Interview with Ramat Oyetunji: Author of “Fifty Shades of Green: A Stock Market Guide for the Financially Independent-minded Woman”

Empowering Women through Education

Simplifying Investing for Women

In this interview, author Ramat Oyetunji discusses her book, “Fifty Shades of Green: A Stock Market Guide for the Financially Independent-minded Woman.” Ramat shares her motivation for writing the book, which aims to make investing in the stock market more accessible and relatable, particularly for women. Drawing from her nearly 20 years of investing experience and her background as a licensed financial advisor, Ramat provides valuable insights into the world of investing and explains the basic concepts in a conversational and easy-to-understand manner. Her book encourages readers to become better-educated investors and simplifies the complexities of investing.

Getting To Know The Author: Ramat Oyetunji

Isaac:

For our interview this week I’d like to introduce Ramat Oyetunji and her book Fifty Shades of Green: A Stock Market Guide for the Financially Independent-minded Woman. Ramat how are you doing today?

Ramat Oyetunji:

I’m doing well, thank you, Isaac. How are you?

Isaac:

I’m doing very well, thanks. So is this book, as shown by the title aimed squarely at the independent female investor? What was the reason you wrote an investment book aimed at this specific group?

Ramat Oyetunji:

The target audience for the book is women, although the content of the book is applicable to any investor. I wrote the book for this particular audience because I observed during casual and professional interaction with other women that they were not comfortable with investing in the stock market, and many of the books on the market tended to be quite boring unless you are really fascinated by the subject like I am. My goal in writing the book was to provide information about investing and the stock market in such a way that it was easy to read, easy to relate to, and easy to remember.

Isaac:

It is always important to make the topic more ‘digestible’ to readers, especially those who are new to the subject. You mentioned that you are fascinated by investing, could you let our readers know what experience you have when it comes to it?

Ramat Oyetunji:

Yes. I have almost 20 years of experience as an investor, investing my own money. I was also a licensed financial adviser for Edward Jones, where I advised and invested money for clients. My interest in the stock market and investing started all the way back in college, as an undergad, and hasn’t waned since.

I also own an independent financial planning firm, The FI Woman, The FI Woman is a Pennsylvania Registered Investment Advisor.

Isaac:

Thats quite a bit of experience! I’m sure you’ve gained plenty of knowledge along the way. You mentioned that you saw that many women were not comfortable with investing in the stock market, why do you think that is?

Ramat Oyetunji:

I think both men and women view the stock market as complex, and a bit hard to understand. I think the difference is that women tend to play it safe when they are uncertain. As such, they are more likely to have a savings account or invest in familiar things like bank CDs. With the availability of more information, I think women are getting more educated about investing, and taking more risks.

Isaac:

Right, would you say you’ve seen an increase of the number of women investing in the stock market over the years?

Ramat Oyetunji:

I wouldn’t say I have seen an increase personally, however, financial publications from companies like Prudential, show that women are participating more in the stock market.

Getting To Know More About The Book

Isaac:

Well it’s good to see some change starting to happen. Now more onto the book, what are the main concepts you tackle? Is there a particular investing strategy the book adheres to?

Ramat Oyetunji:

The book focuses on explaining the basics of investing, and concepts are introduced as conversation pieces between two women spending the day at a mall. The book starts by explaining how the stock market works, the types of investments available, and the ways in which individual investors can participate in the stock market. Each new topic builds on the last one, and uses everyday examples from the fictional characters’ lives, so that the information is easy to relate to and understand. The book isn’t focused on a particular investment strategy, though it does share ideas on how to select an investment, and suggests starting with low cost index funds.

Isaac:

Thats an interesting structure of framing it as a conversation between two women, I’m sure that helps make the topic appear less daunting. I’m assuming that most of the research for this book was pulled out of your own experience in the stock market and the knowledge you have gained over the last 20 years correct? Were there any other places you drew some research from?

Ramat Oyetunji:

Some of the research was from the knowledge I gained as an investor and licensed Financial Advisor, as well as formal knowledge gained while earning my MBA. A large part of my research also came from my natural interest in investing and personal finance. I frequently read financial publications and in-depth studies on investor behavior, like Prudential’s annual report on women, which I cite in my book.

Isaac:

Readers can be assured that theres a lot of information condensed in your books then. To wrap things up if you had an interested reader and could only tell them one reason to pick up your book, what would it be?

Ramat Oyetunji:

Reading my book will simplify investing, and make you a better educated investor.

Isaac:

Short and to the point! Ramat, it has been a pleasure talking you about yourself and your book Fifty Shades of Green: A Stock Market Guide for the Financially Independent-minded Woman.

Ramat Oyetunji:

Thank you, Isaac. The pleasure was all mine. I hope I am able to influence and encourage anyone wondering how to get started with investing!

Conclusion: Through “Fifty Shades of Green,” Ramat Oyetunji offers a comprehensive guide for women interested in investing in the stock market. Her book’s unique approach, presenting investing concepts through relatable conversations, makes it an accessible resource for beginners and experienced investors alike. By sharing her extensive knowledge and experience, Ramat aims to empower women to take control of their financial futures. Whether readers are looking to build wealth, achieve financial independence, or simply gain a better understanding of investing, “Fifty Shades of Green” provides valuable insights and guidance. Ramat’s passion for educating and encouraging women shines through, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to embark on their investment journey.