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Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan
2009: The Year You Can't Afford to Make Any Mistakes with Your Money.
The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it's worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you've just been laid off?
The nation's go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you're in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:
-Credit
-Retirement
-Savings and Spending
-Real Estate
-Paying for College
-Protecting Your Family
"Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan "delivers honest, straightforward guidance--what to do, when to do it, and how to do it--as only Suze Orman can.
The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it's worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you've just been laid off?
The nation's go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you're in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:
-Credit
-Retirement
-Savings and Spending
-Real Estate
-Paying for College
-Protecting Your Family
"Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan "delivers honest, straightforward guidance--what to do, when to do it, and how to do it--as only Suze Orman can.
Audiobook
First published December 30, 2008
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242 people want to read
About the author
Suze Orman
162 books420 followersSuze Orman (born Susan Lynn Orman) is an American financial advisor, writer, and television personality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 12, 2009
Let's face it: If common-sense Suze Orman was in charge, the country would likely be in a lot better shape. She serves up plenty of tough love in her latest book, which launches with an overview of how we got into our current economic mess, which she says is the fall-out of "a wild, drunken party of dishonesty and greed on a national scale." Yep.
This book comprises scores of helpful Q&As, with advice that is specific to this moment in time. Can paying just the minimum due on your credit card hurt your credit score? (Yes, now it can.) Are your FDIC-insured accounts still safe? (Yes, not to worry.)
This timely book covers new IRS rules and other changes. Orman even includes red flags to put readers on the alert about specific rules that are likely to be revised in 2009 and beyond, directing us to her Web site (or other resources) so we can stay abreast of the likely changes.
This book comprises scores of helpful Q&As, with advice that is specific to this moment in time. Can paying just the minimum due on your credit card hurt your credit score? (Yes, now it can.) Are your FDIC-insured accounts still safe? (Yes, not to worry.)
This timely book covers new IRS rules and other changes. Orman even includes red flags to put readers on the alert about specific rules that are likely to be revised in 2009 and beyond, directing us to her Web site (or other resources) so we can stay abreast of the likely changes.
July 29, 2021
A solid resource if you have specific questions about saving, spending, real estate, or paying for college. If you’re looking for a general overview rather than answers to specific questions, she has books better suited to that need.
July 19, 2011
Wow! This lady really knows her stuff. This book was written at the end of 2008 to help us prepare and have an action plan for the Global Credit crisis in 2009. She talks about why you should pay off credit card debt, understanding your retirement plan, what to do in the real estate market if your home has depreciated in value due to the Economy. This book has lots of good things. Even though this is 2011 now I still think it's a good idea to understand why you need a FICO score of at least 720 and why it's especially important to have at least 8 months of salary in a savings account.
A well written book. Glad I read this. I think I'll read some more of her books. She is very good at explaining something without you saying, "huh" at the end.
A well written book. Glad I read this. I think I'll read some more of her books. She is very good at explaining something without you saying, "huh" at the end.
February 18, 2009
It had a lot of information in it and helped me to realize that we are doing better than I thought that we were. We have not saved up the 8 months of living expenses at all. It was in an easy to read format so you would not have to read the whole thing if you did not want to. And you can annoy your spouse with too with "Suze Orman says ...."
July 21, 2017
The book is a quick read - which I think may take away from more detailed information that may be provided in her other books. I read this book first since it was the first book of her series that was available to me. I do believe that Suze Orman knows her stuff - looking forward to reading some of her other books.
May 12, 2017
I found it difficult to put into practice.
January 15, 2020
That was a pretty good read. It would be a worthwhile read next time a recession hits.
May 5, 2009
These sorts of books are kind of a bad habit of mine. Yes, they tend to be obvious to an extent, and all. But the random tidbit! There *could* be a random useful tidbit! It's hopeless.
I also get a kick out of how she says in the early part such things as "Follow the advice here and you will know exactly whta you need to do to adapt to the new post-meltdown reality," and "I promise I will never steer you wrong or put your dreams of a secure future in peril. You can count on me." Meanwhile, on the title page, it says, "Neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services by publishing this book. ...The author and publisher will not be responsible for any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a result of the use and application of any of the information contained in this book." Beauty.
Beyond that, in the early pages she talks about the very real possibility that we in the US are facing a recession. In the months since this was printed, it's clearly become much worse - a domestic Depression, and global Depression, a global Depression plus war.. it's unclear just what the parameters are. The more variance there is between our situation today and what Suze perceived when this was written, the more 'off' the advice may be.
