Buying or Leasing a Car? Suze’s Answer May Surprise You!

In this episode of Suze Orman's Women & Money podcast, Suze and KT tackle a range of financial questions from listeners, emphasizing the importance of security, emotional intelligence, and long-term planning. The episode opens with a strong endorsement of the Ultimate Opportunity Savings Account at Alliant Credit Union and a reminder to submit questions to podcast@asksuzy.com. A major highlight is Suze's surprising reversal on car ownership: for the first time in her career, she advises leasing for a 66-year-old woman who no longer enjoys driving and wants self-driving technology—provided she stays under 12,000 miles annually and gets lease gap insurance. This marks a significant shift from her long-standing 'never lease' stance, driven by the listener’s unique circumstances. Other key topics include the emotional and practical dangers of moving in with a grieving parent, the pitfalls of using charitable donations to reduce taxes, and the critical warning against touching retirement funds during debt crises. Suze also cautions young investors about Bitcoin, stressing that emotional comfort with investments is more important than potential returns, especially for teens. The episode closes with a powerful message on scam protection, urging listeners to enroll in the Ultimate Scam Protection Program for up to $100,000 in coverage and identity restoration. The overarching theme is that financial decisions must be deeply personal, context-driven, and emotionally intelligent. Suze reinforces her core philosophy: people first, then money, then things. She challenges conventional wisdom with bold exceptions—like leasing for the right person—while maintaining firm boundaries around retirement savings, debt management, and ethical investing. The episode balances actionable advice with emotional wisdom, reminding listeners that financial health is not just about numbers, but about peace of mind, long-term security, and integrity.