Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound [Mass Market Paperback]

Suze Orman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 30, 2008

2009: The Year You Can’t Afford to Make Any Mistakes with Your Money.

The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it’s worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you’ve just been laid off?

The nation’s go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you’re in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:

* Credit * Retirement
*Savings and Spending*Real Estate
*Paying for College* Protecting Your Family

SUZE ORMAN’S 2009 ACTION PLAN delivers honest, straightforward guidance—what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—as only Suze Orman can.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 209 pages
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385530935
• ISBN-13: 978-0385530934
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.6 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

2009: The Year You Can’t Afford to Make Any Mistakes with Your Money.

The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it’s worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you’ve just been laid off?

The nation’s go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you’re in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:

* Credit * Retirement
*Savings and Spending*Real Estate
*Paying for College* Protecting Your Family

SUZE ORMAN’S 2009 ACTION PLAN delivers honest, straightforward guidance—what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—as only Suze Orman can.

Amazon.com Exclusive: Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan

How to Prepare for the Unexpected

If in late 2007 you were told that over the next twelve months housing would crater to 20% below it's all-time peak, unemployment would rise from below 5% to nearly 8%, stocks would fall nearly 50%, and a gallon of gas would spike to more than $4 (and then drop below $2) you would probably have shrugged it off as just a whole lot of doomsday-scenario crankiness. But that's exactly what we all had to live through and continue to grapple with in 2009.

The lesson is that the unexpected can happen. In fact, sometimes a whole lot of unexpected happens all at once (see: 2008). No one can control external events, but you do have absolute control over the most powerful tool: your will to make the smart and right choices that will insure your financial security, no matter what happens. As I have said for years: Hope for the best, plan for the worst. If you plan for life's “what if's” there's no need to panic when the news turns bad. An emergency cash fund is your security when a recession causes rising unemployment. A long-term investment strategy that employs a mix of stocks and bonds makes it easier to get through scary bear markets; living within your means, rather than running up credit card and HELOC debt leaves you better able to weather financial storms.

My 2009 Action Plan is designed to make sure you are ready for the unexpected—this year and every year forward. I most certainly hope things get better for us all, but in the meantime I want to make sure you have a plan in place that will protect you no matter what “what ifs” lay ahead.

About the Author

Suze Orman is a two time emmy award winner and the author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers: Women & Money, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom; The Courage to Be Rich; The Road to Wealth; The Laws of Money, The Lessons of Life; and The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke. The host of "The Suze Orman Show" which airs every Saturday Night on CNBC has garnered her more GRACIE awards than anyone in the 32 year history of that award which honors women in radio and television, Named in 2007 by Business week as the top female motivational speaker in the United States and in 2008 by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world Suze is also a contributing editor to O, The Oprah Magazine and The Costco Connection. Suze's name has become synonymous with money and is undeniably the most listened to personal finance expert in America today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 209 pages
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385530935
• ISBN-13: 978-0385530934
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.6 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Suze Orman has been called "a force in the world of personal finance" and a "one-woman financial advice powerhouse" by USA Today. A two-time Emmy Award-winning television host, #1 New York Times bestselling author, magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, Orman is undeniably America's most recognized expert on personal finance.

Orman has written seven consecutive New York Times bestsellers and has written, co-produced, and hosted six PBS specials based on her books. She is the host of the award-winning Suze Orman Show, which airs on CNBC and XM and Sirius radio, and a contributing editor to O: The Oprah Magazine.

Orman was twice named one of the "Time 100," Time magazine's list of the world's most influential people, and was the recipient of the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign. In 2009 she received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Orman, a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, directed the Suze Orman Financial Group from 1987 to 1997, served as Vice President--Investments for Prudential Bache Securities from 1983 to 1987, and was an account executive at Merrill Lynch from 1980 to 1983. Prior to that, she worked as a waitress at the Buttercup Bakery in Berkeley, California, from 1973 to 1980.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 115 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is for everyone - a quick way to learn a lot!!!! January 7, 2009

By RJJ

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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.

80 of 84 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Very Little New Content January 18, 2009

By TW VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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 Read more ›

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Suze's best book ever for these troubled times January 9, 2009

By Bob Waskiewicz

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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.

36 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Help for Your New Financial Future January 3, 2009

By J. Kennel VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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.

UPDATE - April 2010 - I still think this book and/or her others and/or her TV shows are plenty without having to purchase the 2010 version of this book.