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 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 wasn’t straightforward – it involved facing personal challenges, including leaving a marriage to prioritize her happiness. Despite her professional accomplishments, she struggles with feeling deserving of her newfound wealth.
Anna’s email began with a note of gratitude for Orman’s past advice, which she says helped her take charge of her life. After listening to Orman’s “tough love” guidance on standing firm in one’s truth, Anna found the courage to make life-altering decisions, including going through a divorce. She bought out her ex-husband’s equity in their home, retaining their favorable mortgage rate and feeling grateful for his support.
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However, Anna’s recent financial windfall has left her grappling with complex emotions. Her skill, hard work and her company’s stock price surge led her to this significant income: $1.4 million in a single year.
She admits feeling guilty for earning such a large sum when others in demanding professions, such as teaching and nursing, make far less. Anna mentioned that her success feels “absurd” to her and even acknowledged that she’s hesitant to share it with others, fearing they may view her as ungrateful.
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Orman and KT addressed Anna’s feelings directly, emphasizing that such guilt around financial success is not uncommon. “The number of emails and people I have met that feel this way or come into an inheritance and they hide the fact that they’ve inherited millions of dollars from their family. Yet nobody, not one of their friends, has a clue. It’s like they are embarrassed by money. And it’s not just you, Anna, that feels that way.”
