MILLICENT HUNGWE
UK based Clare Makoni’s newly published book, “Financial Standing Board,” is taking Amazon by storm, but few know the remarkable story behind its author’s success.
Makoni from Bhora in Murewa, Mashonaland East Province’s journey began in 2017, when she started using a simple board at home to manage her finances with her husband.
This humble tool would eventually evolve into a comprehensive financial literacy program, changing countless lives, including her own.
As Clare and her family embarked on a relocation journey in 2018, she expanded the board to include goal-setting, the following year, she shared her innovative approach with family and friends, who were impressed by its effectiveness.
In 2020, Clare joined a blogging group, where she met her partner, Tarisai Manyonga and soon her financial standing board concept went viral
“I began writing the book in 2021, but my progress was halted in 2022 when I suffered a bereavement, losing two cousin sisters and a nephew in a car accident.
“I found it challenging to balance writing the book with teaching financial literacy classes, being a mother and wife, and pursuing my university studies.
“I resumed writing last year and had the privilege of working with renowned publisher Sympathy Ngwenya,” she said.
Makoni’s book, born out of her passion for financial literacy and her personal journey of overcoming financial challenges, is now available on Amazon.
This milestone marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to empowering individuals and families to take control of their financial lives.
The book, which has been generating significant buzz, offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and real-life examples.
This board has been the cornerstone of Makoni’s financial literacy classes, which have impacted thousands of lives over the past five years.
What sets Clare’s book apart is its narrative approach. Woven throughout the chapters is the story of a group of neighbors, including migrants, who come together during the COVID-19 pandemic to support each other in their financial journeys.
As they navigate the challenges of debt, family expectations, and financial uncertainty, they discover the transformative power of the Financial Standing Board.
Clare’s own story is one of resilience and determination. A metallurgical technician by training, she pivoted to become a mental health nurse during the pandemic.
However, her passion for financial literacy remained unwavering, driven by her conviction that “CHILDREN’S FINANCIAL LITERACY IS ECONOMIC SELF-DEFENSE.”
Through her book, Clare aims to democratize access to financial knowledge, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Her mission is to empower individuals and families to break free from the shackles of debt, build wealth, and create a secure financial future.
She went on to inform The Mid-week Watch her support system and sounding boards for the book including her husband Dr Farai Makoni, her two children Logan (7) and Lauren (4), friends who were with them when they first started experimenting with the Financial Standing Board, and the thousands of people who have enrolled in their financial literacy classes over the past five years.
With her book now available on Amazon, Clare’s message of financial hope and liberation is poised to resonate with readers worldwide. As she continues to inspire and educate through her writing, speaking engagements, and financial literacy classes, one thing is clear, Makoni is a champion of financial empowerment, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
