Suze Orman Watch (or Barf Patrol)

At first, I threw out my Sunday New York Times Magazine with Suze Orman on the cover. Then, I remembered that I needed the crossword puzzle, so I retrieved it from the recycle bin. I knew it was coming. I even sent my bosses a link to the article with the subject: :"I think I'm going to barf."

I can't tell you when I developed a special loathing for the "ubiquitous, telegenic personal-finance expert," but probably when I realized that she was going to corner the market on personal financial advice well before I ever could. But the envy of her success is only part of the story. I detest the way Orman talks down to people and shames them. I think of her as the Dr. Laura Schlesinger (no relation!) of finance.

Here's what"s curious about Orman: despite the stupendous, cross-promotional career that she has created and super-sized by Queen Oprah, Orman could not come close to stopping the personal credit fiasco that occurred over the past 10 years. That finger-wagging shtick was not enough to prevent many Americans from spending beyond their means. Nor will it get them out of debt.

Bless those souls who seek redemption in Sister-Suze... like other televangelists, she will keep sucking your wallets dry for the same regurgitated advice. In turn, you will feel better for investing $9.99 in your personal financial transformation.

Jill Schlesinger

Jill Schlesinger, CFP® is the Emmy-nominated business analyst for CBS News. She covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with a dollar sign on TV, radio (including her nationally syndicated radio show), the web and her blog, "Jill on Money." Prior to her second career at CBS, Jill spent 14 years as the co-owner and chief investment officer for an independent investment advisory firm. She began her career as a self-employed options trader on the Commodities Exchange of New York, following her graduation from Brown University.

Twitter