For the characteristics of a wealthy woman, we turn to the OG. In the name of the Father, the Son, and Suze Orman.
To Suze Orman, one of the foremost voices in financial advice, wealth is more than the sum on a balance sheet; it’s a state of mind and a reflection of who you are and what you do with your resources.
In Orman’s book, Women & Money (an excellent read!) she lists 8 qualities of a wealthy woman.
Let’s delve into the eight key elements, according to Orman, that define a financially independent woman.
#1 Harmony: First of the Characteristics of a Wealthy Woman
Suze Orman defines harmony as living in a state where your personal values, actions, and financial decisions are aligned. It’s about creating a cohesive life where your financial choices resonate with your deepest beliefs and goals.
When you have harmony, what you think, say, feel and do is one.
For Orman, a wealthy woman manages her finances in a way that enhances her well-being and contributes to a harmonious life, free from the dissonance of money-related stress.
An example of harmony is the story of a teacher who loves her job but earns a modest income. Instead of pursuing a higher-paying career that does not align with her passion for teaching, she chooses to live within her means, finds ways to save, and invests wisely. She foregoes a new car for a dependable used one and opts for smaller, budget-friendly vacations.
By making financial choices that reflect her values—prioritizing her profession over material wealth—she achieves a state of contentment and financial stability that is the very essence of harmony.
Harmony ties in with the next quality, balance.
#2 Balance
The second of the characteristics of a wealthy woman is balance. Orman explains, that when your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions are not in harmony, it shows up as imbalance.
Balance, in the context of Orman’s Women & Money, refers to the judicious management of one’s financial resources to maintain a healthy equilibrium between saving and spending.
Orman emphasizes the importance of not leaning too far into frugality to the point of deprivation, nor indulging in extravagance that leads to financial insecurity.
It’s about making informed decisions that ensure current needs are met without jeopardizing future financial well-being. This approach advocates for a middle ground, where women are encouraged to enjoy the fruits of their labor today while responsibly preparing for tomorrow, thus achieving a sustainable and fulfilling financial life.
#3 Courage
Courage helps harmony express itself.
Courage is the fortitude required to face one’s financial realities with honesty and determination. It’s about having the bravery to step out of comfort zones, tackle debts head-on, and make tough decisions that are vital for long-term financial stability.
It is the courageous act of claiming ownership over one’s financial destiny, regardless of societal expectations or personal fears. Women are encouraged to cultivate financial courage, which involves educating oneself about finances, asking hard questions, and standing firm in the pursuit of financial independence.
This boldness is a critical component of reshaping one’s financial future and breaking free from cycles of financial insecurity or dependency.
#4 Generosity
The woman who gives freely is often the one who accumulates the most. Generosity, when managed wisely, is a potent force in wealth creation. It’s about sharing not only your wealth but also your knowledge and your time.
Recognizing that there is enough to go around, the generous woman spreads wealth in ways that improve the lives of others. In doing so, she builds a network of goodwill and possibly investment leads that can return greater dividends than mere monetary contributions.
#5 Happiness: The Fifth Characteristic of a Wealthy Woman
According to Orman, happiness is an essential characteristic of a wealthy woman, but it’s not simply about feeling cheerful; it’s deeply tied to financial well-being. In Women & Money, Orman suggests that true happiness comes from the security and peace of mind that financial independence brings.
It’s not about chasing after more money or material possessions, but rather about making wise financial decisions that align with your personal values and goals. A wealthy woman finds joy in her ability to manage her finances in a way that brings stability to her life and allows her to share her wealth with loved ones and support the causes she believes in.
Happiness, then, is a blend of contentment and confidence stemming from a sense of control over one’s financial destiny.
#6 Wisdom
“Wisdom” is the culmination of experience, knowledge, and good judgment in one’s financial affairs.
We are always accumulating more knowledge and growing our wisdom.
Orman states, “Wisdom is the ability to make the right decisions at the right time. Wisdom alerts you when you are out of balance or having trouble summoning courage. It is your inner voice guiding you through and past the noise.”
Wisdom means using your core beliefs to make decisions.
“A wise woman recognizes when her life is out of balance and summons the courage to act to correct it, she knows the meaning of true generosity, happiness is the reward for a life lived in harmony, with a courage and grace,” Orman explains.
“A wise woman knows how to summon her courage and do what is right, rather than what is easy.”
#7 Cleanliness
When your space is clean and organized, you can access the inner wisdom and courage that makes harmony and balance achievable. See how that all ties together?!
You know you feel better when items you need are easier to find. Getting dressed is a smooth process when all of your clothes and accessories are in their proper place.
The same is true of your financial health. When you have a plan, know where things are, and are organized, your financial independence and health can thrive.
#8 Beauty: Eighth of the Characteristics of a Wealthy Woman
Beauty in the realm of finance is not found in the lavishness of possessions or the extravagance of spending, but in the elegance of financial autonomy.
Beauty is the grace with which a woman manages her finances, ensuring that her money reflects her values and supports her life’s purpose.
Orman often articulates that the most beautiful financial situation is one of balance, where income is not merely spent, but thoughtfully allocated towards saving, investing, and giving.
This harmony between earning and using money resonates with her belief that financial beauty is inherently tied to the empowerment and inner peace that comes from self-sustaining wealth.
What Now?
Wealth goes far beyond your bank account.
It is defined by the qualities we embody as we seek it. Harmony, balance, courage, generosity, happiness, wisdom, cleanliness, and beauty — they are the virtues that propel women on their journey to financial independence.
Embracing these qualities, women can redefine wealth on their terms and carve out financial legacies that inspire generations to come.
Your net worth is a lot more than finances. It is an overall picture of your financial health and well-being.
As FundsSavvy discussed with Forbes, “Time, freedom, health and happiness are also currencies. They’re not factored into a traditional net worth analysis, but absolutely worth taking into account.”
