The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom
Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying
Suze Orman
2006
285 pages
Suze Orman represents one of the most successful self made brands in the world. As a financial adviser, she has her own TV show, works as a motivational speak, and has written a number of New York Times bestsellers. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is one of her first books.
I don’t understand why there are so many Suze haters out there; she came from very humble beginnings and overall has a very admirable story to share. Yes, her tone can be annoying and sometimes even condescending, but for the most part, her financial advice is sound.
The nine steps are listed below, and where this book really differentiates itself from its peers is when Orman focuses on the psychology and emotions surrounding our relationship with money. I really enjoyed the chapter about giving, where she explains how being generous to others can empower you and why a cheapskate is not a “truly” wealthy person.
One thing I didn’t like was how she jumped back and forth throughout the book between high level, emotional perspectives about wealth and very technical personal finance, such as estate planning. While I truly enjoyed the former, the latter was a bit disorganized and quite frankly not up to par with some of the other personal finance books out there.
If you’re not a numbers person but want to get a start in managing your own wealth, this book can definitely help you. And even if you don’t need the financial advice, I think just reading about Orman’s story will motivate you: at the age of 30 Orman was a broke waitress – now she’s a multi-million dollar walking brand.
1. Seeing How Your Past Holds the Key to the Your Financial Future
2. Facing Your Fears and Creating New Truths
3. Being Honest With Yourself
4. Being Responsible to Those You Love
5. Being Respectful of Yourself and Your Money
6. Trusting Yourself More Than You Trust Others
7. Being Open to Receive All That You Are Meant to Have
8. Understanding the Ebb and Flow of the Money Cycle
9. Recognizing True Wealth
