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How to Protect Yourself from the Financial Risk of Turning 50
A new study that looked at the employment and pay patterns for people once they turn 50 should be a wake-up call for anyone approaching or in their 50s. About half of the people in the study suffe
My 10-year financial challenge for you
You may have seen, or participated in, the 10-year challenge that swept through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in January, asking people to post a photo of themselves in 2009 and 2019.
How to Make the Most of a Cash Windfall
Did you land a year-end bonus? Even better, a nice raise? Or, perhaps you’ve been working a side gig and have some extra income to put to work? Also, I know many of you will soon be receiving...
4 Numbers Key to a Secure Retirement
I am a big fan of taking the time to pause, take in a deep breath, and slow down. It helps to calm us, and more importantly to give us the ability to look at something anew...
The Huge Money Mistake Too Many Millennials Make
A recent survey of millennial's found that nearly 4 in 10 adults between the age of 22 and 35 believe that there is no big rush to start saving for retirement, and that they can focus on other go
Get Paid More to Save Safely
You know I am all for investing money you won’t need for decades in low-cost stock index mutual funds or exchange-traded funds.
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.
The Most Overlooked Retirement Strategy
Saving for retirement is job 1, 2, and 3 as far as I concerned. What you manage to save today obviously plays a big role in what you have to enjoy your tomorrows.
**SOLD OUT** See Suze LIVE at the APOLLO!
**SOLD OUT**The time has never been more right for women to finally take control of their finances.
Your Kid’s Summer Job Can be an Amazing Financial Opportunity
If your child or grandchild is getting paid for a summer job, it is an amazing opportunity for you to teach two of the most powerful financial lessons.
Watch Me LIVE on HSN This Weekend
Mark your calendar because this weekend I’ll be LIVE on HSN talking about my Ultimate Protection Portfolio: Gold Edition.
A Late-Life Shock Women Can Avoid with Planning
A recent survey of more than 250 widows with a net worth of at least $1 million highlights how so many women set themselves up for later-life anxiety and frustration.
This Free Calculator Could be the Secret to Retirement Planning Success
How much you manage to save for retirement, and how you choose to invest your retirement savings play big roles in determining how comfortable your retirement will be. But once you are retired,
Financial Do’s and Don'ts After Disaster Strikes
Hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida and throughout the Caribbean, wildfires in the west and the Mexico earthquakes have been devastating for so many. And heart wrenching for all of us.
3 Retirement Moves to Make at Work That Will Pay off in 2018 and Beyond
Fall is the popular time for open enrollment at work, when employers lay out all the ins and outs of their benefit package for the coming year, and leave it to workers to decide if they want to change or update any of their benefit coverage.
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.
Worst Car Trend Ever.
I have a one-question test on whether you are truly serious about achieving financial security. How long do you want to keep your current car?
Avoid These Two Big Retirement Risks When You Land a New Job
When you land a new job you are going to be totally focused on making a great first impression. But I also want you to make sure you take care of your financial future by steering clear of two all-too-common retirement mistakes.
How to Make More than $400 in 15 Minutes
If you have spent more than three minutes watching broadcast television, you’re well aware that insurance companies are eager to get your business. But despite all those commercials, the reality is that many drivers aren’t shopping around for the best auto insurance deal.
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.
Time to Cash in on Rising Savings Rates
You know I believe there is no substitute for keeping an emergency fund in a federally insured bank or credit union account. That is the best—the only way—to ensure your “what if” money is always safe and will always be there for you. Yet I know how frustrating it has been to follow my safe—not—sorry advice since late 2008. That’s when the Federal Reserve pushed safe savings rates down to zero. The Fed’s move was focused to help the economy pull out of recession and then regain some positive momentum. But that was done at the cost of savers earning pretty much nothing.
How Seniors Can Take the Bite Out of Dental Costs.
I hope anyone nearing age 65 realizes that Medicare does not cover routine dental procedures. As recently reported in a terrific retirement blog, seniors pay more than $1,100 a year for dental work. But what is most troubling to me is that two years ago the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation reported that one in five Medicare enrollees said the high cost of dental care is a barrier to getting care. That’s dangerous, as not keeping up with dental care can impact your quality of life—if your teeth and gums don’t stay strong-and can lead to illnesses.
The 3 Smartest Moves You Can EVER Make with a Tax Refund.
