Family
What Are You Thankful For?
Let’s be real. This has been one awful year. The coronavirus has upended everything. My heart breaks for those of you who have lost a loved one, a friend, a colleague.
Let’s Talk About Holiday Spending…Right Now
Yes, I know the calendar says it’s only Halloween. But this is the perfect time that you and I have a serious chat about your spending budget for the upcoming holiday season.
Changing Up Your Family Dynamic
It doesn’t come as news, but is nonetheless depressing: women with school age children are bearing the brunt of the fallout from the pandemic.
What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Money Right Now?
A recent survey conducted by Schwab asked Americans what they think are the most important “lessons” parents should teach their kids.
3 Signs Your Generosity is Costing You Way Too Much
One of the most harmful blind spots women have is a tendency to be too generous.
Don’t Send Your Kid to College Without This
Now that another college year is beginning, I want to make sure that all the Moms and Dads have packed off the kids with one very important item:
A College Silver Lining
It has been a frustrating time for households with college-age students.
College Plans Just Got More Complicated
Now that some colleges have begun to announce that they will continue to keep campus closed this fall and deliver classes only online, families with college students are rightfully wondering what to d
Moving Towards Financial Security
Even before this crisis upended our lives, building financial security was something many of you struggled with. The bills get paid, maybe a little gets saved, but you feel like you can never really g
The Best Expression of Love
Okay, I know you love your family. Yet so many of you are absolutely failing at what I consider a very important expression of that love: You haven’t yet created your four Must Have Documents.
Step 1 to Make Your Money Last
I hear from so many of you who are at least 50 that you are worried you won’t be able to have a great retirement. And those of you who are retired are anxious if your money will last.
Rethinking Your Approach to Family Finances
Family has always been at the heart of the American Dream. We work, we strive for the sake of our family. We want our children to have endless opportunity,
Lending Money to a Loved One
‘Tis the season of gathering and spending quality time with our loved ones. All of that extra time together often leads to everything from big announcements, to bickering, to getting asked to borrow m
What to Do When Your Child Receives a Cash Gift
Teaching your children the pleasure of saving is going to be one of your hardest tasks, since chances are you do not enjoy it either. If you force them to save, they might grow to resent it.
Say No Out of Love, Rather than Yes Out of Fear
I know many of you are helping out your adult kids financially. I also know that many of you are worried you won’t be in great shape when it comes to retirement.
Is Your Family Putting Your Retirement at Risk?
Oh, the things we do for love! A recent survey reports that more than half of U.S. investors provide financial assistance, or personal care to adult children or other family members. The financial aid
What’s Your Financial Education Plan for the New School Year?
I hope you and your family have had a fantastic summer full of fun, adventure and most of all, relaxation. With the academic school year starting soon, it’s an important time for parents –and grandp
A Gift That Gives Even More
As we head into the heart of the holiday season, I know many of you are focused on finding the right gift for loved ones, friends, and colleagues. I have a shopping tip that is guaranteed to make your
Why Every Woman Needs to Stop Relying on Men for Money Advice
For all of you who are happily married, or in a committed relationship with a man, I have two thoughts:
This One Move Will Automatically Improve Your Financial Life
This One Move Will Automatically Improve Your Financial Life
The Important Lessons Your Kids Won’t Learn in School
As a new academic year begins, I want to make sure that parents understand the important lessons that will not be taught in school.
Could the One-Roof Solution Help Your Family’s Finances?
Financial stress is a multigenerational issue. Young adults look at high home prices in many parts of the country and wonder when –or if– they will ever be able to afford to buy.
Vacations are an Important Career Move
According to a national survey, more than half of Americans don’t use all their vacation days. I think that’s a bad career move. Vacations aren’t an indulgence, they are a necessity.
The Talk (and Planning) Every Parent Owes Their Adult Kids
Nearly two thirds of participants in a recent survey said they think it is the job of an adult child to provide care for an aging parent. And about half of participants said that extends to the
4 Great Reasons to Rent
As we head into the heart of home buying season I am concerned some of you may be caught up in the “buy now!” frenzy.
Happiness is Always Affordable
As we head into a new year, I am sending my wishes for a year full of happiness, to all of you.I know your life is busy.
