Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound

I bought Suze's new 2009 Action Plan book and read it quickly. It is a small paperback book and it is one you'll have trouble putting down, once you start reading. The book's opening line of "I bet you are scared. Angry, too. And confused." probably describes most of America.
Before reading this book, I felt I had a pretty good understanding of the current financial crisis and how and why it happened. It turns out, I didn't understand it completely. After reading the 10 pages in chapter 2: A Brief History of How We Got Here - I really really get it now. Suze has the ability to explain years of history in a clear, concise manner. I am 100% certain my clearer understanding is going to allow me to make better financial decisions in the future.
I feel this book is a "must read" for everyone, whether you are young or old; have credit card debt or not; own a house or have recently had to let one go; have sizeable savings, 401k's, investments and such or little or none; have a secure job or are now unemployed, and so on.....the reality is that you HAVE TO HAVE A PLAN. This book is going to give you one. If you sit back and try and wait this financial storm out without a rock solid plan or continue to procrastinate even a little longer about making important financial decisions, your financial security is at risk. I believe that after you read this book, you'll feel like I do. You'll be inspired to take action and these actions will allow you to reach your long-term goals. Knowing that we are in for some tough times ahead and having a plan is going to be key.
Grab a cup of coffee, this book and set aside a few hours..you'll be amazed how much you learn and how good you will feel when you're done reading.

Suzie Orman offers financial advice for individuals based on personal accountability and sound money management. I support her approach and consider her advice indispensible to the average family rating her guidance very high.

The essence of her advice is found within the pages of this book in two outstanding quotes:

"Focus on what you can control" & "Always choose to do what's right, not what's easy"

Orman's books categorically will benefit the individual seeking financial direction; however, I rate this book dispassionately as there is little new content that is not already found among all her prior books (as well as website and talk show). If you are new to Suzie Orman, this book will offer value to you; if you are familiar with her guidance and in search of something new, you will be dissatisfied.

Orman discusses events over the last few decades that influenced the current economic turmoil. Her outline of events is enlightening, yet where was Orman two years ago warning us all of these dangers? Orman only came to the realization of these factors like most of us, in hindsight, softening the significance of her wisdom on the issue.

Orman spends a great deal of the book discussing credit cards, mortgages, and retirement planning. Intended to be a plan for 2009, Orman only offers brief comments regarding the lack of available credit in the marketplace to differentiate from all her prior advice. It is not obvious why an entire book was required to establish an awareness of diminishing available credit.

The structure of this book offers countless problem scenarios and answers them as if Orman is talking directly with you. This sort of Q&A approach enables anyone to focus in on their specific issues without the need of blasting through the entire book, with the added benefit of offering a versatile reference guide.

I find difficulty in giving Suzie Orman anything less than glowing reviews as her work and advice is an unquestionable benefit to society. Regrettably, I finished this book questioning its purpose, and contemplating if a full book was required considering the material presented. As a starter to Susie Orman, this book will be satisfactory; however, I highly recommend passing on this book and selecting one of her earlier works

This is hands down Suze Orman's best book. Upon reading every word and turning every page I felt confident that I am on the right track. Following Suze's advise over the years has provided me with the education required to be prepared for what lies ahead. The Expenses breakdown chart is a very helpful tool to see where you can cut back. I also loved the format in which this book was written, it can be used as a reference tool and you can read based on your area of concern be it credit, 401k, retirement etc. I think everyone should not only read this, but live by it!

I watch Suze Orman's show every week,and downloaded her new book,"Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan,"for FREE on Oprah's web site.(I did get a comment from someone who got a Virus when they downloaded the book,but I didn't)
There's alot of finacial help for ALL of us during these troubled times.I love the 3 things Suze wants everyone to do once a month,
#1 , DO not spend any money for 1 day a week,
#2,Do not charge for a month,
#3 Do not eat out for a month.
The biggest surprise was once you pay off a credit card,do not close out the card.Your hurting your fico score if you close the card out.
If you are interested,you can dowload the book for free on Oprah's web-site for 48hours.

This is a great little paperback (and very affordable) that will help you navigate the new financial obstacles you may be facing in 2009. Suze writes with her tough love approach, and is very candid about saying NO when you have to. The book has situations and actions--for example, Situation: your daughter is getting married and you thought you'd have a huge wedding for her. Action: how to realistically plan a wedding that doesn't sink you immediately and in the future.

This is like "Eat This, Not That" for finances.

If it is hard for you to say NO to yourself or your children, you can make Suze the "bad cop." This is a helpful reference book that will help you assess your current state, and move forward with a plan instead of fear or ignorance.

Get a copy for yourself and for giving away. Most of us will need this in 2009 and beyond.

I also just bought this on CD. Suze is reading the book on CD--4.5 hours
on 4 CDs--great for long commutes.