The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying

by Suze Orman

Over 3 Million Copies Sold

A Personal Finance Classic that Changed Forever How We Think, Feel, and Act about Money


Ten years ago, Suze Orman, America’s most celebrated finance expert, transformed the way we all view personal finance with her groundbreaking The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom. This New York Times bestselling blockbuster broke from the ranks of traditional money management books by looking at finances from an entirely new perspective, advising people to approach money from an emotional standpoint in order to achieve their financial dreams. By emphasizing the psychological and spiritual power money has in our lives, while still including information on all aspects of our financial daily activities, Orman has helped millions break through the barriers that hold them back. She is now our country’s leading personal finance expert, and here is the book that started it all.

Orman is back in a brand-new, fully updated edition to The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, her personal finance classic that offers thoughtful, easy-to-follow steps toward a life of financial freedom. Here is the most up-to-the-minute information on a wide range of financial topics that plague us today: credit card debt, bankruptcy, paying for education, wills versus trusts, the best retirement account, life insurance, and more. Combining real-life recommendations with Suze’s own brand of inspiration and motivation, this is the only guide you’ll need to provide for yourself and your family.

As Orman shows, managing money is so much more than a matter of balancing your checkbook or picking the right investments. It’s about redefining financial freedom and realizing that you are worth far more than your money. Let America’s leading personal finance expert show you how.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Finance, Money, Business, Personal Development

338 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 1997

About the author

Suze Orman (born Susan Lynn Orman) is an American financial advisor, writer, and television personality.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was feeling sick and depressed last week, I decided thinking about finances probably wouldn't make things any worse, so I picked up this book. Suze Orman has been recommended to me before, though I think the book I was actually supposed to read was The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke. However, that one was not available at the Goodwill for $1.99, and this one was, so this is the one I picked up.

And, freakish pictures of the author aside, I'm not sorry I picked it up. As far as financial books go, this is about the best one I've read. The first 3/4 of it are basic financial advice: investing, wills and trusts, credit cards, etc. A lot of it was review, some of it was new, and all of it is useful. It gave me a much needed butt kicking as far as putting steps in place to work towards my 2006 financial goals, and it wasn't nearly so preachy and holier-than-thou as it could have been. I felt like the audience Orman was speaking to was a bit older and a bit wealthier than I am, but it was still helpful.

The really interesting part of the book, though, is the last quarter. Here, Orman talks less about the nuts and bolts of good financial planning and more about her philosophies of money. The part that really got me was the chapter where she advocates for generous charitable giving. She doesn't argue for it on the basis of your tax refund, or any sort of PR, but says that in her view, being generous gives you a kind of good money karma, and the more generous you are, the better money will come back to you. I was reminded of the Girl Scout song about love being like a magic penny, hold it close and you won't have any, spend it, lend it, you'll have so many, they'll roll all over the floor. Anyway, this is a philosophy I can get behind. Orman goes on to say that the best way she's found to get herself out of a financial slump or depression is to give. I don't know how typical that is in the realm of financial advice, but I'm guessing not very, and I admire that. And agree with it.

My biggest criticism of the book is Orman's anti-tax rhetoric. I know it's par for the course, but it still irritates me. We pay taxes for a reason, it's not just some evil system to part you from your money, and while I agree that there is no need to pay more than your fair share, I'm irked by the idea of trying to manipulate what that fair share is, particularly when it is major wealth you're protecting. Still, given the genre, this is a fairly minor component of Orman's overall philosophy, so it wasn't that hard to stomach.

All in all, I found this book fairly compelling and not near so bad to read as it could have been, given that reading financial instruction is not my idea of a good time. Orman advocates an involved, hands-on approach to financial planning, which makes good sense to me. I'll take much of her advice, and I didn't find the rest of it, or the parts that just don't apply to me at this point, to be too self-aggrandizing. Good stuff.

[Lyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Really helpful for those who need financial security explained to them like a 5 year old.

[Marawan Awad · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a great book ... it has many tips for money management and concepts....
But unfortunately most of the book is not valid for who lives outside US ...
most of the book is talking about life insurance, 401k, some taxes rules how to manage stocks, how to deal with credit card and visa and retirement plans

I advise those who lives in US to read it will be very useful... otherwise don't waste your time ... genereal money management tips can be easier to get through videos ...

[Trishtator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orman filled my need for financial instruction in a way no other book has. The shrink approach to understanding your money and the uses for it sooths the troubled heart of the debtor and bolsters the stride of the young investor. The book asks you to step back and look at what you want, maybe reforms what you want into what is best, and then throws you head on into how to get what is best for you. I am now a consumer of action, and I'm headed out to get what's best for me.

