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.’
She shared how she felt shaken by her early financial milestones, recalling when she received her first check for $250,000 and left it on her kitchen counter for two weeks, overwhelmed by its sheer size.
The couple assured Anna that she is not just “lucky”; her success is also due to her hard work, dedication and good decision making. KT noted that Anna recognizes her competence, but cannot yet fully appreciate the value of her achievements. KT encouraged her to “celebrate” this milestone and share it openly with those she trusts, to affirm her success rather than hide it.
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Orman also discussed the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with money. She pointed out that feelings of fear, shame and anger can become obstacles to building lasting wealth. Orman encouraged Anna to let go of her guilt and reminded her that financial wealth does not diminish her value, but is simply a result of her choices and circumstances. “Don’t insult yourself in this way,” Orman advised, urging Anna to recognize that she deserves the wealth she has earned.
Ultimately, Orman and KT’s message to Anna was clear: recognize and celebrate your success. Orman pointed out that wealth, like happiness, is not just a matter of financial gain but is rooted in self-acceptance. By embracing her financial performance, Anna can feel empowered and continue to make healthy financial decisions without guilt.
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This article Listener feels guilty for making $1.4 million in a year. Suze Orman Says: ‘Don’t Insult Yourself Like This, You Deserve This’ originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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