Last week I was honored to accept an invitation to attend a business luncheon where the guest of honor was none other than the Money Diva, Suze Orman!  Wow, is she a stunner?!!  I was so nervous as I stood there, waiting in line to have her sign my personal copies of her authored books. 

As I made my way to the front of the line, I made eye contact with her as she took my books and began to sign away.  I explained to her how big of a fan I was and that I'd been watching her for years on CNBC, QVC, and and have been following her since her Courage to Be Rich days.  I think she was a little in disbelief.   But, really, I have been following her for that long.  We then chatted a brief bit about her new book and then it was photo op time!  I clung to her like she'd been my bestie for years!  It was too surreal!

Then it was time for the luncheon, which could've honestly been a pb & j and I would have enjoyed it just as much for the simple fact that I was able to sit for more than 30 seconds and use a cloth napkin.  And, there was a fork specifically for my salad!  Yes, full-on place settings!  This mom was enjoying the luncheon!

Then, Suze came out and it instantly got better.  I was mesmerized by her words, stage presence and overall common sense. 

Her message for the day was clear:  "YOU are the answer to your new American dream." "Stand in your truth."

She made me want to go out and yell it from the rooftops.  This is what I have vowed to share with my kids and the new mantra I will live by.  The days of getting a job in the corporate world and pledging your loyalty in hopes of a happy retirement are over.  Suze's message was one of inspiration, perseverance, and most of all, necessary.  She talked about how this country is still a far cry from recovery.  Banks are still making the same mistakes — lending without checking FICO scores, all with the "oh, yeah, sure you can afford it!" mentality.  Why? They are eager to boost this slow-to-return real estate market.

I have to tell you that never before in my LIFE, have I ever been so grateful that hubby had the foresight to insist we put down a huge chunk of money on our home which we purchased almost 8 years ago.  We have more than excellent equity in our home right now and according to Suze, this is going to bode well in our favor. 

Some of the other interesting money points she made throughout the luncheon:

It's a very scary thing to think about — raising my boys to have only themselves to depend and count on when it comes to taking care of their financial futures, but I think it will make for stronger and smarter adults in just a few short years.  I want to be very frank with them about money and how it can work for you and against you.  I am so glad they appeared to have inherited the entrepreneurial gene and are always talking about what business they want to have or new product idea they have to invent.  They are the future.  And at the present, it's my job to see that it's as bright as can possibly be for them.

I love Suze Orman for her insightful words and undeniable candor when it comes to talking money and finances.  If you ever get the opportunity to see her speak in-person, I highly recommend it!