[Geof · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty light and very emotionally-driven. Not so much hard and concrete advice, like a 50-30-20 rule (All Your Worth), but more about how you feel about money and what you’re hoping to accomplish. It can’t hope to live up to its title, “9 Steps to Financial *Freedom*” because, to me, freedom means not doing anything I don’t want to do for money. It reminds me of another book title, “Tap dancing to work” and the sentiment, “If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.” Nice work if you can get it, but that has yet to be my experience. I suppose this is easier if you love tax accounting or computer programming!

The names of the chapters provide some insight into what they contain. Orman includes helpful exercises, and I especially liked her vignette stories.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR MONEY? – What are you hoping to accomplish? Be realistic!

STEP 1: SEEING HOW YOUR PAST HOLDS THE KEY TO YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE – I actually enjoyed this chapter. It asks how your childhood attitudes about money shaped your attitude toward it today.

STEP 2: FACING YOUR FEARS AND CREATING NEW TRUTHS – This chapter talks about “the power of positive thinking,” a tactic I’m extremely skeptical of.

STEP 3: BEING HONEST WITH YOURSELF – Living within your means. Don’t live a $100,000 a year lifestyle on $50,000 a year.

STEP 4: BEING RESPONSIBLE TO THOSE YOU LOVE – This chapter included a lot of good, solid advice about preparing for retirement and estate planning: trusts, IRAs, health care directives, life insurance, etc. This is one of the most substantive chapters in an otherwise emotionally-centered book.

STEP 5: BEING RESPECTFUL OF YOURSELF AND YOUR MONEY – In short, if you’re careless and don’t think about money, you might find it difficult to save.

STEP 6: TRUSTING YOURSELF MORE THAN YOU TRUST OTHERS – Orman writes something really provocative in this chapter: That little voice inside you is the voice of God. Is the little voice telling you to buy, or sell? Is it saying don’t do that? That’s God! I consider that a remarkable way to think about it. But… it makes me wonder, what if one person’s voice says “Buy,” and the other’s says “Sell?” Does that mean that God has different life plans for them? And that everything that happens is for a reason? That’s where “little voice as faith” gets cloudy to me. But, I agree, and Suze frequently insists, that you should trust your instincts. It makes you less likely to regret your decisions.

STEP 7: BEING OPEN TO RECEIVE ALL THAT YOU ARE MEANT TO HAVE – Orman believes in the dharmic flow of money which boils down to “Don’t be miserly.” I don’t think it’s quite that simple. I’ve met people that will return generosity with generosity … and I’ve met some real self-centered users. Whether karma rewards or punishes people *in this life* is an open question. Abbey Road: “And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make!” Maybe!

STEP 8: UNDERSTANDING THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE MONEY CYCLE – It comes and goes! Orman includes a nice story here about her late father, in which they would discuss whether he was lucky or unlucky. “You sure are lucky, Dad!” “Maybe yes, maybe no.” “Jeez, Dad, you must be the most unlucky guy on the planet.” “Maybe yes, maybe no.”

STEP 9: RECOGNIZING TRUE WEALTH – Or, you can’t take it with you! Sounds right!

Also, Orman includes six “laws” of financial freedom:

THE FIRST LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM: People First, Then Money.

THE SECOND LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM: Respect Attracts Money-Disrespect Repels Money

THE THIRD LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM (PART 1): The More You Make, the More You Spend

THE THIRD LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM (PART 2): The Less You Think You Make, the Less You Will Spend - I’m afraid I’ve found this to be the case. However, there’s no substitute for income. If you are worth/take in a certain amount, you can’t help but save … unless you’re in “Brewster’s Millions!”

THE FOURTH LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM: It’s Not What You Make—It’s What You Get to Keep

THE FIFTH LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM: You and Your Money Must Keep Good Company

THE SIXTH LAW OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM: Inner Trust First, Then Outward Action

[Maureen Forys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't have a section on "crippling student loan debt" soooooooo irrelevant.

[Jeremy Preacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is one of Suze Orman's early books, if not the earliest - it was originally published in 1997, and so in the specifics all of her advice is suspect, as the economic and legal situation has changed in fifteen years. Beyond that, well, I can see why some people hate her.

