What illness did Suze Orman have?
Personal finance expert Suze Orman underwent emergency surgery in July 2020 at Brigham and Women's Hospital to remove a benign spinal tumor.
Diagnosis & Surgery
- Condition: A 3.2-centimeter non-cancerous schwannoma tumor located between vertebrae C1 and C3 in her neck.
- Severity: The growth was compressing 80% of her spinal cord, leaving her at a severe risk of paralysis.
- Procedure: She underwent a 12-hour complex emergency surgery performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Groff and a large surgical team.
Symptoms & Recovery
- Early Signs: Orman ignored warning signs for months, including leg weakness, hand numbness, and a nagging cough, due to fear of a serious diagnosis.
- Recovery: She faced a long recovery involving physical therapy and lingering nerve sensations, noting that the ordeal taught her valuable lessons about prioritizing health over wealth.
What surgery did Suze Orman have?
Suze Orman underwent a 10-to-12-hour emergency spinal surgery in July 2020 to remove a benign (non-cancerous) spinal schwannoma tumor.
Surgery Details
- Procedure: Complex neurosurgery to remove a growth that was compressing 80% of her upper spinal cord (near vertebrae C1–C3 in her neck).
- Surgeon: Performed by Dr. Michael Groff's surgical team at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
- Reason: The rare tumor had been growing for over 15 years and posed an immediate risk of paralysis.
How old is Suze Orman and how much is she worth?
Suze Orman is 75 years old and has an estimated net worth ranging between $75 million and $150 million.
Born on June 5, 1951, the financial guru built her substantial fortune through her multi-platform media empire, which includes her 13-year run hosting The Suze Orman Show on CNBC, nine consecutive New York Times bestselling books, high-profile speaking engagements, corporate endorsements, and a highly successful real estate and investment portfolio.
What religion is Suze Orman?
Suze Orman was raised in the Jewish faith.
Background
- Upbringing: She grew up in a Jewish family in Chicago with Russian-immigrant parents.
- Spiritual Views: She has spoken about a spiritual outlook and a belief in a universal God, though her professional focus centers on personal finance rather than religious practice.
Where does Suze Orman live now?
Suze Orman lives in a condo in Hillsboro Beach, Florida, after selling her private island home in the Bahamas.
She and her wife, Kathy "KT" Travis, downsized to their Florida residence, which they originally purchased in 2004. They spent several years living full-time on their private island in the Bahamas before making the move back to Florida. You can listen to her updates on the Women & Money Podcast.
Suze Orman Explains Her Recent Health Scare That Almost Left Her Unable to Walk
What health issues does Suze Orman have?
Suze Orman underwent a 12-hour surgery in July 2020 to remove a large, benign (non-cancerous) tumor from her spinal cord near her neck.
Details of the Health Issue
- The Diagnosis: A benign spinal tumor had been growing for about 15 years and eventually compressed 80% of her spinal cord.
- The Symptoms: Before her diagnosis, she experienced a thinning/atrophy and weakness in her right leg, buckling of her right knee, trouble walking upstairs, and numbness or loss of feeling in her right hand and fingers (which made writing and eating difficult).
- The Recovery: Doctors noted she was close to paralysis before the successful emergency operation, and she faced a long and challenging physical therapy and recovery process afterward.
How old is Suze Orman's wife?
Suze Orman's wife, Kathy "KT" Travis, keeps her exact birth date and age private.
Relationship Details
- Met: Around 2000 or 2001, when Orman was 50 years old.
- Married: September 2010 in South Africa.
- Professional Background: Served as a co-producer on The Suze Orman Show and managed brand development.
Is Suze Orman a Republican or Democrat?
Suze Orman is not officially registered with either major party, but she has a history of supporting and aligning with Democratic candidates and policies.
Political Leanings and Support
- Democratic Donations: According to campaign finance data from OpenSecrets, Orman has previously contributed financial support to Democratic organizations, such as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, as well as the Democratic Party in 2008.
- Public Endorsements: She has openly favored Democratic policies, particularly regarding LGBT rights and marriage equality, stating in interviews that social issues heavily influence her perspective on political candidates. She expressed support for Barack Obama and later stated she would vote for Elizabeth Warren over other candidates.
General Stance
While widely known as a personal finance expert rather than a political figure, Orman generally advises her audience to focus on personal financial stability and long-term wealth building rather than reacting to political cycles or election outcomes.
Why does Suze Orman not eat out?
Suze Orman does not eat out because she considers restaurant meals to be one of the biggest and most unnecessary wastes of money.
Key Reasons
- Financial Philosophy: She believes that small, recurring expenses add up over time and that money is better spent or invested.
- Rising Prices: She points out that fast food and restaurant prices have climbed so high that even simple meals cost a surprising amount.
- Social Obligations: When she does go to a restaurant, it is only to meet friends. In those cases, she insists on paying the bill so her friends with less money do not waste their own funds.
- Cooking at Home: She prefers home-cooked meals prepared by her wife, Kathy Travis.
Who is better, Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey?
Neither Dave Ramsey nor Suze Orman is universally better; the right choice depends on your specific financial situation and goals.
Core Philosophies
- Dave Ramsey: Best for behavior-driven debt elimination. He uses a rigid, step-by-step framework (the "7 Baby Steps") focused on strict budgeting and complete debt freedom, including paying off mortgages.
- Suze Orman: Best for long-term security and liquidity. She offers a more nuanced approach to managing debt, building cash cushions, and handling retirement-withdrawal math.
Key Differences
| Topic | Dave Ramsey | Suze Orman |
|---|---|---|
| Debt Strategy | Hates all debt; uses the "debt snowball" (smallest balance first) for psychological wins. | Views debt more flexibly; generally targets highest interest rates first. |
| Retirement & Math | Assumes high market returns (12%) and recommends an aggressive 8% withdrawal rate. | Recommends a much more conservative withdrawal rate (3% to 4%) to guard against longevity and inflation. |
| Social Security | Suggests claiming benefits early at age 62 and investing the difference. | Advises waiting as long as possible to maximize delayed retirement credits. |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Dave Ramsey if you are overwhelmed by consumer debt, need strict rules to change spending habits, and want a simple, motivational roadmap.
- Choose Suze Orman if you already have a handle on your immediate debt, prefer a balanced approach to credit, and want conservative downside protection for retirement.