So, incorrect advice which - in any case - you are warned not to rely on. Seems like a bit of limited utility.
Even so, books like this can be useful I think just for familiarity with terms and how things work, not just FICO scores and 401K/403B vs. Roth, but things like the FDCPA; NFCC; DMP; MMMD's vs. MMMF's; interrelationships between the FDIC, NCUA and the Treasury; FAFSA and Staffords, and the SPIC. Unfortunately this book doesn't have an index.
But using it to brush up on the range of subjects she covers, and using her current website plus the most current info on all the sources she includes probably will continue to yield interesting points of view to consider, as we continue to spin into (hopefully survivable) entropy.
After reading/skimming it: I would say it's useful. The headings in every section let you pick only that content that relates to or interests you. And the matter-of-fact tone is reassuring and makes it seem like a conversation. These subjects are among those that conversation improves, I believe. So, if this book seems like a good idea for you, my advice would be to go ahead and read/skim it! But the more time has passed since November 2008 when you read it, keep in mind details and/or the whole tone might not specifically fit reality anymore, exactly. Still, the refreshing conversation and shifting around of goals/methods/abilities to respond/facing the truth/ and most of all CHOICES we all have is useful.
I also get a kick out of how she says in the early part such things as "Follow the advice here and you will know exactly whta you need to do to adapt to the new post-meltdown reality," and "I promise I will never steer you wrong or put your dreams of a secure future in peril. You can count on me." Meanwhile, on the title page, it says, "Neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services by publishing this book. ...The author and publisher will not be responsible for any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a result of the use and application of any of the information contained in this book." Beauty.
Beyond that, in the early pages she talks about the very real possibility that we in the US are facing a recession. In the months since this was printed, it's clearly become much worse - a domestic Depression, and global Depression, a global Depression plus war.. it's unclear just what the parameters are. The more variance there is between our situation today and what Suze perceived when this was written, the more 'off' the advice may be.
So, incorrect advice which - in any case - you are warned not to rely on. Seems like a bit of limited utility.
Even so, books like this can be useful I think just for familiarity with terms and how things work, not just FICO scores and 401K/403B vs. Roth, but things like the FDCPA; NFCC; DMP; MMMD's vs. MMMF's; interrelationships between the FDIC, NCUA and the Treasury; FAFSA and Staffords, and the SPIC. Unfortunately this book doesn't have an index.
But using it to brush up on the range of subjects she covers, and using her current website plus the most current info on all the sources she includes probably will continue to yield interesting points of view to consider, as we continue to spin into (hopefully survivable) entropy.
After reading/skimming it: I would say it's useful. The headings in every section let you pick only that content that relates to or interests you. And the matter-of-fact tone is reassuring and makes it seem like a conversation. These subjects are among those that conversation improves, I believe. So, if this book seems like a good idea for you, my advice would be to go ahead and read/skim it! But the more time has passed since November 2008 when you read it, keep in mind details and/or the whole tone might not specifically fit reality anymore, exactly. Still, the refreshing conversation and shifting around of goals/methods/abilities to respond/facing the truth/ and most of all CHOICES we all have is useful.
November 5, 2009
Published in late 2008 this book was written just when the fallout from the economic crises was beginning to hit the average American schlub. As of November 2009 things only seem to be getting worse as each day passes. Unemployment is much higher than the #'s quoted in her book and every day more businesses are closing up shop.
This book was written as a guide to help people deal with the devastation of the changed economy. It's written in a question and answer format.
Most of these financial guru's stress socking money away (ha ha) and taking on a second job but what they don't seem to realize is that many of us are already doing so and are just squeaking by with nothing left over because of pay cuts and increased taxes. Sometimes I feel these millionaire financial guru's are a bit out of touch with hardworking and still struggling folks. Put more money into a 401K or a college fund? Sure, when money starts raining from the sky . . .
Many of the questions in the book pertain to FICO scores and mention ways to improve it if it happens to fall under 720. Unfortunately, due to devious doings by credit card companies who are closing accounts and slashing credit lines many innocent people have fallen under 720 even when they've done nothing wrong. I think the author wastes too much time worrying about the FICO score which is only useful if you're going to borrow more money (though I've heard some potential employers check them for new hires which seems like an invasion of privacy to me). She does stress paying off credit cards, which I agree is something that everyone should do, but if everyone stopped using them as a crutch and paid with cash they would be forced to live within their means and wouldn't have to worry about the whims of the almighty & secret FICO gods.
