Podcast Summary: Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
Episode: "What Are You Proud Of?"
Date: February 26, 2026
Hosts: Suze Orman and KT
Overview
In this deeply engaging episode, Suze Orman and KT respond to listener stories and questions that explore the intersection of financial health, personal pride, and emotional fulfillment. Through real-life examples and listener emails, Suze emphasizes that true wealth comes not only from fiscal responsibility and smart investing, but especially from embracing one's identity, helping family, and taking pride in personal growth. The episode blends heartfelt moments with actionable financial advice, focusing on authenticity, relationships, and the importance of making intentional money decisions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power of Pride & Authenticity (01:38–05:15)
- Listener Story: Sloan's Journey
- Sloan recounts how Suze’s openness as a gay public figure helped him as a young man accept himself, while her financial advice led him and his husband to become multimillionaires.
- Quote (Sloan, read by Katie, 03:40): "I fundamentally believe I would not be where I am today without your wisdom and inspiration."
- Suze reflects on what makes her proudest—helping someone feel less alone or making someone wealthy.
- Notable Quote (Suze, 05:11): “There are things in life that money will never, ever buy or replace. And one of them is feeling happy and proud and in love with who you are.”
2. Prenups, Family Wealth & Protective Planning (06:28–10:31)
- Listener Question: Chuck the Mailman
- Chuck’s daughter is set to marry someone from a wealthy family; prenup is required by future in-laws.
- Suze’s Advice:
- Both parties need their own experienced prenup (matrimonial) attorneys.
- Prenups must be completed well before the wedding, especially in New York, to be valid.
- Full financial disclosure from both sides is essential.
- Tip (Suze, 08:26): “She cannot sign a prenup on the way to the altar. It will not be valid, especially in the state of New York… She needs to get her own matrimonial attorney."
3. Scam Awareness in the Financial World (10:31–12:05)
- Listener Concern: Fake Contact on WhatsApp
- A listener was approached by a scammer impersonating Suze.
- Suze firmly states she never communicates via WhatsApp and warns listeners of scams.
- Quote (Suze, 11:06): “I would never, ever say to you, ‘Let’s continue this on WhatsApp.’ I actually don’t even use WhatsApp.”
4. Investing HSA Money and Managing Medical Expenses (12:05–15:41)
- Listener Victory: Kay
- Debt-free and with an employer-funded HSA, Kay asks about investing her HSA contributions.
- Suze’s Advice:
- Keep enough cash to cover deductible and out-of-pocket maximum before investing HSA funds.
- If you have emergency savings to cover potential expenses, you can invest above those safety amounts.
- Advice (Suze, 14:33): “If you have $3,100 in a money market account... you could invest anything you want above the deductible in the HSA investment choices.”
5. Are Goldbacks a Good Investment? (15:41–19:55)
- Listener Question: Patty
- Patty asks about "Goldbacks," physical notes with a tiny amount of gold.
- Suze explains:
- Goldbacks contain small quantities of gold, not issued by the U.S. government.
- They're legal products but not practical investments—carry high premiums and limited liquidity.
- Many sellers use high-pressure tactics; the product is often targeted at vulnerable buyers.
- Verdict (Suze, 18:51): “Legitimate product, okay, maybe. But not a guaranteed investment… stay away.”
6. Inheritance, Sibling Relationships, and Giving While Living (19:55–26:07)
- Listener Question: Roberta
- Roberta wants to gift her inheritance and IRA to her caregiving sister.
- Suze’s Legal/Tax Guidance:
- Best to ask their mother to update the will/trust, or Roberta can disclaim her share upon inheritance.
- IRA inheritance rules: Only spouses can inherit and treat as their own; siblings can be eligible designated beneficiaries and stretch the IRA over their life.
- Suggests giving support during life rather than waiting.
- Emotional Note (Suze, 25:19): “Do you really want to have to wait till you die to give her money? Really, when she’s older than you?... Think about how she must feel…”
7. Caregiving Pride – What Matters Most (26:15–28:01)
- Story: Suze’s Dinner with Friends
- Suze recounts asking an Olympic athlete what accomplishment made her proudest: caring for her mother.
- Memorable Reflection (Suze, 27:53): "It’s such a privilege… to see them, they brought you into the world, and for you to escort them out is an honor.”
8. How to Triage Debt and Repair Credit (28:09–32:49)
- Listener Question: Anna
- With $15,000 in student loan debt and $5,000 in credit cards (some charged-off), Anna wants a plan.
- Suze’s Steps:
- Don’t pay charged-off accounts—settling will not improve FICO, just let them work out over time.
- Focus on current student loans (cannot be discharged in bankruptcy).
- View student loans as “good debt”—they led to opportunities.
- Start slow, steady savings with a Roth IRA and consider Alliant Credit Union’s Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account.
- Key Advice (Suze, 29:09): “Once it is past the 90, 120 days and then it goes into charge off, let it stay there, do not settle it, do not do anything with it, just wait to see what happens…”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Impact:
“There are things in life that money will never, ever buy or replace. And one of them is feeling happy and proud and in love with who you are.”
— Suze Orman, 05:11
On Action:
“It wasn’t listening to my advice—it was following my advice. For those of you listening right now, if all you’re doing is listening, not going to help you at all. You gotta take action. Do you hear me? Action. Action. Action.”
— Suze Orman, 20:29
On Inheritance and Siblings:
“Do you really want to have to wait till you die to give her money? Really, when she’s older than you?... Think about how she must feel. She knows she’s taking care of your mother… but she has nothing.”
— Suze Orman, 25:19
On Giving and Caregiving:
“It’s such a privilege… to see them, they brought you into the world, and for you to escort them out is an honor.”
— Suze Orman & KT, 27:53
Important Segment Timestamps
- Listener Pride Story (Sloan): 01:38–05:15
- Prenup & Family Wealth: 06:28–10:31
- Scam Awareness: 10:31–12:05
- Health Savings Account Investment Advice: 12:05–15:41
- Goldbacks Investment Reality: 15:41–19:55
- Inheritance and Sibling Caregiving: 19:55–26:07
- Caregiving Pride Story: 26:15–28:01
- Debt Triage & Credit Repair: 28:09–32:49
Recurring Themes
- Authenticity Over Wealth: Suze and KT consistently underscore that financial success is much richer when paired with being proud and secure in who you are.
- Relationships Come First: Family, love, and care for others are valued more highly than money alone.
- Protective Planning: Proactive legal and financial steps, especially around inheritance and marriage, are key to long-term well-being.
- Financial Scams: Vigilance against fraud and scams is vital; Suze repeatedly warns about impersonators.
- Action, Not Just Listening: Implementing advice is what transforms lives—not mere consumption of information.
Final Takeaways
This episode is a poignant reminder that financial freedom is about more than numbers: it’s about pride, care, and active, loving stewardship of one’s life and resources. Suze Orman and KT blend practical advice with inspiration, empowering listeners to make choices that honor both their wallets and their hearts.
People first, then money, then things. (33:05)