Financial Caregiving: How Every Parent Must Help Their Adult Children
More than 90 percent of people who provide caregiving support to a loved one help out with the financial stuff, according to a recent survey.
Suze Orman to Give Soldiers Free Money Education Course
U.S. Army officials hope to capture the attention of soldiers on financial health issues through a new partnership with money expert and TV personality Suze Orman.
What Parents Get So Wrong About College
Parents, way too many of you are still getting it all wrong when it comes to college. A recent survey by T. Rowe Price reports that 68% of parents think saving for their kids’ college
Now is the Time to Get Your Family on Board with a Smart Holiday Plan
If you’re honest, I am confident you would tell me that you wish you could spend less around the holidays. This has nothing to do with being a Scrooge. But you also know from experience, that you end up spending way more than you intended. Not necessarily because you were extravagant. Quite often it’s just the sheer number of people in your life that you exchange gifts with, that can add up.
A Winning Argument for Why You and Your Honey Need to Come Clean About Money
I recently saw a survey that reported that nearly half of people in a relationship say they argue about money. I was surprised it was not even higher. And money stress is often a major factor in why couples split up.
How to Get the Best Bang for Your College Buck
I am a big believer in college education, and an even bigger believer in getting a return on your investment. But I don’t know any financial advisor who can guarantee that a $180,000 investment in a
What Every Woman Needs to Get Schooled On.
When the American College of Financial Services recently quizzed retirement-aged people on the basics of how to make their money last, just 35 percent of men passed the test. As troubling as that is, only 18 percent of women passed.
This Girlfriend’s Money Guide to Steering Clear of Divorce
A recent Experian survey reports that more than one-third of people who divorced says it caused them financial ruin. And more than 60 percent of people surveyed said that money issues played a central role in the break up.
Are You Ready to Declare Your Financial Independence?
I hope you have a fantastic July 4th, and that it includes some time to reflect on the principles of our democracy that are celebrated on this holiday. We have so much to be grateful for.
3 Key Financial Steps for Stay At Home Parents
When you and your partner make the decision for one of you to be a stay-at-home parent, the tendency is to center all the financial decisions on the person who is still earning an income. Notice I didn’t say “the one who is still working.” Please. Being a stay at home parent is probably the hardest—and certainly the most important-work there is.
A 5-Step Personal Finance Crash Course for New Grads
I absolutely love my 7-class personal finance course, but I want to share a super short list of Must Dos and Don’ts for recent college grads. Because I know far too many parents have
How to Smartly Use Community College as a Stepping Stone
You know I am a big believer in the value of a college education. With one catch. The cost of obtaining a degree must be affordable for the student. Yes, the student. Parents are to focus on saving for retirement; I can’t endorse parents paying and borrowing for college if it means not saving enough for their retirement.
How Not to Let Runaway Wedding Costs Derail Your Financial Plan
Look, I love a good party as much as anyone else, especially when there is a great celebration, such as a wedding. But if you’re attending a few weddings a year—and god forbid if one or more is a destination wedding—then I am also worried you may be celebrating your way into a costly situation.
Know When to Turn Down a College.
It’s getting close to the pins and needles moments for families with college-bound high school seniors. Acceptance notices will soon be mailed out. I know it will be a relief for your entire
How to Truly Say “I Love You” to Your Family
Chocolate and roses are classic Valentine’s Day gifts. But I am dead serious when I tell you that the most caring and loving gift you can ever give your loved ones is to protect them with life insurance.
Suze’s New Children’s Book
#1 New York Times best-selling author and world-renowned financial expert Suze Orman makes her children’s book debut in this story of a one-dollar bill named Billy and penny named Penny.
What to Do With an Unused Gift Card
I hope your friends and family hit the bull’s eye with your gifts this holiday season. But I bet there are many of you who received a gift card (or two, or three) that you don’t have a burning desire to use. As much as you love the sentiment of the gift giver, perhaps you just don’t need-or want-anything from the particular retailer your gift-giver chose.
