In a recent Women & Money podcast episode, Suze Orman and her wife KT shared a heartfelt email from a listener named Anna. Anna’s message struck a chord as she expressed her guilt and self-doubt after a year of extraordinary financial success, earning $1.4 million.
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Anna’s journey to this achievement was not easy; she faced personal challenges, including leaving a marriage to prioritize her happiness. Despite her professional achievements, she struggles with feeling deserving of her newfound wealth.
Anna’s email began with a thank you for Orman’s past advice, which she credits with helping her take control of her life. After listening to Orman’s “tough love” guidance on standing firm in the truth, Anna found the courage to make life-changing decisions, including divorce. She bought out her ex-husband’s equity in their home, kept the favorable mortgage interest rate and was grateful for his support.
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However, Anna’s recent financial windfall leaves her struggling with complex emotions. Her skills, hard work and the sharp increase in her company’s stock prices led her to this significant income: $1.4 million in one year.
She admits she feels guilty about earning such a large amount of money, while others in demanding professions such as teaching and nursing earn much less. Anna said her success seems “absurd” to her and even acknowledged that she hesitates to share it with others for fear they will see her as ungrateful.
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Orman and KT addressed Anna’s feelings directly, emphasizing that such feelings of guilt around financial success are not uncommon. “The number of emails and people I’ve met who feel that way or get an inheritance and they hide the fact that they inherited millions of dollars from their family. Yet no one, not one of their friends, has a clue. as if they are ashamed of money. And it’s not just you, Anna, who feels this way.’
