Suze Orman

Suze Orman was born Susan Lynn Orman and raised on Chicago’s South Side; she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois. In her early adulthood she worked a variety of jobs while finding her direction; she has described waiting tables and other early work experiences as formative. Orman entered the financial industry after joining Merrill Lynch’s stockbroker training program and became the first female stockbroker hired by Merrill Lynch in northern California, later being promoted to account executive by 1980. In 1983 she joined Prudential Bache Securities as vice president of investments and in 1987 founded the Suze Orman Financial Group. Orman moved from one-on-one advising to public education by producing workshops and public-television programs; her pledge-drive specials became extremely successful and launched her national media career. She became a frequent guest on Oprah Winfrey’s show, served as a contributing editor to O, The Oprah Magazine for many years, and in 2005–2015 hosted The Suze Orman Show on CNBC. She is the author of many books—several of which have been New York Times bestsellers—including The Nine Steps to Financial Freedom, The Courage to Be Rich, The Road to Wealth, and The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+. Beyond television and books, Orman has created financial toolkits and programs, produced PBS specials, hosted podcasts (including Women & Money), and been active in philanthropy and advocacy such as serving as a Special Advocate for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and as Personal Finance Educator for the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her influence in finance and media.