U.S. Army Announces Partnership with Suze Orman
WASHINGTON -- Under Secretary of the U.S. Army Patrick J. Murphy, and personal financial advisor Suze Orman will conduct a joint media engagement at 10:00 a.m., January 4, 2017
This Ridiculous Trend is Driving Me Nuts!
According to the car data experts at Edmunds.com a record number of Americans are making one of the worst financial moves ever. Edmunds.com says that nearly 1 in 3 new car
Give Your Kids the Gift of Giving
The run up to the holidays at the end of the month is an especially great time to teach young children some money and life lessons.
Why ETFs Are The Best Choice For Your Retirement Investments
You know I am a big believer that a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is the best way to save for retirement. And for my money, I think Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are an ideal way to invest the money in your IRA.
What No Mother With Young Children Can Afford to Leave Off Her Shopping List
I was shopping at Costco recently, enjoying the great value as always. While waiting in line to check out I got to chatting with a few young mothers-with babies in tow-who were waiting as well. Me being me I was curious if these women who obviously knew a thing or two about shopping had bought protection for their family.
How to Wring More From Your 401(K)
You may have heard or read recently about some high profile retirement plan sponsors being sued by plan participants for high fees in the plan. Financial service firms-yep, folks who run mutual funds-have been hit with lawsuits, as have the plans run by MIT, NYU and Yale.
My House Rules for Boomerang Kids.
More adult children are living with family than at any time in the past 60 years. Whether your twenty-something bundle of joy is back home (or never left!) because you’re a better roommate with better digs, or because they have yet to find a career job, you still need to lay down some financial expectations:
Money Lessons Every Parent Needs To Teach This School Year:
It’s that time of year again: back to school. While I know there are legions of amazing teachers waiting to educate your kids, I need you to step up and do some important teaching that most schools drop the ball on: personal finance.
Avoid This Costly Refinancing Trap
In late July, the 3.4% average rate for a 30-year mortgage was near the historic low set in 2013. That’s great news for so many homeowners who were unable to refinance back in 2013 because they didn’t have the 20% equity that most lenders require for the best refi deals. Fast-forward to today and home values are up an average of nearly 30% since early 2013. That means plenty of homeowners can now-finally-refinance at today’s great rates.
Teach Your Children Well-Part 4: Have the College Cost Conversation Early
I see parents let down their college bound kids all the time. Not because they can’t afford to foot the often insanely high bill for a four-year private college education, but because they
Teach your Children Well-Part 3: Give Your Kid’s Credit
Young adults are making a big mistake with their finances. Survey after survey reports that most millennials do not have a credit card. I am wholeheartedly on board with preferring a debit card. But everyone needs to also have a credit card and use it responsibly.
Teach Your Children Well-Part 2: Instill the Pleasure of Saving
You know your kids are sponges. So let me ask you a question: what lessons about saving are they absorbing from you?
Teach Your Children Well-Part 1: Bill Pay Together
Sitting down with your children once a month and having them help you pay the family bills is an incredibly valuable life-lesson opportunity that sadly few families use.
A Taxing Reason to Not Buy a Home
There are two potentially large tax breaks that come with buying a home. But listen to me: I never think it is a good idea to factor in the tax breaks when deciding if you are ready to buy your first home. Nor do I ever want anyone to decide on a mortgage budget based on the after-tax net cost. Here’s why:
Why I Don’t Like Weddings
Weddings bring out the worst in our bad-money habits. I have known too many couples that have gone into credit card debt to pay for a wedding. Love doesn’t mean paying 15% interest-or more!-for a special day. And I have seen way too many parents nearing retirement who pull money out of their retirement savings, or stop contributing to their retirement accounts for a year or two, or use a home equity line of credit to pay for a child’s wedding. That is insane. Love never means having to jeopardize your future to pay for a wedding.
4 Ways to Save on a Wedding
I am on the record that only couples in great financial shape should spend money on an expensive/large wedding. But for those of you who are just going to plow ahead despite shaky finances, please at least make the most of my money-saving wedding tips.
That $30,000 Wedding Really Costs You $130,000 Or More.
The average cost of a wedding is now more than $30,000. As I have explained in How to Budget for a Wedding, spending even $3,000 on a wedding is a bad move if you have credit card debt, have yet to build a large emergency fund, or aren’t on pace with your retirement savings.
