Sense and Sika

Nobody handed us a personal finance class on the way in. For first-gen and immigrant earners, the fundamentals — budgeting, credit, debt, saving, and building net worth — often have to be self-taught, and usually after you've already made a few expensive mistakes. In this episode, we go back to basics with the financial literacy foundation that mainstream advice assumes you already have. No shame, no jargon — just the tools you need to start making your money work for you.Topics covered in this episode: Budgeting That Actually Works for Our Lives — The 50/30/20 rule was not designed for someone sending money home or carrying student loans. Advice such as "move home with your parents" doesn't land well if you are new to a country and don't know anyone close to where you are working. Building your Savings Fund From Zero — Advisors say 3–6 months of expenses. For first-gens supporting others, that feels impossible. Start small and work your balance up over time. Understand how your money flows - what are your recurring expenses? How much are you sending back home on average? What are some ways that you can maximize your dollar (bulk buying etc.) Let's Connect!Instagram: akubaaaaTikTok: akubaaaaSubscribe to YouTube: Sense & SikaInquiries & partnerships: senseandsika@gmail.comThis episode of Sense and Sika was produced by CaneSugar Studios.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial adivce. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing or executing a financial decision.  

The job market that got you here is not the job market you're in right now. Mass layoffs, AI-driven hiring changes, and a tighter, constantly changing economy have rewritten the rules — and for first-gen and immigrant professionals, the stakes are even higher. In this episode, we're talking honestly about what the current landscape looks like, why shifting to a global mindset isn't just a buzzword but a real competitive advantage, and how to position yourself to not just survive this moment — but actually get ahead in it.What you'll learn in this episode: Understanding the Landscape Honestly — Hiring is slower and more automated, and AI is changing which roles even exist. See the market clearly, not through the lens of " what should be". What 'Global Mindset' Actually Means for Your Career — It's not just about being open to international roles. It means understanding that your skills compete globally, and your multicultural fluency is an asset most of your peers simply don't have. Building a Career Safety Net Before You Need It — Diversify your income streams, keep your resume perpetually updated,maintain relationships outside your current company. Let's Connect!Instagram: akubaaaaTikTok: akubaaaaSubscribe to YouTube: Sense & SikaInquiries & partnerships: senseandsika@gmail.comThis episode of Sense and Sika was produced by CaneSugar Studios.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial adivce. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing or executing a financial decision.  

Every workplace has the same typecast of people — just with different names and job titles. In this episode, Akuba breaks down the characters you will meet in every office, ever — what makes them tick, how to work with (or around) them, and how to spot the new villain on the scene: quiet firing.What you'll learn in this episode:How to successfully navigate around different personality types at workHow to identify colleagues who are genuine, and those who can truly help you out in the course of your career. Let's Connect!Instagram: akubaaaaTikTok: akubaaaaSubscribe to YouTube: Sense & SikaInquiries & partnerships: senseandsika@gmail.comThis episode of Sense and Sika was produced by CaneSugar Studios.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial adivce. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing or executing a financial decision.  

You budgeted for the venue, but you did not budget for the stress! In Part 2 of Wedding Tales, we're going behind the scenes: the emotional labor of planning, the family dynamics that turn simple decisions into landmines, the friendships that get tested by bridal party politics, and how to protect your mental health when everyone has an opinion about your big day. Because the goal is a marriage — not just a perfect wedding.What you'll learn in this episode: The unseen mental Load — How wedding planning can become an extra " job" that consumes your "free time".Family dynamics and unspoken rules — Every decision (seating chart, officiant) is a statement. Friendship stress and the bridal party trap — Choosing your party can break friendships. Being IN a wedding party is expensive. Have honest conversations early.Vendor Relationships and protecting yourself — Read and negotiate every contract. Get everything in writing. All negotiation is not about money, sometimes it's the terms of delivery and expectations etc. Protect your mental health — Decide what 'good enough' looks like. Give yourself permission to not enjoy parts of the process. Let's Connect!Instagram: akubaaaaTikTok: akubaaaaSubscribe to YouTube: Sense & SikaInquiries & partnerships: senseandsika@gmail.comThis episode of Sense and Sika was produced by CaneSugar Studios.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial adivce. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing or executing a financial decision.  