She stresses you absolutely must have 8 months worth of expenses in a savings account or you are doing wrong by your family. This may be sound advice but it's unrealistic for many people and is hurtful to those doing all they can just to keep food on the table. She bangs you over the head with this comment numerous times and again it brought home the fact that this woman has no clue about what it takes to raise a young family on less wages than one made a decade ago.
She goes into a lot of detail about stocks and bonds, saving for retirement and for college. It seems like good info IF you have money to invest but as we're still in "getting by" mode I'll have to keep it in mind for the future.
This book was written as a guide to help people deal with the devastation of the changed economy. It's written in a question and answer format.
Most of these financial guru's stress socking money away (ha ha) and taking on a second job but what they don't seem to realize is that many of us are already doing so and are just squeaking by with nothing left over because of pay cuts and increased taxes. Sometimes I feel these millionaire financial guru's are a bit out of touch with hardworking and still struggling folks. Put more money into a 401K or a college fund? Sure, when money starts raining from the sky . . .
Many of the questions in the book pertain to FICO scores and mention ways to improve it if it happens to fall under 720. Unfortunately, due to devious doings by credit card companies who are closing accounts and slashing credit lines many innocent people have fallen under 720 even when they've done nothing wrong. I think the author wastes too much time worrying about the FICO score which is only useful if you're going to borrow more money (though I've heard some potential employers check them for new hires which seems like an invasion of privacy to me). She does stress paying off credit cards, which I agree is something that everyone should do, but if everyone stopped using them as a crutch and paid with cash they would be forced to live within their means and wouldn't have to worry about the whims of the almighty & secret FICO gods.
She stresses you absolutely must have 8 months worth of expenses in a savings account or you are doing wrong by your family. This may be sound advice but it's unrealistic for many people and is hurtful to those doing all they can just to keep food on the table. She bangs you over the head with this comment numerous times and again it brought home the fact that this woman has no clue about what it takes to raise a young family on less wages than one made a decade ago.
She goes into a lot of detail about stocks and bonds, saving for retirement and for college. It seems like good info IF you have money to invest but as we're still in "getting by" mode I'll have to keep it in mind for the future.
February 15, 2009
This book was really about 2.5 stars but I am giving Suze an extra .5 for putting this book up for free on the web for a week. I was able to download it in under a minute and read it through Adobe Reader.
All in all it was a fast read with some interesting and useful information, explained clearly and concisely. This book is designed for people who are not experts in finance or economics. It doesn't have a lot of specifics, but if you're looking for an overview of how we got in this financial mess and how it affects you, this is a good start.
The book covers a number of topics and situations and they may not all apply to you, but the book is set up nicely to read the chapters applicable to your life and skim the others. Suze also has highlighted various "Situations" along with their cordinating "Action" plans. The first 2 chapters cover what has recently happened in the stock market and the housing crisis. This book is current through November 2008 but Suze says she is making updates to the material daily on her website (I haven't had time to check this out). The other chapters are as follows: Chapter 3 Credit, Chapter 4 Retirement Investing, Chapter 5 Savings, Chapter 6 Spending (includes her Household Cash Flow Worksheet), Chapter 7 Real Estate, Chapter 8 Paying for College, Chapter 9 Protecting Yourself and Your Family (i.e. Health and Life Insurance, Losing your Job), Chapter 10 Planning Ahead.
May 14, 2009
Someone told me about this book being available for free from Oprah's website for a limited time, so, since I enjoy good financial planning books, I thought I'd take a look at this one. I read the entire e-book in about 1/2 hour. This book is mostly meant for people who have major difficulties with anything financial (lots of credit card debt, risk of foreclosure on a home, etc.). If you feel like you manage your money pretty well this book is not for you.
I found most things in this book to be very basic and obvious advice--pay off your credit cards, continue to invest in retirement accounts, keep the long-range goal in sight, don't get a mortgage larger than you can afford, spend less than you earn, keep an emergency savings account of 8 months worth of living expenses.... It's all very basic advice. So if you know nothing about basic financial planning and investing strategies, this is a good place to start, otherwise, you might be saying to yourself what I did... Duh.
