Suze Orman is one of the most recognizable names in the world of personal finance. Known for her straightforward advice and ability to make complex financial concepts accessible to everyday people, Orman has become a media personality, author, and financial advisor who has helped millions take control of their finances.
Life History & Career Timeline of Suze Orman
Early Life & Family History
- Real Name: Susan Lynn Orman
- Date of Birth: June 5, 1951
- Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Jewish (though she has mentioned a personal spiritual journey that doesn’t strictly align with traditional religion)
- Horoscope: Gemini
Suze Orman was born to a working-class Jewish family on the South Side of Chicago. Her father, Morry Orman, worked in a chicken factory and later owned a deli, while her mother, Ann Orman, was a secretary for a local rabbi. Suze grew up with modest means and watched her parents struggle financially. This had a profound effect on her and shaped her desire to understand money and how it works.
Despite these early hardships, she had dreams of greater things. Suze struggled with a learning disability (dyslexia), which made school difficult, but she persevered and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in social work in 1976.
Early Career & Hardships
After graduating from college, Suze decided to pursue her dream of becoming a waitress. She moved to Berkeley, California, where she waited tables at the Buttercup Bakery for seven years. During this period, she lived a simple life, with little financial security or savings.
In 1980, Orman decided to take a bold step. She had a dream of opening her restaurant and managed to raise $50,000 from her friends and customers at the bakery. With little knowledge about investing, she trusted a broker at Merrill Lynch to help grow her money. Unfortunately, the broker made risky investments and lost all of it.
This devastating experience was a turning point in her life. Determined not to be taken advantage of again, Suze studied finance and investing on her own. She eventually joined Merrill Lynch as a trainee to learn about the stock market and the financial world.
Climbing the Financial Industry Ladder
Suze quickly rose through the ranks at Merrill Lynch, despite facing gender bias and workplace challenges as a woman in finance in the 1980s. She became an expert in financial advising and eventually left Merrill Lynch to become a vice president of investments at Prudential Bache Securities. In 1987, Suze founded her financial planning firm, the Suze Orman Financial Group, in Emeryville, California.
Breakthrough Success
Suze Orman’s big breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of her first book, You’ve Earned It, Don’t Lose It, which focused on personal finance and protecting hard-earned money. The book quickly gained attention, leading to her next bestseller, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, published in 1997. This second book catapulted her into national fame and became a New York Times bestseller.
In the late 1990s, Orman began appearing on television, where she simplified complex financial topics for everyday viewers. Her ability to connect with people and demystify financial concepts led to her show, The Suze Orman Show, which ran on CNBC from 2002 to 2015. The show became extremely popular, making Suze a household name and one of the top personal finance voices in America.
Career Highlights
- Author: Suze Orman has written more than a dozen books on personal finance, many of which became bestsellers. Her works include Women & Money, The Courage to Be Rich, and The Money Class.
- Television & Media Personality: In addition to her CNBC show, Orman has appeared on shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. She also hosted podcasts and was a frequent guest speaker.
- Awards & Recognitions: Over her career, Suze Orman has received multiple accolades. She was twice named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for her television work.
Ups and Downs
Despite her success, Suze faced challenges. Early in her career, her lack of financial knowledge led to her losing $50,000, but this hardship sparked her interest in mastering the subject. Throughout her rise, she encountered skepticism, sexism in the male-dominated financial world, and public criticism of some of her opinions.
In 2015, Suze retired from television to focus on personal endeavors, but she returned to the spotlight in 2020, launching a podcast called Women & Money and continuing her advocacy for financial literacy.
Family & Personal Life
Suze Orman has been open about her personal life, including her sexuality. She came out as a lesbian in 2007, during an interview with The New York Times, which was a bold move for someone in her position at the time. She has been in a relationship with her longtime partner, Kathy Travis, for over two decades. The two were married in 2010. Kathy, often referred to as “KT,” has been an integral part of Orman’s career and life.
Current Life
Orman now resides in the Bahamas, where she enjoys a quieter life, while still staying active with her podcast and occasional media appearances. She continues to be a voice for financial independence and empowerment, especially for women.
Physical Characteristics (Public Data)
- Age: 73 (as of 2024)
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters)
- Weight: Estimated to be around 121 lbs (55 kg)
- Body Type: Slim
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Blonde (with short cropped hair, a signature style for her)
Details like bra size, hip size, and body measurements aren’t publicly disclosed, as Suze Orman is primarily known for her financial expertise rather than her physical appearance.
Conclusion
Suze Orman’s journey from a waitress with no financial knowledge to one of the most successful personal finance experts is inspiring. Her ability to turn early financial failures into a learning experience and her dedication to helping people gain financial independence have made her a lasting figure in the world of finance. With her books, shows, and media presence, she has empowered countless individuals to take control of their financial lives.