The Smart Money Woman is a Netflix series that gives you all the tools to level up your financial acumen told from the perspective of five Lagos based best friends.
Based on Arese Ugwu’s 2016 best-selling novel, The Smart Money Woman Netflix series arrived to Netflix last month and follows the lives of five woman who are all about that life; shopping, luxury and the high life, even when their bank balances are firmly in the red.
For Nollywood fans, the cast is supported by some familiar names; Osas Ighodaro leads the way, with strong support from Toni Tones, Ini Dima-Okojie, Kemi Lala Akindoju and Ebenezer Eno.
Our main protagonist, played by the stunning Osas, has just been dumped by her boyfriend of two years who she found out is due to be married! Immediately surrounding her with support and love are her besties. At the heart of the film, and no doubt the book is the message that we women need to take financial responsibility for ourselves and put in the checks and balances to live within our means and authentically.
Through the stories of the ladies’ relationships, new romances and trials of marriage, we see a stunning view of Lagos, lovingly shown through wide angle drone shots of the city and its vibrant hotspots and restaurants.
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The seven-part series highlights important narratives linked to how patriarchy shapes the narrative around women relying on their menfolk for financial stability in Nigeria. You will sympathise with Lara (Toni Tones) cry as she remembers how her mother’s In-law’s threw her family out after the death of her husband, highlighting the importance of talking about death, wills and planning for the future. Another storyline discusses how Adesuwa’s character (Kemi Lala Akindoju) continually turns a blind eye to her husband’s indiscretions even as her own career path follows an upwards trajectory.
Every episode includes clear advice and topics for viewers to explore and put into action to help them attain financial independence. Albeit, in a not very subtle, heavy-handed way. But that’s Nollywood for you!
At times, the pace of the episodes is clearly led by the financial advice that the writers are clearly trying to impart, and you are reminded that this is at the heart of the series, but we are soon pulled back into the relationship storylines and quite frankly stunning cast.
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Our advice, watch this series with a pen and paper to note the very useful financial tips and advice, but have a glass of wine and popcorn handy too to fully enjoy the love stories and relationship dramas unfold!
Watch The Smart Money Woman on Netflix.