For one thing, from my moderately-read layman's perspective, her advice is very conservative. Lots of emphasis on retirement planning and long-term investing, next to nothing about short-term or day-to-day planning. For someone my age, that's not all that interesting or helpful, and part of me definitely rebels against the idea of putting all of my money away somewhere safe so I can enjoy it when I'm 70. I want to enjoy it now, dammit!

The other striking thing is that she shifts back and forth between highly technical discussions of revocable living trusts and durable power of attorney and woo-woo new age talk about how money is a living thing and it responds to positive energy and how all of your money woes are caused by some Freudian childhood incident. It's not that I think she's completely off, really. Certainly lots of people have destructive relationships with money, bad or no experience with it in childhood, etc - but the language was a little too hippie for me to take seriously, and the clash between those sections and the hard-boiled estate planning sections was jarring.

[Ashlynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a book for people who need help financially. This is a book for people who are already doing moderately well on their own but who want to know how they can do better—how they can invest their money wisely. I need the book that covers the other ten-thousand steps that I need to take until I am only 9 steps away from financial freedom. I found the first step genuinely helpful, and the seventh step was a wonderful insight. The other seven steps are a bit beyond me right now.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is much like Orman's other books of financial advice, but aimed at women, and encouraging them to take back the power, and control over their own lives and finances. Lots of good practical advice for tough financial times.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Suze Orman. I have found her. No longer am I idly reading her column in O magazine, only because I am intrigued by her statement jewellery. Oh no. I have officially read one of her books, The 9 Steps, and I have been converted.

In fact, I’ve read it more than once. I took it on vacation, and despite being on a plane or train, I couldn’t stop reading it. And re-reading it. The stigma of reading a personal finance book in a public place didn’t bother me, I loved the book so much. I have plans to return home and resurrect VISA statements from 2 years ago, as she recommends, in order to more accurately assess my financial situation. I am keen to look at money market funds, and mostly, I am looking forward to planning my giving, rather than making donations sporadically, when I read something that makes me cry. I’m even thinking about reading some of her other books.

At first, I was skeptical. “What is the spiritual side of money? Am I really going to get that from some book?“ I’d heard lots about Suze not being a conventional financial advisor—I recently heard a radio interview where she described the key to life as being “when you can be as happy in your sadness as you are in your happiness”. Hm. But then some of her advice, what I’d gleaned of it, was refreshing: “People first, then money.” She’s right.

Turns out, the book was full of advice like that—and all of it frank, original, and empowering. I loved this, in one of the earlier chapters:

Reality check: throw away a three-dollar magazine you never got around to reading—easy… Buy a sweater on sale for twenty dollars, then notice six months later that you wore it only once; it just didn’t fit right; you give it away. Now try to rip up and throw away a dollar bill. I have found almost no one who could do this without great discomfort. Yet everything about the way the money establishment functions is calculated to distance us from our money, to anesthetize us to its power.”

The 9 steps are lumped into three rough groups—facing your fears/ looking at your money past, the laws of managing money, and then the last section is about wealth, more broadly. Each section has specific chapters and steps, and each step will contain a number of different exercises. Even for Canadians, these are valuable. Visit your library and check this book out!

http://www.moneychallenge.ca/blog/201...

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will likely be starting my first real job in the next couple months so I decided I should learn more about finances in general. As a student, it is fairly easy because no matter what, my wife and I will be spending more than we bring in. Now, with a real job, things will be different.

I really like the way Suze explains concepts. She always follows up definitions with concrete examples which helps a lot when you don't know much about the world of finances and retirement. She also spends a lot of time (at least in this book) explaining the psychology behind our finances and how so often we lie to ourselves and our loved ones about our financial situation.

The version of the book that I listened to on my phone contained a group discussion with actual people which was really boring. I got tired of Suze enthusiastically telling a man to stand on his chair and shout "I am worth more than money!" four of five times (really) to the audience. But other than that, the rest of the book was great.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although my copy of the book was published in 2000 (just bought it on a whim from a second hand book shop a few days ago) and although this is written for Americans and their financial systems it was still very very relevant. It inspired me to spend a few hours consolidating my own finances and open my eyes to some of the things I am not doing as well as I could.

I am glad to see that in her own philosophy Suze is using an old adage we have in Bosnia that says: 'the more you give the more you have' and 'a closed hand cannot give, but it can also not receive'
I agree!

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetative to all the other Suze Orman books I have read(and I did read them all). I am not a big person when it comes to putting money with "spiritual" self, so I did have a bit of a difficult time with this one where I don't normally have that issue with her books.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember watching Suze in the 2000's in the late night hours. She had this 'Can I Afford It?' guest segment. I could predict if she would say yes or no to people with a high level of confidence. That was always fun and worth watching because for many the reality, or truth, would sound incredibly harsh.