Welcome to a 2 part series allll about Wedding Planning! We're pulling back the curtains on the planning process to discuss what it really entails in 2026.Everyone has an opinion about your wedding — your mom, your aunties, Instagram, and your bank account. In Part 1 of the Wedding Tales series, Akuba is pulling back the curtains on wedding planning and diving into the numbers. She deep dives into what a wedding actually costs in 2026, where the money really goes, and how to build a budget that works for YOUR wedding — not for the social media highlight reel. If you're dating, engaged, or just want to understand the financial side of one of life's biggest events, this one is for you.What you'll learn in this episode:How wedding costs have crept up because of social media pressureThe difference between spending “for the memory” vs. “for the algorithm”How to talk to parents about wedding budget expectations with cultural implicationsThe average costs of weddings in the U.S. and where the majority of the budget spend goes during wedding planningSome signs that your budget is being driven by social media, and not what you truly value. Connect with Me! Instagram:akubaaaaTikTok: akubaaaaInquiries & partnerships: senseandsika@gmail.com

In this Season 1 Finale, I get real about something we don't talk about enough—taking ownership at work. It's easy to point fingers when things go left, but what happens when you pause and ask, “Where did I contribute to this?” I break down some common issues that happen among colleagues, coupled with my own experiences where I had to confront the uncomfortable truth about my role in certain outcomes. We dive into why people may be reacting to you in ways you don't understand—and how your tone, habits, boundaries, and even silence can shape those reactions more than you realize.This isn't about blaming yourself, it's about about self-awareness. Self awareness allows you to take control of your narrative, and improve on intrapersonal relationships. I share practical ways to reflect, adjust, and move differently so you can improve your work relationships, protect your reputation, and grow into a stronger, more intentional person, outside of work and on the job.

Workplace sabotage is real—and it's more common than people like to admit. In this episode, I share my personal experience where I realized that someone at work was actively working against me behind the scenes for months. I share the moment I recognized what was happening, the emotional and professional impact it had, and the strategies I used to navigate through it without losing my integrity. If you've ever felt blindsided by office politics, backdoor conversations, or someone quietly trying to derail your progress, this episode will resonate with you.

In this episode I reflect on what it takes to build a multi-faceted life in the midst of a "crazy" season. Building structures and systems in your life has a huge impact on how you show up - physically, mentally and emotionally. Systems and structures override your "feelings" by giving you guidelines to stay on track when the motivation dies out. I talk about some of the rules and systems that I've created for myself and have implemented across my career, my home, and in my personal routines. If you're in an overwhelming, chaotic season but you know that it's time to make some changes and build clarity into your life - this episode is for you!

The 2026 job market is absolutely wild right now. If you've been applying to roles nonstop with little to no response, you're not alone. In this episode, I break down why landing a job feels harder than ever, from ghosted applications and endless interview rounds to layoffs and constantly shifting employer expectations. I talk candidly about what's happening behind the scenes, how it's affecting many new grads and gen-z's mental health and confidence, with practical ways to stay strategic, encouraged, and prepared in the middle of this job seekers chaos.

We all have a relationship with money—and whether we realize it or not, it shapes how we earn, spend, save, and stress. In this episode, I break down some of the most common types of money relationships and how they show up in real life—from avoidance and never spending, easily parting ways with money and abundance mindsets.You'll learn how to examine how these money patterns are formed over time, and recognize which one you fall into. Most importantly— I share some practical mindset shifts and habits that can help to transform a negative money relationship into a more confident, peaceful, and positive one.This episode isn't about judgment or perfection. It's about awareness, healing, and giving yourself the tools to relate to money in a way that supports the life you actually want.

In a world where entrepreneurship is the "only way" or the ultimate goal, it seems like having a 9–5 gets a bad rap—but does it deserve it? In this episode, I talk about the real, unconventional benefits of a traditional job and how it can positively impact your life. I break down how a 9–5 can actually support your goals, not limit them, as well as develop your character and tenacity.

Sometimes the hardest part isn't leaving a toxic workplace—it's realizing you're in one. In this episode, we explore some of the signs that your work environment may be doing more harm to you than good. If you've normalized exhaustion, self-doubt, or Sunday night dread, this conversation will help you pause, reflect, and name what's really going on. I share my own personal story of working in a toxic, high stress work environment, and give some advice on how to best navigate these kind of jobs. After all, awareness is the first step toward making the best decision for your career—and this episode will help you to assess your current job and any new roles that you may be stepping into.

