Podcast Summary: Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Episode Title: Five Winning Money Moves
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Suze Orman
Introduction: Setting the Stage for Financial Security
Suze Orman opens the episode by emphasizing the fundamental goal of money: security. She underscores the importance of an emergency savings account as the cornerstone of financial stability.
“The goal of money is for you to be secure. And there is no better way for you to be secure than having an emergency savings account.” [00:00]
Orman encourages listeners to join the Ultimate Opportunity Savings account at Alliant Credit Union, highlighting it as essential for building a solid financial foundation.
Navigating Market Volatility: Embrace the Ups and Downs
Orman addresses recent market fluctuations, sharing a personal anecdote about calming her community during a market dip.
“When these markets went way down last Friday, I immediately went on the Women in Money community app and I said, don’t worry about it, hold. This is going to be fine.” [00:00]
She advocates for buying more stocks during downturns, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence, rather than succumbing to fear and selling off investments.
“This is the year you want to own stocks... especially those in the area of artificial intelligence.” [05:30]
Stock Recommendations: Individual Stocks vs. ETFs
Orman revisits her previous stock recommendations, providing updates on their performance since June 17, 2025:
- Pfizer: Up 2.47% – “Due to tariffs and other factors, Pfizer might be ready to say goodbye. I wouldn't recommend dollar cost averaging into it anymore.” [10:15]
- Nvidia: Up 23.85%
- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Up 39%
- Palantir: Up 24.86%
- MicroStrategies: Up 0.45%
She contrasts these individual stock performances with corresponding ETFs:
- SMH (Semiconductor ETF): Up 10.18%
- QQQ: Up 6.34%
- IBIT (Bitcoin ETF Proxy): Up 8.29%
Orman highlights that individual stocks have outperformed ETFs significantly, suggesting that creating a personalized portfolio of individual stocks can lead to greater long-term gains.
“Individual stocks... make bigger advances than ETFs so you can do your own little portfolio and diversify that way. And I think you would come out further ahead in the long run.” [12:45]
The Rise of Stablecoins and the Genius Act
Responding to listener inquiries, Orman delves into the topic of stablecoins and the recently enacted Genius Act. She aims to demystify stablecoins, which are often misunderstood and feared by the general public.
“Stablecoin is designed to be stable. It’s meant to stay at a one to one value with a real-world asset, usually the US dollar.” [15:20]
Understanding Stablecoins
Orman differentiates stablecoins from volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, explaining that stablecoins aim to provide the stability necessary for everyday transactions.
“A stablecoin is digital cash that lives on the Internet on a blockchain... with the safety and predictability of the dollar.” [16:05]
The Genius Act: Bringing Regulation to Stablecoins
She introduces the Genius Act, a new legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins to protect consumers.
“The Genius Act... is the first real framework that we have for regulating stablecoins here in the United States.” [17:40]
Orman warns listeners not to rush into using stablecoins without understanding their regulations and ensuring they are backed by reliable assets.
“Just because something is legal doesn’t make it smart for you.” [19:10]
Recommendations for Safe Use of Stablecoins
Orman provides practical advice for those interested in stablecoins:
- Maintain Emergency Funds in Insured Accounts: “Use High Yield Savings Accounts, US Treasuries, Money market funds. Do not put your rainy day money in a stablecoin.” [19:50]
- Treat Stablecoins as Tools, Not Investments: “Do not invest in stablecoins. They are not investments, they are tools.” [20:10]
- Choose Reputable Stablecoins: She recommends USDC (USD Coin) issued by Circle in partnership with Coinbase for its transparency and regular audits.
- Ignore Hype and Fear: Orman urges listeners to stay informed but cautious, avoiding decisions based on online hype or fear-mongering.
- Continue Smart Financial Practices: “Continue to dollar cost or value cost averaging into the stocks, ETFs, whatever it may be that you like... you are going to hold on for the long haul.” [20:30]
Future Implications: Stablecoins in Everyday Transactions
Orman anticipates a future where stablecoins integrate seamlessly into daily financial operations, potentially revolutionizing how money is transferred and managed.
“Your paycheck might hit your account instantly because your employer used a stablecoin to move it.” [19:25]
She emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes to remain in control of one's financial future.
Final Money Moves: Achieving Financial Security
Concluding the episode, Orman outlines key strategies to achieve the goal of money—financial security:
- Dollar Cost Averaging: Regularly invest a fixed amount irrespective of market conditions.
- Utilize Roth Accounts: Maximize the benefits of Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s for tax-advantaged growth.
- Maintain an Emergency Fund: Aim for 8 to 12 months' worth of essential expenses.
- Live Below Your Means: Spend less than you earn to build wealth over time.
- Own Your Home Outright: Strive to own your home free and clear by retirement.
“If you do all of those things, I'm telling you, you're going to achieve the goal of money. And what is the goal of money is for you to be secure.” [20:45]
Orman wraps up by reiterating the importance of safety, soundness, and security in managing money, encouraging listeners to apply these principles to make their money work for them.
Additional Resources
- Women & Money Community App: Suze Orman promotes her free podcast community app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, where listeners can access past episodes, ask questions, take classes, and engage with the community.
- YouTube Channel: She invites listeners to visit YouTube.com/suzieorman for additional content and to subscribe for updates.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “The goal of money is for you to be secure…” [00:00]
- “This is the year you want to own stocks… especially those in the area of artificial intelligence.” [05:30]
- “Individual stocks... make bigger advances than ETFs…” [12:45]
- “A stablecoin is digital cash that lives on the Internet on a blockchain…” [16:05]
- “Just because something is legal doesn’t make it smart for you.” [19:10]
- “If you do all of those things, I'm telling you, you're going to achieve the goal of money…” [20:45]
Conclusion
In this episode, Suze Orman delivers a comprehensive guide to navigating both traditional investments and the emerging landscape of digital currencies. By emphasizing foundational financial practices and cautiously approaching new financial tools like stablecoins, Orman provides listeners with actionable strategies to secure their financial futures. Her blend of personal anecdotes, market analysis, and clear recommendations makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and make informed money moves.