The average refund for federal tax returns is nearly $3,000. And I know plenty of you also end up getting some money back when you file your state tax as well. Don’t blow it! Look, I know how easy it is to see your refund as a windfall. And that triggers thoughts of vacations, new wardrobes, or a new gadget or two.
Financial Resolutions for 2017? Just Do This One Thing
If you have been making a long list of resolutions for the New Year, my advice is to rip it up.
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
My Holiday Challenge: How Much Can You Save While Shopping?
You know that I have often stated that one of the keys to financial freedom is to feel as much pleasure from saving, as you get from spending.
Nearly 1/3 Of New Car Buyers Are Making A Very Big Mistake
According to Experian, the percentage of consumers who chose a lease when purchasing a new car jumped from less than 27% a year ago to a record high of 31.4% in the second quarter of this year.
Why I Hate Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance
I was glued to the TV recently watching the news when an advertisement for Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance came on. Whoo boy, did my blood pressure rise. I am not a fan of this type of life insurance.
How Seniors Can Save Money In 2017
Well, as you have probably heard, the annual inflation adjustment Social Security recipients will get in 2017 will be 0.3%. That’s about $4 a month for the average retiree.
The Best Investment Move You Can Make Right Now
It’s been a great stretch for investors. Stocks have gained more than 250% in the bull market that stretches all the way back to 2009. I am always a big believer that dollar cost averaging-investing on a regular basis-is a great strategy for long-term investors. So don’t take what I am about to say as a reason to give up on stocks: Returns over the next seven to 10 years probably won’t be as good as what we’ve had the past seven years.
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.
The Stealth Retirement Move That Can Save You a Bundle
When it comes to planning for a secure retirement I bet you have the major strategies covered: -Invest in your 401(k) or 403(b) up to point of the match? Check -Save in a Roth IRA? Check -Aim to have your mortgage paid off before you retire? Check -Commit to getting plenty of exercise?
Did You Forget to Send Your Kid to College With This Must-Have?
Now that another college year has begun, I want to make sure that all the Moms and Dads made packed off the kids with one very important item: A credit card.
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.
A Great Credit Card for Paying Down Your Debt
If you are struggling to make a dent in a large credit card balance, and you have a strong FICO score, I want you to look into what could possibly be the ticket to finally being able to pay down your balance. As reported by NextAdvisor, the Citi Simplicity Card offers 21 months of no interest payments on balance transfers or new purchases. That’s nearly two years to make progress paying down your credit card debt.
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 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?
Step 3: Get to the Point: When It Pays to Buy Down Your Mortgage
Lenders like to give home borrowers choices when it comes to their mortgage rate. You’ll always be presented with a standard rate: what you qualify for based on how the lender sizes up your financial profile (credit score, income, debts etc.) And then you will also be presented with some options to “buy down” or reduce that interest rate.
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.
Turn a Child/Grandchild’s Summer Job into a Retirement Windfall.
If you have a child or grandchild who is going to get paid for work this summer, I want you to consider a way to gift them a valuable retirement stake.
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.
Are You Making This Dangerous Retirement Planning Mistake?
I am concerned that many of you are banking on a retirement strategy that may not work out. According to a national survey, more than four in 10 Americans say they plan to keep working past the age of 65.
Tips to Keep Your Prescription Drug Costs Down
I am betting plenty of you have noticed the steep rise in prescription drug costs. According to the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation, drug prices jumped more than 11% in 2014 and are estimated to have risen another 9.6% last year. And there’s no relief in sight. The expectation is that prices will rise about 4% in 2016. All of that is during a stretch when annual inflation has averaged less than 2%.
How to “Spend” Your Tax Refund
Spring is a dangerous time of year for your financial security. I know so many of you will be getting a tax refund; some of you may be getting money back from both Uncle Sam and your state. The danger is that you blow the money on a want, rather than focus on your needs.
The Most Important Tax Tip: File ASAP!
I know you probably can compile a very long list of things you’d rather do than tackle your 2015 tax returns. But please listen to me: procrastination could cost you big time this year, if you anticipate you will be receiving a refund.
Conquer Your Fear of Debt: 3 Crucial Steps
When it comes to financial fears, debt is the ultimate four letter word. Whether you have credit card debt, or student loan debt, or want to buy a home or a car that you will finance, you’re dealing with debt. Or more to the point, it’s probably throwing you for a loop. Debt is the major stress point in every household that I’ve worked with.
