Following its critically acclaimed debut in 2021, “Smart Money Woman” season 2 premiered on October 31, 2024, on the Azuwa Studios YouTube channel, with two episodes dropping every Thursday. Based on Arese Ugwu’s 2016 book of the same title, the show follows the lives of Zuri (Osas Ighodaro), Lara (Toni Tones), Tami (Ini Dima-Okojie), Adesua (Lala Akindoju) and Ladun (Ebenezer Eno.)
This season of “Smart Money Woman” picks up a year after the ladies’ life-changing experiences. Zuri’s finances and relationship with Tsola are thriving – or are they? Adesuwa navigates the complex world of co-parenting, while Lara faces the challenges of caring for her sick mother. Meanwhile, Ladun settles into her new life in Canada, and Tami tackles the tough realities of being a creative entrepreneur while gearing up for a joint investment venture with the group.
Each episode shows a new side to these women and how their actions affect their financial strength, which also helps viewers learn a thing or two. However, I have a few thoughts.
Hear me out
Smart financial decisions versus YOLO
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Are these women really learning anything? With every episode, we see each character making the same questionable decisions they made in season one. From Zuri’s outrageous $10,000 unplanned splurge to Tami’s brow-raising business decisions, one can not help but wonder if these women are ever going to make different choices.
While having financial support can cushion the consequences of poor financial decisions—like Tami with her father, Zuri with her Olumide and Tsola, or Lara with her on-and-off sugar daddy—I wonder if there is any actual character development, or we’re just going around in circles.
Supporting women’s rights and wrongs
In the words of the great Cher, “When women support each other, incredible things happen.” I have always believed this to be true, which thankfully repeatedly plays out in the “Smart Money Woman series.” Ironically, that’s also why I have a bone of contention to pick with the show.
Do these women support each other actively or passively? In every episode, we see Zuri, Lara, Tami, Adesuwa and Ladun rally around each other the second something goes wrong, but what about working to keep the mess away altogether?
We saw it happen with Zuri’s debts from frivolous spending in season one; it happened with Lola’s incurred debts after her mother’s passing, Adesuwa’s marital crisis and now, Tami’s crashing business in the newly released episode. We may argue that adults are responsible for their actions, but shouldn’t friends be able to keep you accountable, even if they have to apply drastic measures?
Banke for President
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I’m in awe of Banke’s mind. We can debate for days on this one, but you still wouldn’t be able to convince me that Banke (Edu Edewor) isn’t president material. She’s relentless and knows just how to hide her dirty linen and get her opps to keep their mouths shut—talk about knowing their weaknesses (the Birkin was a smart move). Her heart may not always be in the right place, but nobody works harder than Banke, and I stan a resilient woman.
Women are invincible
It is often said that women are strong, brave and capable of everything, but thankfully, the “Smart Money Women” series repeatedly demystifies these unhealthy expectations. Women aren’t invincible, and we deserve grace. All women struggle. Whether it’s a woman going through marital struggles, dealing with loss, trying to find footing in the business world, or just dealing with unseen issues, all women struggle, and we could use a bit of compassion in this already tough world.
Watching the “Smart Money Woman” series has sparked significant changes in my approach to life, relationships and finances. The show’s relatable storytelling and expert advice make it a compelling watch, so get on board if you haven’t already and share your thoughts.