I found most things in this book to be very basic and obvious advice--pay off your credit cards, continue to invest in retirement accounts, keep the long-range goal in sight, don't get a mortgage larger than you can afford, spend less than you earn, keep an emergency savings account of 8 months worth of living expenses.... It's all very basic advice. So if you know nothing about basic financial planning and investing strategies, this is a good place to start, otherwise, you might be saying to yourself what I did... Duh.
March 17, 2009
Great book, full of insightful, straight-forward investment tips for this crazy economy. Easy to read. Neat question and answers in each chapter. Took me a little over 2 hours to read it!
Curious as to what to do in this economy with investments? Keep investing. Now is the time to buy stocks.
Should a person stop investing in their IRA? Nope. Buy low, sell high. Ride it out. Now is the time to buy shares. Market will return, but maybe not until 2014 or 2015, she says.
Roth IRAs are going to open up for all incomes in 2010! Very nice.
Worried about your 529 Plans? She explains how to tier them (stock:bond) based on child(rens) ages. Note that most people aren't aware a 529 plan can only be "adjusted" once a year, so...be aware.
Some neat tips and ideas that made me feel better were in this book. Well done.
Curious as to what to do in this economy with investments? Keep investing. Now is the time to buy stocks.
Should a person stop investing in their IRA? Nope. Buy low, sell high. Ride it out. Now is the time to buy shares. Market will return, but maybe not until 2014 or 2015, she says.
Roth IRAs are going to open up for all incomes in 2010! Very nice.
Worried about your 529 Plans? She explains how to tier them (stock:bond) based on child(rens) ages. Note that most people aren't aware a 529 plan can only be "adjusted" once a year, so...be aware.
Some neat tips and ideas that made me feel better were in this book. Well done.
April 13, 2009
I love this book! Orman continues to provide clear concepts and direct answers to the common financial questions in 2009.
This big font book is fast to read and easy to digest. Orman touches upon topics such as how to rescue your FICO scores, how to defer college loan payments (for those poor fellas who just graduated and can't find a job), and how to allocate your retirement portfolio.
We all know a standard financial advising boilerplate does not cover the continuum of everyone's financial situation. For those, like myself, who have an unquenchable thirst for financial knowledge, you can further your own research from the dozens of Internet links provided in this book. (Knowledge is power. Better yet, it's free knowledge with your own choosing!)
With a humble retail price of $9.99, it makes a great personal financial reference book. Highly highly recommended.
This big font book is fast to read and easy to digest. Orman touches upon topics such as how to rescue your FICO scores, how to defer college loan payments (for those poor fellas who just graduated and can't find a job), and how to allocate your retirement portfolio.
We all know a standard financial advising boilerplate does not cover the continuum of everyone's financial situation. For those, like myself, who have an unquenchable thirst for financial knowledge, you can further your own research from the dozens of Internet links provided in this book. (Knowledge is power. Better yet, it's free knowledge with your own choosing!)
With a humble retail price of $9.99, it makes a great personal financial reference book. Highly highly recommended.
July 24, 2012
Not bad. This book is actually a great place to start if you know absolutely nothing about personal finance. No not, regular math like 1+1=2, but more if you have no idea what a 401K is, no idea what determines your credit score, no idea about wills and trusts ect. This is great INTRODUCTION. It's not a guide to follow, but a great book to get an overall background and intro before you delve into heavier stuff.
I like the way Orman does the question/answers in her book. You don't have to read the entire book, you can skip back and forth, and you can still get the picture. While dated, again this book gives you a great starting point when want to learn about personal finance.
And to learn about personal finance, you need to read more than book. Don't read this and expect to know all, be all. In fact, her investing advice sucks (don't follow), but her saving and budget advice rocks.
I like the way Orman does the question/answers in her book. You don't have to read the entire book, you can skip back and forth, and you can still get the picture. While dated, again this book gives you a great starting point when want to learn about personal finance.
And to learn about personal finance, you need to read more than book. Don't read this and expect to know all, be all. In fact, her investing advice sucks (don't follow), but her saving and budget advice rocks.
January 8, 2009
This is a great book as it addresses the present economy. The poor state of the economy has affected me personally. I was laid off from my job in February 2008 and have only been able to find temp work or no work at all since then; I lost $10,000 in my IRA so far and I've been using my savings to supplement my unemployment benefits. What to do about it? I felt like Suze's book addressed me personally. For one thing, I won't be retiring for about 15-20 years, so someone in my shoes, Suze's suggests is not to touch that IRA dial. History has proven that the market will eventually do a turnaround and I will recap my loss. I hope so! Suze's realistic, but opportunistic view of our economy helps one to prepare for the now, and prepare for the future. A must read!