Conquer Your Retirement Fears
I don’t know about you, but if I see or hear of one more survey about how panicked most Americans are about their retirement, I will scream. That we have a national fear of retirement preparedness is abundantly clear. What we need now are less surveys and more advice on how to conquer retirement fears. Here are my key steps to start down your road to retirement financial freedom.
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:
16 Wishes for 2016
As we turn the corner into a new year, my biggest hope is that peace and happiness is in great abundance for each and every one of you and all those you love. You know from years of hearing me invoke “People First, Then Money, Then Things” that I think there should be no bigger focus than building and nurturing that peace and happiness. But there is also always room to focus on the ways you can continue to build financial security in 2016. The progress you make on taking control of your money will, after all, bring even more happiness and peace into your life.
Savings v. Paying Off Credit Card Debt: What’s the Right Move?
One of the hardest challenges managing your financial life is figuring out how best to juggle multiple goals. And one of the most vexing decisions is what to do if you have credit card debt and you have money sitting in your emergency savings fund.
How to Decide if You Should Loan Someone Money
One of the trickiest money issues you will ever have to navigate is when someone you love comes and asks you for a loan. Or if you see someone you love is having a tough time financially and you want to loan them money to help. What I too often see is that incredibly caring and thoughtful people are blinded by their desire to help, and don’t carefully consider the ramifications of making a loan: for themselves and the recipient. That can just lead to heartache and bigger financial problems.
The Danger of Getting a Pay Increase
As year-end approaches, I know that’s when plenty of you will be sitting down with your manager for a year-end review. I sure hope there’s a pay raise involved. Given how stingy raises have been since the Great Recession, I want to make sure that you don’t blow it. Literally.
Are You Hostage to a Self-Storage Money Pit?
It’s estimated that Americans spend more than $20 billion a year renting space in a self-storage facility. According to the Self Storage Association, the number of households renting out a storage facility has grown 65% over the past 20 years. It’s hard to drive more than a few miles in urban areas and not spy at least one self-storage business (and often more). The aggregate land mass for U.S. storage facilities spans a total of 78 square miles, or more than three times the size of Manhattan.
4 Ways New Mortgage Rules Can Save You a Ton of Money
Whether you are buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, new federally required disclosure documents make it easy-yes, I said easy-to be a super smart mortgage shopper.
Why Employer-Provided Life Insurance is Dangerous
One of the most dangerous mistakes you can make is to rely on the life insurance your employer offers up as benefit.
Open Enrollment Season: 4 MUST-DO's
Please don’t keep your health insurance on autopilot. I know it’s tempting just to ignore the annual “open enrollment” communications from your employer to review your choices, and just stick with the plan you have. That could be a costly mistake. Here are 4 reasons to spend some time reviewing your employer-provided health insurance choices:
Health Insurance: 3 Reasons You Should Pick the HSA Option
About half of large employers now offer a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP). I know the mere mention of “high deductible” might send your blood pressure skyward, but please listen to me. For many of you, a HDHP may be the smartest health insurance.
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.
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.
The Biggest Retirement Planning Mistake
A recent report that studied the 401(k) savings habits of millions of workers found that one in four of you are not contributing enough to your account to qualify for your employer’s maximum match. The average annual amount of money left on the table is more than $1,300 a year. That is nuts.
Why You Should Seriously Consider a Roth 401(k)
You know I love, love, love Roth IRAs. One of the prime reasons being that in retirement you will not owe a penny of tax on your withdrawals. That’s quite different from a Traditional IRA where every penny will be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.
Three Steps to Guaranteed Financial Independence
As a nation we set aside one day a year to formally celebrate our independence. When it comes to your money my hope is that you will make every day, not just July 4th, a day where you make conscious decisions that will help you build financial independence: a life where you are in control of your money, and not vice-versa.
How to Get the Most Out of Social Security
Your Social Security retirement benefit is one of the most valuable pieces of your retirement plan. Not only will it likely account for a large portion of your income when you retire, but it also has an incredible feature: your annual benefits increase with inflation. Your 401(k) and IRAs don’t come with such a great guaranteed inflation-protection feature.
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.
