87 Comments

1. Crystal January 11, 2011 at 7:53 AM

   I really love the show “Till Debt Do Us Part.” Even though I’m single, I still watch this show and learn something cool in every episode. I also get a kick out of seeing how much these people spend on stuff they absolutely don’t need. And it always makes me feel better about myself because their numbers are always worse than mine!
2. Sara Lang January 11, 2011 at 7:55 AM

   I think my favorite financial guru is Suze Orman, especially her “Can I afford it” segment. Although I have to agree with the commenter above, “Till Debt Do Us Part” is my favorite overall show, in large part because it reminds me that by staying in the black every month, and saving a bit, I’m doing so much better than a lot of other people (and helps me keep on track!)
3. Jonathan January 11, 2011 at 8:16 AM

   I’m gonna have to be boring here and say that Nightly Business Report would be my favorite. Partly because it interesting to see what’s happening in finance news (not mainstream news), and partly because its the only finance show I watch. ;)
4. Carmesha S. January 11, 2011 at 8:48 AM

   I love “Til Debt Do Us Part” because she focuses on both the financial aspect and the strength of the relationship itself. I also like watching the show “Downsized” about a large blended family dealing with hard times, it’s a reality check that it can happen to anyone, and it’s nice to see how everyone in the family is pitching in to help make more money.
5. CityFlips January 11, 2011 at 8:55 AM

   Well…I don’t really have a favorite financial guru. I’m going to have to say Suze Orman. Not because I like her so much, but because I think she’s had a positive influence on so many people. And I love that she doesn’t take any crap from anyone. So there you have it…Suze wins my vote even though I don’t really have a personal connection to her. Haven’t read her books, haven’t watched all that much on TV…just know she’s out there telling people how to get er done.
6. Nickalli Braaten January 11, 2011 at 9:11 AM

   No one but me will probably classify this as a financial show – but for me it is!! “Hoarders”, or as I like to call it, Scared Straight!! I watch what these people spend money on, hoard and consider valuable (when it’s really just garbage!) and think about what in my life is becoming a hoard that I am wasting my money on. It may be extreme, but we all have areas in our life that look like that to others outside of our situation.
7. Allison January 11, 2011 at 9:47 AM

   I’m sure this will be a popular response, but I gotta say Dave Ramsey. My parents raised me on his financial advice, and his approach to money is just so logical. And he’s a really engaging speaker and writer, so he keeps me coming back.
8. Jessi W. January 11, 2011 at 9:55 AM

   I never had a favorite financial guru, but if I had to pick one now it would be Suze Orman. I am in the middle of reading her book “The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, & Broke” and I am really loving it. It seems directed right at my generation. Now that I have my first “real adult” job I’m loving her advice and information about things like 401ks and career moves in general when you’re just starting out. I can’t wait to get to the chapter on Love & Money (my fiancee and I want to know what changes once we’re married, like taxes, etc.)
9. Uncle El January 11, 2011 at 10:15 AM

   My vote is for Dave Ramsey because after reading his book and listening to his radio show I now have a financial plan that is simple and makes sense. I have grown to be a better money manager thanks to Dave and you of course J. Money.
10. Stephanie January 11, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Dave Ramsey is my favorite. He keeps it simple and his plans can work for everyone.
11. Jason@LiveRealNow January 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    I’m going with Dave Ramsey, because his advice is why I’m getting out of debt.
12. Clare January 11, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Favorite financial show is You’re Cut Off! on VH1 because it’s a hot mess reality show about entitled young women getting a swift reality check. Favorite “guru” is Ramit Sethi. He is the greatest.
13. CBrad January 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I’d have to say Suze Orman. She tells it like it is, covers a whole range of topics that I’m interested in hearing about, and speaks in terms I can understand.
14. Carol January 11, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    I really like Marketplace Money on NPR. It’s evolved over the years, and has a strong focus on
    challenging each of us as personal finance managers of our own lives. It always gets me thinking, though sometimes it’s a bit uncomfortable. I figure that’s good, as it must mean that I have something to work on.
15. Kate January 11, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Love Rich Bride, Poor Bride. It’s crazy how much brides spend on weddings.
16. Ace January 11, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    I watch CNBC and read a variety of viewpoints, not just one.
17. Erin January 11, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Dave Ramsey. Just ordered 2 of his books to read (Although I should have just went to the library and borrowed them. Didn’t want to wait for them as the library was out of them).
18. Burnette January 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I love Suze Orman. She has a no-nonsense attitude and tells you as it is when it comes to finances. I love that!
19. Sweta January 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Favorite financial shows: Downsized, Bank of Mom & Dad

