I sort of fell into watching some Suze Orman shows on TV and despite myself (and her larger than life-ness), I actually like her. And her show and her financial advice. So, here’s a top 10 list of why I like Suze:
1) She worked her way up and acknowledges the people who helped her. There are a lot of rags to riches stories, but she doesn’t just preach the American Way at people and how this is a land of opportunity, etc. etc.
2) She doesn’t let kids off the hook in their version of the “Can I Afford It?” segment. But she doesn’t just act all Grinchy on them either. She is trying to teach kids about the value of money. No, honey, you don’t need 3 American Girl dolls.
3) She will approve expensive non-essential items on her “Can I afford it?” if the bottom line works out, plus other factors including age, assets, plans for the future, etc.
4) Her methods and structure for financial security are consistent.However, her books are great examples of how she looks realistically at the current financial picture and her flexibility in methodology and philosophy.
5) She has a genuine understanding and education about finances and investing, not just because of her school of hard knocks background, but because of her investing the time and focus into educating herself formally while building a career in the industry before going all glitzy on TV.
6) Despite her hardline approach overall, she really does give the idea that you can get your financial house in order if it isn’t, and how to keep it that way if it is. Yet, this is based on action plans, not just cosmic stuff like wishing or visualizing.
7) She did come out, which isn’t always that easy to do even if you are an “internationally acclaimed” something or someone.
8) She is pretty funny and I think she is deliberately parodying herself sometimes which is a great trick.
9) I love her directness with people and the fact that EVERYTHING is written on her face. She should never attempt a career at poker. Not that she would.
10) “People first, then money, then things.”
