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4 Personal Finance Areas Where Suze Orman is Spot On
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-28 16:55
Automobile Insurance - Suze Orman highlights the risk of dropping comprehensive coverage for older cars to save on premiums, warning that those reliant on their cars for daily commutes may face significant financial loss in case of disasters without insurance payouts [1] Homeowner's Insurance - Orman advises against homeowner's insurance policies that pay out based on cash value, recommending instead policies that cover replacement value to ensure adequate compensation [2] Life Insurance - Orman strongly favors Term Life insurance over Whole Life due to its higher payouts for lower premiums, suggesting that the premium savings should be invested or added to emergency savings [3][4] Credit Cards - Orman encourages the use of credit cards but emphasizes the importance of managing high-interest rates, suggesting strategies like negotiating lower rates and balance transfers to alleviate debt [8] Emergency Savings - A fundamental principle in Orman's advice is maintaining an Emergency Savings account equivalent to one's annual salary, with a focus on building this fund in manageable increments [15][19] Estate Planning - Orman discusses the importance of planning for funeral expenses and health care proxies, emphasizing the need for clear documentation to avoid ambiguity in wishes [11][12]
Four Suze Orman Insights That Can Strengthen Your Finances
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-23 17:00
Insurance Insights - Suze Orman emphasizes the importance of maintaining comprehensive automobile insurance, especially for single-car families, as losing a vehicle without coverage can lead to significant financial loss [1] - For homeowner's insurance, Orman advises against cash value policies, recommending replacement value policies instead to ensure adequate coverage [2] - Orman strongly advocates for term life insurance over whole life insurance due to its higher payouts for lower premiums, suggesting that the premium savings be invested or added to emergency savings [3][4] Financial Management - Orman encourages individuals to augment workplace life insurance with term life insurance that can provide substantial death benefits, which is crucial for protecting families from financial distress [4] - She promotes the establishment of emergency savings accounts, ideally holding liquid funds equivalent to one's annual salary, to mitigate financial stress during unexpected situations [15][17] - Orman provides practical tips for managing credit card debt, including negotiating lower interest rates and conducting a thorough review of needs versus wants to control spending [9][11] Estate Planning - Orman discusses the importance of estate planning, including the use of trusts and avoiding probate, while also highlighting often overlooked aspects such as funeral costs and health care proxies [12][16] - She suggests pre-planning funeral arrangements and budgeting for these expenses to avoid financial strain on heirs [12][16] General Financial Philosophy - Orman's financial guidance is rooted in practical principles aimed at preparing for worst-case scenarios, focusing on insurance, credit management, and emergency funds [6][18] - Her personal experiences in the financial industry have shaped her approach, leading to a successful media presence and a reputation for sound financial advice [7][8]