Smart Money 

Has there ever
been a time we’ve needed Suze Orman more? With
marriage changing the financial equation for thousands
of gay couples and the world economy teetering on
collapse, the money guru’s sage counsel has
become required reading, viewing, and listening.

Orman also knows
that holding on to one’s money is a defensive tactic
for gay men and lesbians. Looking like Queen Elizabeth
rallying her troops, she unleashed a financial call to
arms at the Human Rights Campaign’s national
dinner in October in Washington, D.C.

“Money
speaks volumes, people,” roared the 57-year-old as
she accepted the group’s National Equality
Award. “It speaks louder than you have any
idea. And for you and me and all of us to truly change
what’s going on in this world you have got to
be financially powerful. You cannot be in debt; you
cannot have financial bondage if you want to set yourselves
free.”

Orman had the
crowd in the palm of her hand, keeping them at attention
for almost 20 minutes. Her main point -- the same message
she expresses on her CNBC show; in her column in O,
The Oprah Magazine; and in her eight
best-selling books -- was that when people don’t grab
the reins of their financial destiny, they allow
themselves to become victims.