    Favorite financial gurus: Farnoosh & Ramit
20. Charlie F January 11, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Ramit Sethi. Hands down. He’s the guy that got me into caring about personal finance. I tried to care before, and kept screwing up. He taught me (through his books and website) that it’s okay to screw up, when I kept trying to be perfect before (and failing).

    I’m finally on my way to becoming financially secure, having my own business to generate cash on the side, and having financial plans.
21. Katie January 11, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Well….I don’t watch any shows really because we cut cable to put more to our budget! (woot!) So I am a little outta the loop on financial personalities. I would have to say Gail Vaz Oxlade is my favourite. I like her “no nonsense” approach to money. I have two of her books now and really like them!! Would love another book to add to my modest collection!
22. Steve Zussino - Canadian Coupons January 11, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    I would say Gail Vaz Oxlay – even though she doesn’t have any degree (has experience which counts).
23. sandra c January 11, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Assuming your contest is open to Canadians, my favourite financial guru is Gail Vaz-Oxlade for her down to earth approach (in her TV show, blog, and books). I found her last year (coulda used her about 10 years ago when my financial life and decisions went into the dumpster), and she has really helped me on the slow slow climb out of financial hell.
24. Jo January 11, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    I watch a good deal of CNBC and Mad Money has to be one of my favorite shows. Jim Cramer is a bit unconventional but extremely savvy.
25. Michelle January 11, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Til Debt do us Part
26. Colleen January 11, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I love Gail Vaz-Oxlade too! Til Debt Do You Part is awesome because it makes me feel better about myself because the couples on that show have a lot of issues. But her blog is amazing and her books are great and give advice to really live by. I totally recommend her to everyone!
27. Celina January 11, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Gail Vaz-Oxlade of Til Debt Do Us Part is definitely a favorite but I just love Clark Howard. I listen to him on the radio every evening riding home from school. I like him because not only does he talk about the importance of saving money (his constant pushing of Roth IRAs is quite amusing) but he also wants people to be cautious about who they do business with so as to not get ‘ripped off.’ I listen to him so much, I pretty much know what he’s going to say to people before he says it. Besides that, he’s such a nerd- which I love!
28. rubyruns January 11, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Suze for sure. But I also like Clark Howard.
29. Jaimie January 11, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Not really a fan of any show or guru ~ but I do think your website is pretty awesome!
30. Jessica, The Debt Princess January 11, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    I love me some Larry Winget. I just read his ebook “That Makes Me Sick” and it literally has changed my mindset. A complete 180* I can admit to things I should have admitted years ago.
31. Dana January 11, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I thought I’d be different by saying Til Debt Do You Part, but obviously not. Love Gail’s no nonsense attitude.
32. Phil Powis January 11, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    My favorite “Guru” so to speak is still Ramit Sethi – love his newer posts lately.
33. Sasha January 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I love the show To Debt Do Us Part. That lady sure has a way to tell it how it is, with no shame and it is awesome. She sure transforms a lot of couples. The next show is Dave Ramsey. He is pretty awesome.
34. Janet January 11, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Sounds like an awesome book … it would be an awesome free gift! I like tuning into the blogs more than the gurus, but if I had to chose one, I’d go with Dave.
35. thewanderingbudget January 11, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Like all the other Canadians, I’ll say Til Debt Do Us Part. I don’t watch much tv but for some reason I watched it frequently when I lived in Canada. It was as I watched the show (despite being single at the time) that I became very conscious about my debt and started thinking that I should probably get out of it (duh)!
36. brooklyn money January 11, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I heart Suze. Especially the Can I afford it Segment. When kids call in and she tells them to start saving for college instead of retirement. I love how she’s as hard on them as she is on the adults.
37. Kandace January 11, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Suze Orman was my first intro to personal finance years ago. I’ve used her advice, along with others and common sense, to help me get on the right path. My parents never discussed money with me, and unfortunately still struggle with their own finances. Suze opened up the dialogue for women. Love her!
38. Kymm Richmond January 11, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    The finance section of Family Circle. It’s different authors all the time but it’s always something family friendly. What most gurus don’t get is that it doesn’t matter how much you save or even if you aren’t in any debt if you only make 20,000 per YEAR for a family of 3. These articles have techniques to boost credit, eliminate debt (which I have done) and teach kids about money (which is hard when you didn’t have a financial education yourself as a child.)
39. Michelle Duncan January 11, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    I would so love this book! In fact if I dont win it, Im going to buy it! My fave guru is Dave Ramsey. I love his show, but dont get it on our cable network.
40. Debra January 11, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    My vote is for Dave Ramsey. I like that he is talking from personal experience and knowledge gained over the years. And I like how simple and sensible his 7 steps are. As my husband and I have been working to implement those into our lives and decrease our debt, we have become more satisfied with our choices and spent less.
41. Yana January 11, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I like Peter Schiff, and also Gerald Celente, although the latter isn’t merely a financial guru but a trends forecaster. I tend to prefer people a bit out of the mainstream – I guess I can relate to them :)
42. Sarah January 11, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    omg must read that book. i love bank of mom and dad!