January 8, 2009
I'll take 5 minutes to write a quick review.
This was a timely book, considering the economics of the last six months. I found it to have some useful info and hope to use some of the advice in the coming year.
I really want to comment on how easy this book must have been to write. Although the author spends a few short chapters giving an overview, the majority of the book consists of questions and answers posed by her clients or readers/listeners. Since she does a TV show on PBS (?) it seems that simply transcribing those questions into written word is the format of the book. Brilliant, easy and very lucrative.Seems like something any lecturing or seminar giving expert could do and have it be a success.
This was a timely book, considering the economics of the last six months. I found it to have some useful info and hope to use some of the advice in the coming year.
I really want to comment on how easy this book must have been to write. Although the author spends a few short chapters giving an overview, the majority of the book consists of questions and answers posed by her clients or readers/listeners. Since she does a TV show on PBS (?) it seems that simply transcribing those questions into written word is the format of the book. Brilliant, easy and very lucrative.Seems like something any lecturing or seminar giving expert could do and have it be a success.
January 15, 2009
Suze Orman is just fantastic--she's level-headed, incredibly honest and blunt about the way that we are currently living our lives (on credit, in debt, and not living within our means) and has great practical advice for everyday Americans. The best advice I got out of this book:
1. First things first: pay off all credit card debt quickly. Having a balance on one or more credit cards per month is not living within our means.
2. Save at least 8 months worth of living expenses. Especially at this time no one knows what tomorrow will bring with work, health, etc. so we all need to be prepared!
Not only do I suggest everyone read this book...but to actually take away at least a couple of things and apply them to your life!
1. First things first: pay off all credit card debt quickly. Having a balance on one or more credit cards per month is not living within our means.
2. Save at least 8 months worth of living expenses. Especially at this time no one knows what tomorrow will bring with work, health, etc. so we all need to be prepared!
Not only do I suggest everyone read this book...but to actually take away at least a couple of things and apply them to your life!
January 14, 2009
I'm surprised at how quickly she wrote this book. It's a great kick-in-the-butt for people who obviously don't know or chose to ignore basic financial training. I don't know much about her, but it seems like she's been giving this advice constantly (an unlimited text plan is a want not a need, if you don't have a retirement fund you can't afford a second home, etc) so I'm not sure why people will start to listen to her now.
But my mother sent me the link to download it free (thanks Oprah) and there are some good reminders in there. Especially as we look to (maybe) buy a house, it's nice to remember the smart way to do it.
I'm not sure how applicable this will be in five years - but I doubt that what the author was going for.
But my mother sent me the link to download it free (thanks Oprah) and there are some good reminders in there. Especially as we look to (maybe) buy a house, it's nice to remember the smart way to do it.
I'm not sure how applicable this will be in five years - but I doubt that what the author was going for.
March 31, 2009
This book is mostly for people with a truckload of debt who are anticipating a major life event (such as a child entering college or retirement) in 2009 or shortly after. You can read '2009 Action Plan' straight through or skip to topics of interest because it is written in question and answer form.
4 things you should know:
1. Suze Orman makes 2009 sound like the Apocalypse.
2. This book is not for broke people. Suze assumes you already have a 401k, stocks and other assets you can fallback on.
3. If you've previously read a Suze Orman book, you have already read this one. It's good information, but nothing revolutionary.
4. Even though Suze recommends watching your spending and saving more, the chapters addressing these topics are the shortest ones in the book.
4 things you should know:
1. Suze Orman makes 2009 sound like the Apocalypse.
2. This book is not for broke people. Suze assumes you already have a 401k, stocks and other assets you can fallback on.
3. If you've previously read a Suze Orman book, you have already read this one. It's good information, but nothing revolutionary.
4. Even though Suze recommends watching your spending and saving more, the chapters addressing these topics are the shortest ones in the book.
November 12, 2009
My friend Saja told me this was a good book on financial stuff, and I figured I need all the help I can get. I finished this book on Nov. 1. It is something everyone should read--I already knew a lot of the financial info. shared in it, but some that I did not. Regardless, it really puts you in your place and made me realize every day I make decisions that could have lasting effects on mine and my family's financial future. It is a really fast and easy read. Now I am reading Debt Cures and we shall see how they compare... Suze Orman's book puts a great deal of financial responsibility on YOU, whereas Kevin Trudeau appears to put a lot of the blame on the government, banks, and credit companies.
