Building Wealth with Tech: Lessons from the NBWL Financial Literacy Session

Financial Freedom in the Digital Age: Insights from Mary Agbesanwa

In an era where technology is revolutionising financial services, leveraging digital tools can be a game-changer for financial literacy and wealth-building. The latest Network for Black Women Leaders (NBWL) Elevate Session, featuring Mary Agbesanwa, founder of Now You’re Talking Network and fintech leader, offered invaluable insights into how Black women can use technology to take control of their financial futures.

Mary’s extensive background in WealthTech, financial consulting, and women’s empowerment made for an engaging and transformative session, highlighting four key technology trends that are reshaping personal finance.

1. Open Banking: Gaining Financial Visibility

Open Banking is a secure way to connect multiple financial accounts in one place, providing a clearer picture of your spending, saving, and investments. Historically, women may have faced barriers in accessing financial products, but technology is helping to level the playing field. Mary introduced apps like Emma, Plum, and Cleo, which categorise spending, offer budgeting insights, and even automate savings.

Key takeaway: Understanding your financial patterns is the first step toward financial independence.

2. Automation: Making Financial Discipline Easy

For those who struggle with saving, automation is a powerful tool. Apps like Chip, Monzo, and Moneybox help users round up everyday purchases into savings accounts or investment funds automatically. By setting up these features, women can build wealth effortlessly, without the stress of manual work.

Key takeaway: Make technology work for you—set up automatic savings and investment contributions to make financial growth effortless.

3. Personalisation: Tailored Financial Solutions for Black Women

Mary emphasised how traditional financial services have historically overlooked Black women, but the fintech space is now creating more inclusive tools. She introduced Wealth8, a Black woman-founded investment platform that offers diversified portfolios, including Africa-focused funds. She also highlighted GoHenry, an app helping parents teach financial literacy to children—critical for breaking generational cycles of financial insecurity.

Key takeaway: There are digital tools designed with your unique financial journey in mind—use them to your advantage.

4. The Internet: An Underrated Financial Education Resource

Beyond apps, Mary stressed the importance of self-education. Free platforms like Vestpod, Your Juno, and Female Invest provide women with accessible learning on topics like investing, pensions, and financial planning.

Key takeaway: Financial literacy is a lifelong journey—invest in your knowledge and seek out communities that support financial growth.

Breaking Financial Stigmas in the Black Community

One of the most powerful moments of the session came when attendees shared personal experiences of financial avoidance, struggles with savings, and lack of conversations about money. Mary encouraged women to embrace financial transparency and engage in open discussions about money within their communities.

Let’s normalise conversations about money the same way we talk about travel, career goals, or relationships. The more we talk, the more we learn—and the more we empower each other.

What’s Next?

For those looking to continue their financial empowerment journey, Mary encouraged small, actionable steps:

Check your pension today—track it, consolidate accounts, and ensure your investment choices align with your values.
Try out one fintech tool this month—whether for savings, investing, or budgeting, find what works for you.
Start money conversations—with family, friends, and professional networks. Transparency builds wealth.

Recommended reading:

Financial Joy: Banish Debt, Grow Your Money and Unlock Financial Freedom in 10 Weeks by Ken Okoroafor and Mary Okoroafor*
You're Not Broke You're Pre-Rich: How to streamline your finances, stay in control of your bank balance and have more £££ by Emilie Bellet*

This session was a powerful reminder that financial empowerment is within reach. By embracing technology, breaking financial taboos, and taking proactive steps, Black women can secure long-term financial stability and generational wealth.

*Affiliate Links: We’re proud to be part of the Bookshop.org affiliate programme — an online platform that helps support local, independent bookshops with every order. When you buy a book through our links, 10% goes directly to these bookshops, and we receive a small commission to help us continue our work. It’s an easy way to champion community-based bookselling and the joy of reading — even when shopping online.

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