Suze Orman

Suze Orman – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life and work of Suze Orman (born June 5, 1951) – American financial advisor, author, and media personality. Learn her biography, philosophy of money, career milestones, and some of her most inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Suze Orman is widely known as one of America’s most influential voices in personal finance. Over decades, she has guided millions through books, television programs, speeches, and podcasts — urging financial responsibility, clarity, and empowerment. Her message is practical yet philosophical: money is not just about wealth, but about dignity, freedom, and self-respect.

Early Life and Education

Suze Orman was born June 5, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jewish immigrant parents.

She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where she earned a B.A. in social work (1976). Berkeley, California, where she initially worked as a waitress before pivoting into finance.

Career and Achievements

Entry into Finance & Early Struggles

Orman’s path into finance began with challenges: she started with modest means, and one of her early ventures—a restaurant—failed. Merrill Lynch as a broker/financial adviser, learning firsthand how clients, brokers, and products interact.

By 1983, Orman had moved to Prudential Bache Securities, where she became vice president of investments. Suze Orman Financial Group in Emeryville, California, marking her shift into entrepreneurship and advisory.

Media, Books & Public Influence

Orman gained wide fame through her television presence. Her show, The Suze Orman Show, ran on CNBC from 2002 until 2015. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, The Courage to Be Rich, Women & Money, The Money Class, and The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+.

Orman has also been a frequent guest on major talk shows (e.g. The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live) and has produced specials for PBS. Women & Money podcast.

She has been honored with multiple awards — she made TIME’s 100 list, and has received Emmy and Gracie Awards.

Controversies & Criticism

Orman has faced criticism, especially around her “Approved” prepaid debit card project, which some claimed had hidden fees and misleading promises. The product was discontinued in 2014.

Philosophy & Core Principles

• Money as dignity & empowerment — Orman consistently teaches that how you handle money reflects your self-worth and capacity to shape your life.

• “People first, then money, then things” — A frequently repeated mantra that emphasizes prioritizing relationships over wealth and possessions.

• Fix the root problem — She argues that lasting financial control requires diagnosing underlying emotional or psychological beliefs about money, not just surface actions.

• Live below your means—but within your needs — She warns against over-leveraging or purchasing beyond what one truly needs.

• Use debt wisely & avoid unnecessary risk — She strongly discourages cosigning loans and warns that debt often erodes financial freedom.

• Self-trust & honesty — Orman stresses trusting one’s own judgment and facing financial reality honestly.

Memorable Quotes

Here are a selection of Suze Orman’s impactful quotations:

• “People first, then money, then things.”

• “The only way you will ever permanently take control of your financial life is to dig deep and fix the root problem.”

• “Live below your means but within your needs.”

• “If you expect your money to take care of you, you must take care of your money.”

• “A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.”

• “You must trust yourself more than you trust others with your money.”

• “True generosity is an offering; given freely and given out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations.”

Lessons from Suze Orman

1. Financial health is holistic
   Money isn’t just numbers — it’s tied to beliefs, emotions, and identity. To change money life, change mindset.

2. Focus on control before accumulation
   Having control over spending, debt, and emergency savings is more foundational than chasing high returns.

3. Relationships matter more than material wealth
   Prioritize care for people, not possessions — wealth is a tool, not a measure of worth.

4. Courage in truth-telling
   Orman repeatedly urges honesty: admit financial missteps, confront fear, then act with clarity.

5. Adapt advice to circumstance
   While she offers general principles, real financial action must consider one’s context — income, debts, obligations, systemic constraints.