    my favorite guru is ramit sethi from i will teach you to be rich. sharp, opinionated, hilarious, but above all really good, all-encompassing personal finance content.
43. Kelli January 11, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Another vote for “Til Debt Do Us Part”. Gail Vaz-Oxlade isn’t afraid to tell the people on there how ridiculously they’re acting/spending.
44. J. Money January 11, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    GREAT list guys! Forgot about some of these…
    Here’s what I’ve seen so far for everyone looking for some new stuff:

    ==============
    Fave Shows
    ==============
    – Til Debt Do Us Part
    – Nightly Business Report
    – Hoarders
    – You’re Cut Off! (VH1 – never heard of but now I want to watch!)
    – Rich Bride, Poor Bride
    – CNBC (for the different viewpoints)
    – Downsized
    – Bank of Mom & Dad
    – Mad Money

    ==============
    Fave People
    ==============
    – Suze Orman (esp her “Can I afford it Segment”)
    – Dave Ramsey
    – Ramit Sethi (one of my faves too, if not THE fave)
    – Farnoosh Torabi
    – Gail Vaz Oxlade
    – Jim Cramer
    – Clark Howard
    – Larry Winget
    – Peter Schiff
    – Gerald Celente

    ==============================
    Others: Radio, Newspaper
    ==============================
    – Marketplace Money (NPR)
    – Family Circle (newspaper – finance section)
45. Tracie Trump January 11, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    I love Dave Ramsey- Honest and to the point!
46. Duane Cooper January 11, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    I love Suze Orman- very down to earth and love her can I afford it segments! dlcwins55@yahoo.com
47. cara January 11, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    my dad is an investment manager and he always has the best ideas! Love him!
48. Jenn T January 11, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Dave Ramsey is my favorite! I would love to win this book!
49. Erica January 11, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    till debt do us part. That show is what got me started on a budget and tracking my money.
50. cdub January 11, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    i’m gonna go with ramit, love his attitude.
51. J. Money January 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    @Cara – Can your dad manage my investments? :)
52. Steph January 11, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    I love love love love LOOOOOVE Robert Kiyosaki. He’s so open and honest about where he came from, what he went through and where he’s going… and I tend to support everything he does, even though I want to purchase Cashflow.
53. Josh January 12, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    I don’t mean this as a cop out, but absolutely my mother. She’s a financial planner and has instilled in me the financial beliefs that I carry today. I literally just shared one of these comments with a friend today – “you can always make do with less; you just have to know you can.” My mom taught me that when I was too young to understand it, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