Credit Card Industry Set to Rake in an Extra $30 Billion. How to Avoid Paying Your Part.
If you have unpaid credit card balances, your situation could soon progress from very expensive to ridiculously expensive.
Take Care of Your Family’s Financial Fears
When it comes to ranking financial fears, worrying about how your family will fare if calamity strikes is probably at the top of your list. Yet for some reason, no amount of fear has pushed you to the point of (finally!) taking the steps to protect yourself and your family from the “what ifs” that can strike at any time. I am not here to scold. Or guilt you. I just want you to get past this excruciating fear once and for all. Here’s how:
Financial Fear No More! Three Steps Toward Financial Freedom
Your money challenges are very personal. You may have a large credit card balance gnawing at you, while your best friend is awake at night worrying about being able to keep working through her 60s,
Money Gifts to Kids: 3 Rules Every Parent Must Follow
As we are heading into the holiday season, I know plenty of kids will be receiving a check from a grandparent, aunt or uncle. So I want to review how every family with kids under 18 should handle financial gifts year round.
3 Rules for Doling Out Allowances
Parents, we have a problem. So many of you make a mess out of allowances. You reward the wrong thing, and totally miss out on the big picture: beginning to teach your child about the value of money. Here are my 3 Suze-Approved Rules for Allowances:
Student Loan Alert: Beware the Cost of Capitalization on Unsubsidized Staffords
Attention all college freshman, and returning students! If you have taken out an unsubsidized federal Stafford loan to help pay for college, I am betting you are making a big financial
Five Easy Moves to Save At Least $100 a Month
I’ve spent a lot of time poring over the finances of families who come to me for help. No matter what problem they are trying to fix, a universal step in my review is to go through their monthly spending in detail and show them how trimming back on certain expenses can add up to substantial savings.
The Massive Mistake 4 in 10 Parents With Young Children Make …and how to fix it in four easy steps
A new survey makes me sad, mad and very nervous. According to Bankrate.com, 37% of parents with children under the age of 18 have no life insurance. And even the parents with life insurance aren’t really protecting their family, as one-third have policies with death benefits that do not exceed $100,000. That may sound like a lot of money, but it’s woefully little once you sit down and run the numbers.
What Every New College Grad Needs To Know About Repaying Student Loans
Falling behind on your student loans is one of the worst financial mistakes you can ever make. The penalties and fees if you fall behind, and into default, can add thousands of dollars to your bill.
How Grandparents Can Make the Most of a Grandchild’s Summer Job
So often grandparents come up to me and ask how they can best help their grandchildren get a leg up. My favorite move is to gift a grandchild money to open a Roth IRA. Here’s what you need to know:
A Message for Husbands: Your Wife Should Drive the Retirement Planning
One of the most common things I hear from many couples is that the husband likes investing and planning, and thus wives are all too happy to let him handle the retirement strategizing. Big mistake. Not because I am doubting the skill and intentions of men. Rather, my concern is that it’s women who typically are the most at risk in terms of retirement security for a very simple fact: Women tend to outlive men.
Emergency Fund 101
It makes me so sad to read reports that many households don’t have even $1,000 set aside to cover an unexpected expense. What’s so sad is that I know that must cause such stress.
How To Marry Your Finances
It’s no secret that money can be a serious wedge issue for couples. Survey after survey reports that when couples argue, finances are often at the heart of the discord. Here’s how every couple can lay the groundwork for financial compatibility.
Avoid This Common and Costly Insurance Mistake
If you have a low deductible of just $250 or $500 on your homeowner or car insurance policies I want you to listen up right now. You need to call up your insurer and ask for a higher deductible. Yes, I said higher.
Four Financial Moves Every College Grad Must Make ASAP
Forget all the commencement speeches about your dreaming big, not compromising, and following your passion. That’s all terrific advice, but not nearly as important as the nuts and bolts of four
Life Insurance Made Easy. Really!
Life insurance is such a difficult financial hurdle for so many of you. You’re either queasy about pondering the need for it in the first place, or you are rightfully queasy about getting taken by an agent selling you a way-too-expensive policy.
