My Personal Finance Hero of 2008
Picking a personal finance hero isn’t really that easy. After all, who would you pick? Would you pick those responsible for putting the bailout together? How about someone who sounded the alarm whistles early on about the credit/financial crisis but was ignored? Perhaps a TV finance personality like Jim Cramer from the “Mad Money” TV show on CNBC?
Better yet, how about that couple that you know who aren’t particularly complicated, but full of common-sense financial wisdom? They worked and played hard, but they always lived well within their means. They saved when it wasn’t the most fun they could be having with their money. They were frugal. They didn’t buy a BMW or a house with a huge mortgage. They spent their money wisely and saved smart. And even today, with the economic downturn, their hard work has paid off. They remain financially sound.
See, those are the people who should be your personal finance hero. They not only deserve such credit, but they can help you. And though I know many of those people, I sit here thinking of someone with those qualities and a bit more influence, someone who not only has pulled herself up from the boot straps but who helps others do the same thing. For 2008, the person who gets my vote is Suze Orman. She’s been where the average American is, and through hard work and common sense, she made it. And she shares her story with just about anyone who will listen. During the last few months, as folks were panic-stricken, Suze appeared on the Oprah show with her no-nonsense style and calmed everyone down.
Though Suze might be my personal finance hero, I urge you to look for your own. You don’t need to go far. Look around you. Look at those people from whom you too can learn. They have all the characteristics that someone like Suze has. They work hard, are frugal, live well within their means — and they save. They check their credit regularly, and they work hard to maintain their good credit standing. Those are the heroes, the everyday folks who make it — even during times like this.