    She’s full of financial gems like that.
54. J. Money January 12, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    I love your mom! Errrr, not like that ;)
55. Scott January 12, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    I love Dave Ramsey’s thoughts about debt. It’s interesting hearing him recount his experiences with bankruptcy that led him ultimately to seek financial wisdom. I think his advice is pretty solid.

    Great contest! Thanks!
56. Lynda January 12, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    my favorite financial guru would probably be david bach. his book money for women was the first financial book i ever read and it totally changed my life – i became interested in personal finance thereafter!
57. 20 and Engaged January 12, 2011 at 2:03 AM

    I’ve heard about the book and would love to add it to my personal finance collection. My favorite personal finance guru is Suze Orman. She’s just straight talk and gets right to the point. Either you can afford or you can’t; Suze will DEFINITELY let you know.
58. Heather January 12, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    I love Gail Vaz-Oxlade (Til Debt Do Us Part). I love how she puts things in perspective. I’m also a Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey fan. I read and then re-read their books. It keeps me on track.
59. Randi January 12, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    I have to agree with the person who said they watch Hoarders. I watch it to show me what being completely stupid with money can do. That and it makes me feel like a wonderful housekeeper. I also admire what the Duggar family has done with regards to debt and money. I am not there yet but I sure would love to be. My biggest financial influence is my Dad. He can keep a checkbook better than anyone else I know and I wouldn’t be nearly so bad off now if I had just paid more attention to him when I lived with him.
60. Mercedes January 12, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I like watching Larry Winget’s “Big Spender” and Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s “Til Debt do us Part”. Both of these pretty much show a blue print of what NOT to do with finances. Of course they try to help these couples get out of the debt problems they are in, but it is amazing to me how some people can’t even see where they have problems when they finally write everything down!

    Hopefully I’ll never end up on either of those shows!
61. Kathleen January 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    I really like David Bach. I read Smart Women Finish Rich back when I was starting out in the working world, and I just finished Smart Couples Finish Rich (now if only I could get my hubby to read it…). But I pretty much soak up anything I can find, and I especially like to read opposing views to get a broader range of info/opinions.
62. Matt K January 12, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    I think my favorite financial guru is Dave Ramsey, and his stances on getting out of debt.
63. Amber January 12, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    I’m totally going to throw a curveball here ;) Sophie Kinsella! Her “Shopaholic” series, where the main character throws herself into catastrophic debt, and works hard to ruin her relationships, due to her shopping addiction really hit home for me. Seeing how vapid my shopping made me, and that mirror in literature form shocked me into behaving much more. As a result, I’ve been on a clothing diet for the last year and a half – only purchasing something after waiting a few weeks (or months) to see if I really need it.
64. Brian D. January 12, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Favorite show – “Real Estate Intervention” on HGTV. I like when people get the smackdown that their house isn’t worth what they think it “should” be!

    Gurus – My three headed monster of daily blog reading – Get Rich Slowly, Financial Samauri, and of course, props to J. Money!
65. Lisa F January 12, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Favorite guru – Clark Howard! He gives practical advice I can follow. I also love your blog. It is very inspirational.
66. jen January 12, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    I enjoy listening to Dave Ramsey. He keeps me motivated, especially on Debt Free Friday!
67. Lori January 12, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    I religiously watch Suzy Ormans’ “How am I Doing” segment as well as Till Debt Do Us Part.
68. LB January 12, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Farnoosh is amazing and very intelligent. She seems to provide insight into saving money for every part of your life. I am hooked!

