Quotes from Suze Orman

It's easy to underestimate the real cost of home ownership.

In order to create lasting security you must learn to stand in your truth.

I get so frustrated when people tell me it's unrealistic to create an eight-month emergency savings fund, or have money saved for a home down payment, or pay off their $5 000 credit card balance.

I always say, 'People first, then money, then things.'

We never had it as rough as the kids have it today. Look at the price of a gallon of gas or a piece of real estate or a college education.

If you are worried about job security and do not have an adequate emergency fund (ideally eight months' worth of living expenses stashed away in a federally insured bank or credit union), you need to focus more on saving money than paying down the balance on your credit cards.

The last thing family and friends want is for you to spend money on them that you don't have or that you can't really spare.

A wise woman knows how to summon her courage and do what is right, rather than what is easy.

Take free money. No matter how in debt you are, if your employer offers a matching contribution on a 401(k) or other retirement vehicle, you must sign up and contribute enough to get the maximum company match each year. Think of it as a bonus.

The chances of a bank going out of business are extremely slim, but it's always a good idea to spread around major sums so every penny is backed by insurance.

Many people are in the dark when it comes to money, and I'm going to turn on the lights.

Your goal should be to pay off your credit card bills in full at the end of each month and set aside money toward your emergency savings.

Opposites may attract, but I wouldn't put my money on a relationship of financial opposites.

Money is such an amazing teacher: What you choose to do with your money shows whether you are truly powerful or powerless.

The foundation of a financial fresh start actually has nothing to do with money or specific financial dos and don'ts.

So many financial dreams are thwarted by the failure to act upon good intentions.

The key to making money is to stay invested.

Who would you want to be giving you advice? Somebody who doesn't have any money?

We women know how to take care of everybody so well. But the one person we have written out of the equation is us.

Never, ever invest money that you will need prior to three to five years - minimum.

The most important loan to pay is your student loan. It's more important than your mortgage, car and credit card payments. You cannot discharge student loan debt in the majority of cases.

To make the most of your money, I recommend sticking with mutual funds that don't charge a commission when you buy or sell.

Rather than saying, 'My checking account is a wreck ' change it to 'I will learn how to track my spending and balance my checkbook.'

Like your home's closets, your financial clutter needs an overhaul every now and again, and the payoff will go far beyond the psychic satisfaction of neatening up.