I know her target market has been women, but her book shouldn't be considered exclusive to women. It doesn't really mean anything (Women & Money) besides maybe being able to connect on a more 'emotional' or human level regarding finances. The advice she gives is equally applicable to anyone regardless of gender.

She would always say, "People first, then money, then things." It was obvious it was an order of importance, but it never really meant anything specific to me at the time because -- 'yeah yeah.... people should probably be valued most.' I think I finally get why though because of this book. Mostly, it is about how money has the power to alter all types of relationships in many many ways that you probably would never have predicted when just starting out being young and dumb.

Something else I took from this book (besides which accounts are better than others) is the mindset needed if doing long term dollar cost averaging investing. Specifically, if you feel good about your investments, (because you've done your homework) but the value continues to fall, don't be gloomy, but instead feel giddy because that means you can buy more shares at a 'discounted price' (remember we're playing the long game.) It's such a simple mindset shift that reduces anxiety and fear of losing hard earned money. Obviously, their are still many other things to consider like diversification, taxes, or are you chasing losses?

This book is easy to skip around with because there are headers breaking up content on every other page.

I don't know if I'd recommend it to everyone. There are certainly books with much more in-depth information and better ideas, but they probably don't have any relatable stories that make it an easier, more enjoyable read.

[th. · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is not easy for me to read. for one thing: i have always been aversive when it comes to math and my brain just links that back to money somehow??? idk my brain isnt good. but this book isn't like that - the reason why it's hard for me, is because of my natural disincline towards finance in general. my psychologist recommended me this a few months ago when i sort of discovered that one of my major mental pain was anything related to money.

it was hard to get myself to sit through the mental reflections about how i view money and how i want to deal with it - but it is essential in this book, and i know then and now that it is essential to anyone regardless of their current financial situation. it was hard but essential - and i sat through it like a champ !! (this is me patting myself in the back ok)

gave this book 5* because despite many parts of the book (esp middle) being not applicable to me nor a lot of non-americans as it deals with their taxes/insurance/investment industry, i still learned new things and was reminded of old concepts (my most fave and most applicable: genuine generosity opens doors). So I enjoyed the first 1/3 (technical knowledge for newbie me) and probably a later 2/3 (more on how we should view/act with money). While going through all the rest, I find Suze's writing to be no-nonsense and had actual insider tips that even I (non-american, finance dumb dumb) see the value.

Though towards the end it did feel like a little bit of an upsell on her business, but I do believe that she wanted financial literacy for all. I'm not surprised she's this successful with people.

Basically it's helpful and i gained a number of insights. Recommended to sit through the technicalities despite your brain wanting to switch off and cry because of money-trauma.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to totally change their understanding of money and relationship to money, and to feel much more empowered!

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many years ago a person, who shall remain nameless, strongly encouraged me to read her books stating that "Women understand things differently then men do. She knows how to speak to women and it would be really helpful to you." I took offence, as most post-teenagers do, and avoided her like the plague.

This year I realized 3 things-- 1, I had not yet met my financial fitness education goal. 2, Not reading a (potentially) helpful book is like being sick and not trying a (potentially) helpful cure. 3, This person, who shall remain nameless, didn't understand women anyway. So what did he know about what would be helpful?

This book was years ahead of its time (as evidenced by its constant reference to the WWW instead of the internet). It puts internet advertising to shame before there was such a thing. Unfortunately, me being raised with the internet, it did repeat a lot of things that I already knew. However, I found the chapters on wills, trusts, etc., EXTREMELY informative and worthwhile. I remember once my aunt and uncle writing out a short will before taking a trip and leaving their kids with my parents and thinking--- This is so risky. What if the grandparents contest the will? Is that really legal? That chapter answers those questions. And yes. It was risky. Don't do that.

So-- the book is good and covers a good deal of ground that others, such as Dave Ramsey, don't. Worth a quick read.