The Four Steps to Retirement Saving
Saving for retirement is a no-brainer. But knowing the smartest ways to do that saving is anything but easy to figure out, given all the choices. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s exactly what you should do, in the order I list:
4 Signs You Should Rent Not Buy
I am a big believer in home ownership, but only if it makes financial sense. If you answer yes to any of these questions you are better off renting:
The Two Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Buying a Car
If you lack the cash to buy a car free and clear, you really need to hear me out on the two worst financing moves you can make. What I am about to tell you can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. And trust me, this is exactly what car dealers and financing companies don’t want you to know:
The Best Moves to Boost Your Credit Score
Having a good credit score isn’t good enough. To land the best loan deals and qualify for the best credit card offers you need to have a seriously great FICO credit score of at least 740. Here’s how to improve your FICO score.
Suze Orman’s 10 Tips To Spring Clean Your Finances
Spring is in the air! Springtime is about renewal and rebirth, and therefore a perfect to take stock of your life, and take charge of your finances. It’s time to get off the fence and spring clean your finances, ladies!
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
Your 2015 Financial Road Map
The New Year has just started, and that’s the riskiest time of year as far as I am concerned. My three-step Financial Road Map will get you on the path to a more secure 2015, and beyond.
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.
Let’s Not Sell Young Retirement Savers Short
A recent paper from the influential Research Affiliates investment management firm (more than $140 billion in assets managed) takes the provocative stance that young adults saving for
What Baby Boomers Are Getting So Wrong About Retirement
Listen up my 60 something friends (and those of you heading to that milestone soon) we need to have a talk about your retirement planning.
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 Dos and Don’ts during government turmoil
Congress’ shenanigans to shut down the government for 16 days this month has many Americans rightfully concerned about their personal finances.“If you don’t want to be affected by the actions—or lack of actions—in Washington, you and you alone are going to have to save yourself,” insists Suze Orman.
The good thing about bankruptcy
Bankruptcy rates spiked during the 2008 recession and many were pretty judgmental toward the millions who couldn't afford to pay their bills. But Suze Orman says bankruptcy is the better option over burying your head in the sand. "When somebody really doesn't have money to pay their bills then they should claim bankruptcy and face it right on and start all over again," says Orman.
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.
Why Everyone Needs a Living Revocable Trust
Everyone needs a living revocable trust, says Suze Orman on this week's episode of "The Suze Orman Show." In response to several emails and tweets asking why a trust is so mandatory, Orman spells it out. "A living revocable trust serves as far more than just where assets are to go upon your death and it does that in an efficient way," she said. Unlike a will, a living trust also covers you while you are still alive, Orman noted.
What’s really causing your recurring debt?
Do you keep finding yourself with debt that just won't go away? Every time you pay off your credit card, do you feel compelled to run out and charge it back up again? If so, your problem may not be financial at all.
Beware of new tricks of the trade to get your money
It is becoming easier to get a loan these days and that's not necessarily a good thing. "I'm telling you things have gone bizarre again, at the exact time they shouldn't be going bizarre. So, you need to stay very strict with yourself," warns Suze Orman.
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.
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.
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
The Three Communication Skills That Make Suze Orman An Influential Celebrity
More than 300,000 financial advisors in the United States provide saving, investing and retirement advice, but only one made the top ten of the Forbes 2013 list of the most influential celebrities: Suze Orman.
Suze Orman Ranks on Forbes Most Influential Celebrity List!
Forbes magazine has released its list of Most Influential Celebrities of 2013. Suze makes the top 10!
Saving Money: Suze Orman’s Financial Advice For Baby Boomers
Long-term-care insurance provides a multigenerational benefit: The policyholder is covered, while her adult children are free to spend more of their income on their own kids. Here's what to consider when choosing LTC coverage...
Suze Orman Now Available on the CNBC Alarm Clock App
The CNBC Alarm Clock App has added the voice of Suze Orman, host of CNBC's "The Suze Orman Show" (Saturday nights at 9PM & 12AM ET), by popular demand. Now CNBC Alarm Clock users can select the award-winning television host to get them up and make sure they get right to business.
Gay Americans pay more taxes for fewer rights
That nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage is encouraging progress for those of us who believe that everyone deserves to have basic civil rights. But, even if every state in the country could pass a similar legislation, it would not be enough.
How Not To Go Off The Financial Gift Cliff For The Holidays
Whenever you feel fear about spending money that should be a sign that you're spending money you don't have to possibly even impress people you don't even know or like.