What You Need To Know About New Alternative FICO Score
For years I have pointed out how ridiculous it is that people who don’t have credit cards, but responsibly pay-as-they-go with debit cards and cash, are put at a severe disadvantage in our financial system.
Approved: White House Proposal for Universal Access to College
President Obama has announced a plan that would pay for 100% of the tuition for anyone who wants to attend a community college and can commit to remain on course to graduate from the two-year program
Same-Sex Marriage Ban Ends in Florida
Last night KT and I were lucky enough to get to go to the courthouse in Del Ray Fla to participate in the first gay marriage ceremonies. Read my thoughts on this historic day.
Suze Orman’s Practical Real-Estate Portfolio
The personal finance expert’s holdings are in places like New York, the Bahamas and South Africa
Attention Student Loan Borrowers: Can You Pass my Repayment Test?
I fear many student loan borrowers are flunking out when it comes to choosing the right repayment plan. Here’s a quick quiz to test your repayment smarts:
The Road Not Taken: How Losing $50,000 Became My Biggest Gain
Far from aspirations that would lead a reporter to refer to me as “a force in personal finance,” my career is the result of a hot tub dream gone bad.
Beware: 2015 Prime Time for Credit Card Rates to Rise
You know how much I hate credit card debt, given the astronomical interest rates you are stuck paying. Though the average is around 14% I know plenty of you pay more than 20% interest. And next year could be even more expensive for anyone carrying credit card debt.
No Student Debt? Great, But You’re Still Being Dragged Down by the Student Debt Crisis.
If one were to ask me what I think is the most dangerous threat to our economy, the answer is very simple: STUDENT LOANS.
Suze Orman's road rules for car buying
The car you're driving could be driving you into poverty, says Suze Orman. While lenders are relaxing terms and offering longer periods for borrowers to pay, Orman is sticking by her rules of the road.
Suze Orman takes on the student loan crisis
Student loans are one of the most dangerous types of debt to have, says Suze Orman, who focuses this week's episode of "The Suze Orman Show" on ways to tackle the burden.
Same-Sex Married Couples To Get Federal Tax Recognition Regardless Of State
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Thursday that when it comes to taxes, it will recognize same-sex couples' marriages even if they live in a state that does not.
Suze Goes Back To School!
Sundance Channel announced an impressive list of innovators and leaders from a cross section of professions including music, politics, film, science, journalism and more who will come together to
Suze Orman: Don’t put your retirement on a credit card
As the economy slowly recovers, Americans are struggling to get out of credit card debt they amassed during tougher financial days...Out of desperation to stay current, or to rid themselves of their debt, people are looking at their retirement accounts as a cash source. But Suze Orman says that's the biggest mistake you could make.
Smooth Sailing With Suze Orman
America's most famous expert on personal finance and star of her own award-winning CNBC television show offers advice for “staying” afloat in these economically turbulent times, thanks to lessons learned at sea.
A Must-Read Letter
“Hello Peach, Well much has gone on since we last chatted. Are you ready, better take a deep breath...”
The 8 Qualities of a Successful Life
Years ago, after my first book came out and I had made a few television appearances, I was nearly accosted on the street by a very animated woman who kept pointing at me and then exclaimed "I know who you are... you are the... Money Lady!" I've adopted that as a nickname of sorts. I am indeed the lady whose passion is to help people make the most of their money.
Are Your Kids Spending Too Much
How to teach your teens about money. How do you teach your teens about money—short of lending them your credit card and praying that they don’t hand it back to you maxed out?
SUZE ORMAN: The US Tax Code Is “A Travesty” For Gay Couples
Personal finance expert Suze Orman took a break from her soap box at CNBC on Monday to speak candidly about her experience as a gay taxpayer in America. "There is such discrimination [in our tax
Changing Lives One Wallet at a Time
Letter From Wynne Sandra Korr, Dean and Professor at the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Thanks to the
Suze Video Interview Marlo Thomas
Marlo: “This week, I was joined by personal finance expert Suze Orman who is a veteran on Mondays With Marlo! Suze is so knowledgeable -- we spoke about everything from maximizing the value of your