[Christopher Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Suze Orman’s The 9 Steps To Financial Freedom, she outlines the most important and basic principles of managing one’s wealth. The world of finance is quite difficult for many to grasp, let alone comprehend. However, Orman uses personal stories from her experience as an investment banker and broker to stories of her clients which resonate with the reader. She introduces concepts of mutual funds but explains it so an “average Joe” like myself can understand its purpose, and how it might be a wise decision to invest some of my assets in one. She also touches very important issues such as a “will” vs. a “living trust” which is extremely important no matter age. She also touches subjects such as divorce which is extremely helpful considering the divorce rate in California is nearly 50%. Orman gives insight on how your wealth can grow is you choose to invest and spend wisely. It is extremely helpful to know how to be respectful with your money because money is only as important as you make it, however, in the end, we’ll all need it. This is the third Suze Orman book I have read and I personally find her information helpful, and I feel like I have an advantage over other teenagers my age because I am already learning how important protecting your assets are. Overall I think Orman’s books are all a must read no matter your age, because it is never too late or too early to begin respecting money.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suze Orman has nine steps to financial freedom. The first three are very basic things about trying to determine your past and your feelings about money. She tries to get to the root of why you act the way you do about your finances. The next three steps are the practical steps about handling and investing money in the right way (get out of debt, wills, trusts etc). The last three steps are her "spiritual" steps to financial freedom. Overall, I have read enough personal finance information that I must say I didn't really get anything out of this. It would be a great place to start for people who haven't ever paid any attention to their money at all. However, I still found it fascinating because she tries to teach some basic principals of finance that I learned from the Bible in a way that leaves out any specific religion. In fact, she has one whole section where she urges her readers that they will never be financially free until they can give away a portion of their money every month from their first paycheck! Isn't that funny? She is basically espousing the Bibilical prinicpal of tithing as an essential part of even a secular financial plan! Worth a read if you are a personal finance kind of person (and you should be).

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first financial books I ever found years ago (& I think is still one of the only) that addresses both the WHY of how we behave with money - through her and her clients' stories and then personal reflection - and the HOW of managing your money responsibly. She gives lots of practical financial information and guidance on how to decide the right things to do with your money FOR YOURSELF. & if you decide at some point the right thing is hiring someone else to help you, she gives advice for that too.

Her spiritual approach to it all speaks to me too, with her emphasis on valuing people, relationships and experiences over money for its own sake. We need to take care with our money so we can take of ourselves and the people we love, she says. She's also all about No Shame, No Blame - just moving forward from your present in as healthy a way as possible & learning from your mistakes.

I first read this years ago and wasn't sure if it'd stand the test of time. But this updated edition was a good refresher and a good way to revisit my thinking and actions around money again. Suze Orman might look much flashier today, but she still gives down-to-earth, helpful advice.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little old, so some of the advice is out of date. Coming from a time when index funds were a new thing, and people still differentiated between America Online and the World Wide Web, Suze Orman takes you through the essentials of financial freedom.

Lessons include how to take care of your assets and entrust them to others should your health unexpectedly deteriorate; the differences and functions of wills, living wills, hedge funds, etc.; retirement accounts, what they are, and how to choose them; the differences in investment options; how to find a good financial planner; how to decide if you need a financial planner; and how to trust your gut when you know what you ought to do.

Suze concludes the book in a way I really liked, emphasizing an abundance mindset, and the reality that the truest wealth is not in your pocketbook, but in your heart.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read the 1997 version of this book not knowing that there was an updated version. I don't think my library had the updated version. But I'm still happy with having read the original version. Even though parts of it were dated (America Online, anyone?), the basic gist of the book was solid. And I'm sure that Suze Orman is still giving people the same advice today. (If she's not, then this version of the book should really be recalled!) This is a pretty powerful book, and it makes you take a good hard look at yourself and your view of money. This book isn't just "Here are ways to increase the amount of money in your bank account!" It's not just about ensuring your own financial freedom but the financial freedom of your loved ones through attaining life insurance, for example. It also encourages you to start a retirement fund and donate money! This book aims to have readers understand that being rich isn't about the number in your bank account. There are so many other aspects to it! As Suze says, "People first, then money". Can Suze just come to my house and help me??!!

[Dea Minnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Suze Orman's approach to finances. I definitely gained some good advice from her book.
The parts that struck me the most were the beginning and the end. I liked step 1,2,7,8,9. The steps in the middle were interesting but not all of them pertained to me and it started to feel like a textbook.
I borrowed this book from the library. I would like to obtain a copy to refer back to some parts later, but I felt a little overwhelmed with all the things I was supposed to do in the middle. Steps 1 and 2 were easy to figure out, but I started losing interest at step 4 or so, but pushed on and really enjoyed the end of the book.
I found the last few steps to be the most inspiring, I know some people thought it was an unusual ending for a book on finances. I felt as though I can take the advice in the last few steps and start implementing them right away and will have to work my way back to the middle steps.
Overall I would say this was an educational read, and I plan to refer back to this book later on.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watch Suze Orman's show and am familiar with her financial philosophy and approach to money. This book fleshes this out a bit more and offers sound advice. I like that she has a holistic approach to money; believing that it has an energy of its own. Throughout her book, she talks about how important it is to respect your money, to respect the energy it has- the dharmic energy- and that when you take care of it, it will take care of you. I had my own action list of five things to do as a result of reading this book. One of the most important steps, which is discussed right in the early chapters of the book, talks about taking care of those you love by having your affairs in order. What follows is a very informative and helpful discussion about wills vs. living revocable trusts, advanced healthcare directives, life insurance, etc. At the very least, pick up this book to read that section alone.