In today's episode we're talking career path. Choosing a career isn't just about what you're good at—it's also about what you value. In this episode, we dive into the passion vs. salary debate, unpacking the pros, cons, and personal realities of both paths. If you're navigating career decisions or questioning your next move, this episode will give you clarity on what the best move is for you!

Graduate school sounds like the next logical step—but is it actually the right one for you, right now?In this episode, we're breaking down how to decide if graduate school makes sense for your career and when the timing is right. We'll talk through the real reasons people go to grad school, how to assess ROI, and the questions you should be asking before committing time, money, and energy. I discuss my own personal journey with business school, and the steps I took to decide on the timing and impact of my masters degree program. If you've been feeling pressure to “do more school” but aren't sure it's the move, this episode will help you make a decision that's strategic.

In this episode, we break down the key things you should focus on during your first days and weeks in a new role or company to set yourself up for long-term success. From building strong relationships and understanding expectations to learning the culture, this episode is your practical guide to starting smart. Whether you're stepping into a new company, a new role, or a bigger level of responsibility, these tips will help you move with strategic confidence and intention from day one.

Hi There! I'm Akuba, welcome to Sense and Sika where we make sense of your career, and your sika! (money).

On today's episode I go through all the major red-flags of a toxic work environment or job. There's alot to unpack from job descriptions, interview stage and even while you're on the job. Alot of times we are too focused on just landing an opportunity instead of making sure it is the right fit for us, and we pay dearly for it. This episode is meant to be a guide to bring clarity on what to look for and how to avoid landing in a traumatic job or work environment. I share some of my personal experiences with traumatic work scenarios along the way.

In this episode, I discuss an interesting reddit work related question and how to handle these corporate environment situations. Today's main topic is what it means to take control of your career. Taking control of your career is a term that is tossed around alot, but what does that mean? How does that apply to first gen's in the workplace? If you feel like you've lost control of your career path and are just job hopping, how can you get back on track ? I'll share about my career journey and some of the tools that helped me to create the life and career that I want by design.

In todays episode I discuss Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation as Harvard president, and what it represents for black women in the workplace. Next I discuss the changes to our working environments. Everything we used to know about work has shuffled, reset, and rebooted post-covid 19. People are working remotely and commuting less. There's been so many layoffs, even for the most skilled workers. Job descriptions are not clear, and it seems like alot of people are generally more toxic work environments than not. Is there any good left out there? How can you navigate all the changes? In this episode I give you some tips and mindsets to consider when it comes to navigating the new post- covid 2.0 corporate/ working environment.

In this episode I discuss all things related to your employee handbook and code of conduct. It is critical to go through your handbook and have a good understanding of your  companies policies. Each company has a different set of rules and regulations that you legally agreed to when you accepted a role. I discuss my personal experiences with employee handbooks, and how to read the terms of your employment, your benefits, code of conduct and more.  For work dilemmas, questions or collaboration inquiries, please send an email to senseandsika@gmail.com

On today's episode we are making space for us FIRST GEN's! Wether you are Ghanaian, Jamaican, Vietnamese, Nigerian, you name it. I feel like a part of our identity and experience as first gens has been swept away into generic generations of "gen -z" or millennial. However, the way we see the world + navigate challenges is very different from our peers. Join in on the convo as we tackle some of the very real experiences we have as first gen's. Join the convo on instagram: akubaaaa New episodes dropping on Tuesdays!

In today's BONUS episode, I'm talking about getting off of social media; a cleanse if you will. We spend so much time scrolling on these apps that we let real life pass us by! It is understandable because that is how these apps are built - for endless scrolling and comparing ourselves to others.I recently took a long over due break away to focus on my personal life and... I have no regrets. Have you felt like taking a social media break? Join the convo on IG @akubaaaa New Episodes dropping on Tuesdays!

Welcome to WIWIK pod! Learn a bit about me as a first generation Ghanaian as we dive into the topic of Identity. Identity is something that many people struggle with at some point, especially as we it comes to becoming confident in who we are and what path we are on, versus what our parents and society are telling us to do. What is the true definition of identity + How come we've got it all twisted? Let's talk about it! email me for Q+A + business inquiries: wiwikpod@gmail.com instagram:akubaaaa twitter:akubadoe