personal finance, including negotiating salaries and investing in one’s future.
Ladun
Ladun’s character brings humor and lightness to the show, often providing comic relief. However, her storyline is a cautionary tale about overspending and the allure of living beyond one’s means for social media validation.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
It’s Relatable
One of the show’s strengths is its relatability. The financial struggles and victories of Zuri and her friends mirror real-life scenarios that viewers, particularly young African women, face daily. It’s refreshing to see a show that addresses these issues head-on, without sugarcoating or oversimplification.
Educational Value
“The Smart Money Woman” does an excellent job of weaving financial education into its narrative. From budgeting and saving to investing and negotiating salaries, the show covers a broad spectrum of financial topics in an accessible way. It’s a stealthy way to learn about managing money without feeling like you’re sitting in a lecture.
Strong Female Friendships
At its heart, the series is also a celebration of female friendships. The characters support each other through financial mishaps, career challenges, and personal dilemmas. This portrayal of solidarity and empowerment is a refreshing departure from the often competitive and antagonistic female relationships depicted in other series.
Cultural Representation
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, “The Smart Money Woman” offers a vibrant glimpse into Nigerian culture, from fashion and music to food and language. It’s a celebration of African creativity and resilience, providing a platform for African talent and stories.
Key Takeaways
“The Smart Money Woman” is more than just a TV show; it’s a movement towards financial literacy and independence, especially for women. Here are some key takeaways from the series:
- Financial literacy is crucial: Understanding how money works is the first step towards financial independence.
- Budgeting is your friend: Keeping track of your income and expenses is essential for financial health.
- Invest in yourself: Whether through education, career advancement, or personal development, investing in yourself pays the highest dividends.
- Emergency funds are necessary: Life is unpredictable, and having savings to fall back on is crucial.
- Friendships matter: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends can make all the difference in your personal and financial journey.
Conclusion
“The Smart Money Woman” is a groundbreaking series that offers valuable lessons wrapped in engaging storylines and relatable characters. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for education and empowerment. Whether you’re a financial guru or a novice looking to improve your financial literacy, this show has something for everyone. It’s a reminder that managing money doesn’t have to be a daunting task and that financial freedom is attainable with the right knowledge and mindset.