ADAPTED FROM SUZE ORMAN’S 2009 ACTION PLAN

Suze Orman began this book with the recognition that it is absolutely understandable for you to feel fear, anger, and confusion as you struggle with the repercussions of the global financial crisis. However, she believes that the very severity of the crisis means that we will choose to make lasting changes that will put us on a path to a healthier and more vibrant future. Crises force us to take a clear-eyed view of what went wrong and compel us to make necessary adjustments to avoid the same pain and suffering again.

The period of reflection we are in right now has forced us to focus on a difficult reworking of our relationship with money. The era of living beyond our means is giving way to an age of living a more meaningful life based on financial honesty. As painful as this transition period is, please know that what awaits us is a very bright future.

Our economy is suffering from a credit crisis, not a crisis of talent or drive. From the innovation that will continue to spill out of Silicon Valley to the reinvention now being discussed to transform our energy sources, I remain convinced that this is still a nation of unwavering discovery and achievement.

Short term we have to survive the credit crisis and recession; long term we will prevail and we will thrive again. Your job right now is to do the right thing when it comes to your money—to make a plan, to stick to it, to become a saver not a spender, to set a goal to live a debt-free life. I ask that you never forget the painful lessons that 2008 taught us.

I ask you to remember these three things:

When it comes to money, if it sounds too good to be true, it is .

If you cannot afford it, do not buy it.

Always choose to do what’s right, not what’s easy.

My hope is that reading this book has given you an understanding that you are a huge part of the solution to your current problems. Despite the turmoil, despite the adversity, you have to recognize just how much is within your control. A secure financial future is in large part going to be a function of how willing you are to take action today. It won’t appear out of thin air, it won’t be legislated for you by
Washington. It will grow out of the actions you take each and every day for the rest of your life.

Are you ready to make change happen in your own life? If you are, I hope this book becomes your guide. Here’s to making your life, this precious time, the best it can be.

Suze Orman

November 19, 2008