When I think about the first person who made money make sense, it’s Suze Orman. Before TikTok finance bros and Instagram money gurus, Suze was out here owning the personal finance space. She was on TV, in books, on Oprah—breaking down money in a way that felt like a wake-up call and a pep talk all at once.

She was bold, direct, and unapologetically herself—and, most importantly, she was speaking to women at a time when the finance world barely acknowledged us. Suze was revolutionary for speaking directly to women about money. That might sound simple now, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was anything but. Nobody was talking to women about finances, let alone framing strategic financial planning as a spiritual practice rooted in power, choice, and self-respect. And she did it all while rocking that signature platinum blonde pixie cut and serving up tough love like your favorite aunt who knows you can do better.

Suze taught me how to own my financial future. Over the years, I’ve carried her lessons with me, and today, I’m sharing the five that have stuck with me the most.

1. Live Below Your Means, But Within Your Needs

One of Suze’s most famous lessons is deceptively simple: "Live below your means, but within your needs." 

This isn’t about extreme frugality or denying yourself joy—it’s about making financial decisions that support the life you actually want. Too many people confuse their wants with their needs and end up stretching their income to its breaking point. Suze’s advice taught me that financial peace doesn’t come from spending more—it comes from spending wisely. When you know the difference between what you truly need and what society pressures you to want, you gain control over your money instead of letting it control you.

2. People First, Then Money, Then Things

Suze constantly reminds us that money is a tool, not the goal. Her famous mantra: "People first, then money, then things" is a reminder that the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all.

This lesson hit home for me in a big way. It’s easy to chase a certain lifestyle, to prioritize material success over personal well-being or relationships. But Suze teaches that financial security should support your life, not become the focus of it. The more I prioritized building a meaningful life—investing in my relationships, my health, and my own growth—the more my finances started to fall into place.

3. Financial Independence Is Freedom

Suze Orman has always preached that true security doesn’t come from relying on others—it comes from being financially independent. Whether you're in a relationship, raising a family, or navigating life on your own, having your own money gives you options.

She puts it simply: "When you undervalue who you are, the world will undervalue what you do." 

This lesson has stuck with me because financial independence isn’t just about numbers in a bank account—it’s about confidence, security, and the ability to make choices that align with your life and values. Whether it's choosing a job you love, walking away from a toxic situation, or simply knowing you can take care of yourself, having control over your finances means having control over your future.

4. Self-Worth Equals Net Worth

One of the biggest shifts in my mindset came when I heard Suze say: "Self-worth equals net worth." 

At first, I thought this was just about confidence—believing you’re worth a high salary, charging what you deserve, or negotiating for better pay. But the deeper meaning is that your financial decisions often reflect how much you value yourself. Are you investing in your future or just getting by? Are you setting boundaries with money, or letting guilt dictate your spending? When you truly believe you are worthy of financial stability, you start making decisions that align with that belief.

5. The Key to Making Money Is to Stay Invested

A lot of people think financial success is about timing—jumping in and out of the market, waiting for the perfect time to invest. But Suze makes it clear: "The key to making money is to stay invested." 

This lesson is about more than just stocks and retirement accounts—it’s about commitment. Success in any area, including finances, comes from consistency. You don’t build wealth overnight; you build it through steady, intentional actions over time. This advice shifted the way I approach not just my investments, but my business, my savings goals, and my overall financial strategy.

Suze Orman has been inspiring people for decades, and I’m just one of the many who have been shaped by her wisdom. Her lessons go beyond money—they’re about empowerment, confidence, and taking ownership of your future.

Financial success isn’t reserved for the lucky or the privileged. It’s for those who take the time to learn, make smart choices, and refuse to let fear or uncertainty hold them back. And that’s a lesson worth carrying forward. Subscribe to our newsletter for more.