[Adrian Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one from Spencer's finance class. What I liked best about this book is that it begins by encouraging you to address the issues that you have about money, before you start trying to manage it. Brilliant. The second thing I liked about it is that it encourages you to get your affairs in order for peace of mind, and by 'affairs' it doesn't mean current income/expenditures, it means will, trusts, medical affidavits and so on, so that if anything happens your heirs and loved ones will have the least amount of worry about the financial side of your passing. My husband and I are definitely going to move out on this, because we don't have any of this in order although it's been bugging us for some time that we need to get it settled.

Her steps for financial planning (getting out of debt, saving for the future) are much less concrete than some of those offered by other gurus, but the two principles I just listed make this a worthwhile read.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orman is well known – a certified financial planner, author of several books on managing wealth, and an Emmy-winning television host. The subtitle of this book is: Practical & Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying.

There isn’t much that’s new here. I’ve followed most of her advice my whole adult life (taught by my parents). Still it was worth it to read through and remind myself of certain aspects, and it opened a discussion with my husband as we plan for retirement.

She includes practical information and clear, understandable definitions of various terms. She also cites some anecdotal stories to illustrate various points, which helps to make the information more accessible to a wider audience.

Readers should be careful which edition of the book they get, however. The first one I picked up from my library was a 1997 edition and some of the tax information in that volume is no longer accurate.

[Leslie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and learned so much. A "promise" made on the back cover is: "She goes beyond the nuts and bolts of managing money to explore the psychological, even spiritual power money has in our lives." This promise is the reason I chose this book from among all the other financial books. And it delivered.

Sure I learned about retirement plans, finally I understand the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA and even what their odd names mean. I learned that and tons more. But more importantly, I learned about what money means to me, and how I can make the changes needed so that I control my money rather than being controlled by it.

Near the end while describing her friend, Ruth, she says, "She is so wise, so profoundly contended with who she is, that simply being in her presence restores me in a way that's hard to describe in words." I'm so inspired by that, and it's an example of the wisdom in this book that goes beyond money.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book scared the hell out of me! I'm still in the "fabulously broke" stage of life so I jumped into this too soon. (Long Term Care insurance is too much for me to think about about this point.) That being said, the financial advice is sensible and the exercises actually feel doable (poor Dave may have to suffer through one or two). Orman expands on a lot of the "beginner" advice in "Young, Fabulous and Broke" (or dumbed it down for "YFB" seeing as this book was published first) and cranks it up a notch... or three.

When I reread it, as I'm sure I will, I might start with rule 5, then 6, then 4. Don't jump right in to rule 4 like I did, at least not until your 401(k) is well established. In the meantime I'll go back to YFB and continue to work my way up. We've all got to start somewhere, right?

[Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading some ebooks on finances lately just wondering whether I can adult a little better. This one almost reads as a therapeutic book at times trying to get behind your first memories of money and how you came to think about and spend money in your own way. There are some useful tips in here, but there is a ton of stuff to skip over as she includes stuff for everyone (if you have special needs kids, if you're rich [which why would u be reading her book aside from hiring her?]). She is good at setting things up so you know what applies to, like if your young and single don't bother with this insurance and skip to the next section. I could do without her life story, exercises, and stories from her clients--just give us the facts! The information on retirement plans which was what I really only picked the book up for was sound.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to be ready for this book, and I avoided it for a long time. But I finally decided to stop pretending I don't need to think about my finances and picked up the book. I wouldn't call it life-changing, but it was exactly the right approach for me. It has lots of practical how-tos and descriptions and explanations of various options, but the most important part for me was the "spiritual" aspect. What do you fear about money and why? How do you overcome it? How do you maintain a feeling of abundance no matter your income?

The only part I didn't like was the advice to "manifest" your goal. I understand the concept but feel like an idiot chanting "I'm in control of my money" or whatever three times a day. But that's a minor gripe.