Suze Orman once shared a money rule she believes is the key to financial security for Americans

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of living below one's means as a strategy for financial stability and wealth-building, highlighting the practices of successful individuals like Suze Orman and Warren Buffett [3][4][8]. Group 1: Financial Strategies - Acorns app allows users to invest spare change from purchases, promoting a habit of saving and investing even while spending [1]. - Suze Orman advises individuals to prioritize needs over wants, suggesting that this approach can lead to better financial outcomes [4][8]. - The article mentions that nearly 50% of Americans are making significant mistakes regarding Social Security, indicating a widespread need for financial education [4]. Group 2: Consumer Debt and Spending - Household debt in the U.S. reached a record $18.39 trillion in Q2 2025, with rising credit card and auto loans contributing to financial strain [8]. - A significant portion of homeowners, approximately 22.8%, are considered cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing costs [10]. - Over 18 million American homeowners are classified as "house poor," indicating a struggle to balance housing expenses with income [9].