February 18, 2009
Not too many surprises here. We just finished teaching FPU at our church and the same principles applied here that Suze gave. I thought the chapter on college savings was way out of step with the rest of the book. She seemed to say that you should be very frugal, save and not add on more debt except when it came to your child's education. Did not add up to me.
I mostly read it so I could find out more about investing in mutual funds. Many of my friends are getting out of the market completely. We are going to get started and do it seriously for the first time in our lives. Debt free and saving for our third home in 5-10 years.
I mostly read it so I could find out more about investing in mutual funds. Many of my friends are getting out of the market completely. We are going to get started and do it seriously for the first time in our lives. Debt free and saving for our third home in 5-10 years.
July 20, 2012
I believe Suze has valuable advice and insight. I read this as soon as it came out, and followed many of her recommendations. As the economy continues to change, I think that much of this advice is still valuable, but it should still be considered for the context of the economy it was intended for. After hearing her speak at the Texas Conference for Women (11/12/2009), I know that she foresees a long road ahead before we see financial recovery. For those interested in personal finance, I do recommend this book, but more importantly, to watch her shows on Saturday nights on CNBC. Details can be found on her Web site: http://www.suzeorman.com/
February 22, 2009
I am shocked by all the negative reviews of this book. Mind you, it's not written for hard core savers who watch Suze's (or Dave Ramsey's or any other financial guru's) show but for people who have just woken up and realized that they are in a financial bind. For me, most of the information was redundant or just didn't apply but I would highly recommend this book to other people who are financial newbies.
Of course the best first step you can make toward getting your finances in order is to pick this book up for free at your local library!
Of course the best first step you can make toward getting your finances in order is to pick this book up for free at your local library!
January 4, 2011
I think it had some great info for setting up the reader with knowledge to begin navigating the world of personal finances in 2009. The link to a free download of the book through January 15, 2009 has expired but you can still read the first chapter here: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsho...
Here's the link to her 2010 guide:
http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Orman...
Plus the link to her 2011 blue print:
http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Orman...
Here's the link to her 2010 guide:
http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Orman...
Plus the link to her 2011 blue print:
http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Orman...
February 4, 2009
This is a good, easy book to read at the start of the new year. It's after the holiday spending season and about the time to make New Year's Resolutions. It's full of common sense: build an emergency fund, pay down debt and live within your means. With the present state of the economy, it's these basic rules that you have to remember. If she could only market herself in such a way that when I open my wallet I can hear her tell me to shut it, I'd be set!
February 6, 2009
Wow! I downloaded the book from her website for free, and I read the majority of this book within about 6 hours. It's structured so that you can read what's immediately applicable to your personal situation and skim through what's not. I recommend this for everyone. Much of it's common sense, but she demystifies retirement and other investments accounts and underscores their importance, especially in times like this. Finally, she ends the book with a note of optimism.
April 29, 2009
This book is great for the times. I love watching her on Oprah and her straightforward get out of debt and save attitude. It is nice to have a financial leader in these times tell people 'no'. I always cringed when it came to using credit, so it is nice to have her tell you how to save it during this time. Everyone will learn something from this book. I learned why our economy went down the cracks and how it relates to me personally.
August 11, 2009
I really enjoyed her tough-love message on finances. We all know we need to curb our spending and figure out what our "wants" vs. "needs" are. It's wise to have an emergency fund. Personally, I didn't agree with her advice on temporarily halting charitable donations until you are more financially secure. Overall it was a good book to read to get you thinking about your finances and great question and answer sections.
February 4, 2009
I figured that I should be honest about the books I'm reading - even cheesy ones like this one. It's probably nothing new for people in the financial know, but it was actually better than I expected, providing specific suggestions for things to do and web sites to check out. As a result, I'm now getting 2.8% interest instead of 0.5% on my savings account - thanks Suze!
January 25, 2009
It was ok. I think there are better books out there for this type of thing. I'm going to try Dave Ramsey. She makes suggestions for one to have financial freedom. Two of those that annoyed me were as follows: 1. A woman must consider going back to work (if she REALLY cares about her family) 2. Stop making charitable contributions.
And you wonder why people think she's a B.
And you wonder why people think she's a B.
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