    I don’t watch a specific financial show, because I have never paid for cable or satellite. I would rather save that money :)
69. Mike January 12, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Karen Finerman of Fast Money….intelligent, filthy rich, methodical, family-woman…etc..etc….she is my favorite!
70. J. Money January 12, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    @Amber – Sophie Kinsella – nice! Nooooo idea who she is but the stories sound interesting :)
    @Brian D. – Haha, another show I’ve never heard of! Which is crazy cuz I love house ones, and esp those on HDTV.
71. Julie January 13, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Downsized – I can totally relate to that family. We don’t have as many kids, but we were in that same situation. We’re better now, but not totally out of the woods.
72. Jess January 13, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    I gotta stick with my man, Dave Ramsey. While I can’t completely get my head around the ‘no credit cards’ thing, he gives sound advice and approaches it from a common-sense viewpoint. Each situation is different and he respects that.
73. Mike January 13, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    @Jess….speaking of Dave Ramsey…..do you utilize the Envelope Budgeting System by any chance? Does anyone use this? I’m more of a debit card kind of guy, while categorizing everything at mint.com real-time. What are your thoughts?
74. J. Money January 13, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Hmmm… never tried the envelope system myself, but I know a few that swear by it. It’s the whole “you can’t spend what you don’t have” type thing. Def. works, but may also piss you off, haha…
75. Grigory January 13, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    My favorite financial guru is Warren Buffett. Sure, quite a bit of his success is due to luck and lax laws back in the good ol’ days (his early purchases were based on insider trading), but he has an admirable set of financial principles that he sticks to (except when he doesn’t lol).
76. J. Money January 13, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Haha — I’m surprised no one else has mentioned him yet. I copy him whenever I buy stocks… just too bad he gets a much better rate than we do ;)
77. Michelle January 14, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    When I started learning about personal finance, I read a lot from The Motley Fool. I still love how they say it like it is and make difficult financial explanations easy for the rest of us.
78. JennyDee January 14, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    My first financial “wake up” was seeing Suze Orman on PBS about five years ago. But my favorite is Gail Vaz Oxlade and her show “Til Debt Do Us Part”. I LOVE that she doesn’t take s*** from the couple asking for help. She tells them how it is, how their reality doesn’t match what they “think” they owe or how they “think” they’re doing. I need(ed) a kick in the butt like that. I’ve gone to Gail’s site and plugged my numbers into her “online jar” worksheet and was stunned by the numbers. I heart Gail!
79. Carrie De January 14, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I realize he’s not reporting on personal finance, but my favorite money personality is Kai Ryssdal. I love everyone over at Marketplace, but when Kai’s talking, I *really* listen.
80. J. Money January 14, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    @Michelle – Motley Fool’s offices are damn cool too. Checked it out the other month in Alexandria VA – those guys sure are hipsters :)
81. Adam January 14, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Dave Ramsey. I don’t always agree but I like his passion and hard-talking.
82. LaRae January 14, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Well, I love Ramit Sethi’s blog, which led me to buy his book! My favorite part about him is that he discusses a lot of psychology of finances and spending habits, which is fantastic. I am very interested in getting to the reason WHY I spend and have the bad habits I do as well as how I can help myself get out of debt and become wealthier. I also love YOUR blog, J. Money! Your blog was the first financial blog I had EVER read, and I found it by chance! It created an near obsession with financial blogging and it got me to be soooo excited about money! =]
83. J. Money January 14, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    @LaRae – Wooooo! Money IS very excited – I’m glad you’re enjoying it all! :)
84. Shawn January 14, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    I’d go with Dave Ramsey. He’s approach is simple, honest, and doable. Debt-free this year!
85. J. Money January 15, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    *****GIVEAWAY OVER****

    The lucky winner is….. Sasha! Woooo! Congrats :) Gonna be a great read.
    Thanks for participating everyone, see you at the next giveaway VERY soon!
86. mercedes May 1, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    Can somebody tell me or send me via email page 83 of this book where she talks about “why I spend so much money and time at The Container Store”?
87. J. Money May 3, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    Hmm… maybe you can Google it? I’m sure someone online has it somewhere… Or just Tweet her for it :) @Farnoosh