'People First, Then Money, Then Things': Suze Orman's 6 Secrets To Success

Personal finance expert Suze Orman has spent decades helping people build financial security and confidence. Over the years, she has developed a set of guiding principles that have shaped her own success. In a recent episode of the Women & Money podcast, Orman and her wife and co-host KT share "The 6 Secrets to Suze’s Success".

Success Secret #1: "The day you put your needs in front of others’ wants is the day you will have really started on your road to financial freedom."

Orman frequently emphasizes that true financial freedom begins when you put your needs before the wants of others. Many people struggle financially because they feel obligated to prioritize the desires of friends, family, or society over their own essential financial goals. 

Don't Miss:

• ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.
• Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.

The first part of putting yourself first, as Orman states, is to ask yourself: What do you need to be happy? What do you need to be secure? What do you need to feel powerful? She stresses the importance of writing these things down so that you can start to put your own needs first. 

Success Secret #2: Success alone will never ever lead you to fulfillment. Fulfillment will always lead you to success.

Many people chase financial success, believing it will bring them happiness. However, Orman argues that success comes only after you find fulfillment. She shares the example of how people believe they are successful when they are making a lot of money. They have the big house, the fancy car, the fancy clothes, yet they hate their job. 

"You’re attached to everything that you have around you, but yet inside, you’re not fulfilled," Orman says. "I’m here to tell you that you’re not successful."

She adds that when you can do something the truly fulfills you, it will always lead to financial success. 

Trending: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000

Success Secret #3: The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking.

This is one of Orman's favorite sayings. She uses this metaphor to illustrate the importance of perseverance in the face of criticism and negativity. 

As Orman rose to prominence, she encountered detractors who sought to undermine her success. Instead of letting their words affect her, she focused on her mission: helping people achieve financial security. The lesson is clear—stay focused on your goals, and don't let negativity derail you.

Success Secret #4: If you think you can’t, you never, ever, ever, ever will.

Orman stresses the power of thoughts, words, and actions. She believes that if you think you can't achieve something, you never will. Conversely, a mindset rooted in possibility and determination paves the way for success.

"Your thoughts create your destiny," Orman said. "Every single thing starts with your thoughts that turn into your words that turn into your actions. So when you say you cannot do something, then the truth of the matter is you won’t be able to do it."

KT chimed in by saying how many people they've talked to begin by saying, "I can't get out of debt," and after listening to advice, taking the right steps, and really focusing on the things that they can do, they became millionaires. 

See Also: Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?

Success Secret #5: There’s no shame or blame big enough to keep you from being who you are meant to be.

Everyone makes financial mistakes, but Orman emphasizes that no amount of shame or blame should prevent you from moving forward. Many people let past financial missteps or the judgment of others keep them from taking control of their financial future.

“You can’t let the things that you feel bad about–you can’t let the things that you’re angry about– keep you from being who you are meant to be,” she says.

Orman advises acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and then letting them go. Fear, shame, and anger are internal obstacles to wealth and success—overcoming them is essential for personal growth.

Success Secret #6: May every word that you say, every thought that you think, and every action that you take pass through three gatekeepers: kindness, necessity, and truth. 

Orman and KT encourage people to pass every thought, word, and action through three gatekeepers: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? This principle applies not only to personal interactions but also to financial decisions.

Being honest with yourself about your financial situation, making necessary changes, and treating yourself and others with kindness creates a foundation for lasting success.

Read Next:

• Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!
• If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here’s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now