I have to admit, I'm very SOUR on Suze's advice! I have no problem with people making money giving responsible and appropriate advice. There are many other people on the public stage giving excellent financial advice and making a lot of money, such as Ray Lucia, Dave Ramsey, Clark Howard and the other Debt Diet Advisors Oprah has on the show periodically. These are the people that I wish were on Oprah's show.

Suze Orman gives crazy advice! Recommending that the family change zip codes rather than behavior was ridiculous and completely IRRESPONSIBLE financially and emotionally (as stated in previous posts).

I hope Oprah doesn't have her back on.

The Debt Diet series was so productive! It showed REAL people in their struggles with budgeting. Again, as a financial planner, I see devasting stories all the time. And it happens to so many people, because it is so uncommon for Americans to live below our means. People need to save for Retirement! We have a problem in America, people aren't saving enough and its a disaster waiting to happen! People need help understanding that it IS possible regardless how much you make (as the Debt Diet illustrated). Unfortunately, the message was lost in that episode with the extreme behaviorial issues of the family in CA and Suze's IRRESPONSIBLE advice.

Bring back the Debt Diet NOT Suze Orman!

Felicia: Since you have put yourself out here, I would like to pick your brain a bit to maybe get some understanding to my son's situation (see my other post). How does your extended family handle all this spending? Surely they are aware you guys can't afford all of this, so how do they react when they find out you've bought more new stuff? Have they started distancing themselves from you guys, since listening to your new "purchases" must make them want to just cringe inside, leave your presences shaking their heads in amazement and disgust. Stag (I would like to add to my first post, that my son is a bad as my daughter in law. He buys boats, campers, race cars, motorcycles, 4-wheelers (one for each of them) etc.)

I so agree with you kgirl98. Spending has become out of control these days with credit cards and home equity loans. There are many of us who budget and spend less than we make to be responsible people. My family does not have debt, is capable of paying bills in full every month and plans for "fun". I used to think we must make far less money than everyone else because all I could see were the high end purchases and vacations. It took me years to find out that so many people live far above their own means. I whole-heartedly agree that Oprah should show families that have good values and work to manage their finances in a healthy way!

Felice, I know you don't like people forming ideas about who you are from ten minutes of T.V. but I think you could benefit from reading about personality types, especially the sanguine personality, from Christian personality expert Florence Littauer (like the one co-authored recently with her daughter Marita Littauer called WIRED THAT WAY). People who are highly sanguine like you appear to be are drawn to pretty things and having everything look beautiful. Sanguine people also love to please people and see that everyone has a great time at their parties. However, people who AREN'T sanguine can't begin to understand why a person would spend so much money on fancy parties and flowers, etc. when they can't afford other practical things. That's why people are having a hard time relating to you. But don't let this be an excuse. You can learn to honor your passions for beauty and fun and brightening other people's lives without breaking the bank. Please read Littauer's book(s); I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

nurseemie...please...yes I agree we might all spend alittle more than we should at times but come on...she is totally into herself and no one else. I live a comfortable life, have a nice home and am a stay at home mother to a 4 year old and 2 year old. I would give them the shirt off my back. These children do NOT have health insurance. Im sure there are many medical needs not being taken care of. Unfortuantately, they can not even get help from the government because his income is to high. They need to downsize so they can live within their means. Why is she not working her oldest is 16 that is the perfect babysitter for her. She is self absorbed and nothing else. What is the purpose for the extensions in her hair. It makes no sense and if I were her husband she would have been out he door long ago.

Hi...I'm Felice's listing agent. Yes, they are selling the house!!! So for all of those naysayers who've posted before with judgment and harsh comments, there you go. Felice was serious about a change. I've known Felice for years and she is a wonderful and caring person. Is she perfect no, but are you?

She was working up till April of this year, she had medical coverage but was laid off because the mortgage industry took a dive. There are a lot of people who've lost their jobs in this industry, it's unfortunate, but very real. When she was laid off, she tried to get medical coverage for the family, but because of the pre-existing medical conditions they've been denied outright.

I wish I could tell you that Felice's circumstances are unique and odd, but the reality is, I have more clients who are in debt and on the verge of losing their homes. Too many people were sold loans they couldn't afford and that were not in their best interest, however hindsight is just that hindsight. When you are in it, it's too late isn't it? So to those who sit in judgment, may God have mercy on YOU. Felice was brave by baring her weakness to the world, and remember, it wasn't her that wrote to Oprah, it was someone who cared about her! She has made an effort at change just by filming the Oprah show! Thanks to those of you who wrote with kindness and support! Felice, I love you and you WILL make it through this!

Michelle

My first reaction to the show was absolute sorrow for the both of the parents. The woman has obviously lost her way, some people use drugs, booze etc to try and find some pleasure in life - she just uses shopping and spending. I do agree with Suze in the "do not judge" speech she gave. I have never in my life had so much empathy for someone with whom I have nothing in common with. However, I think it's a HUGE mountain to climb when you have to seriously change your lifestyle and I'm not sure Felice really can do it while trying to find some joy in her life. I also hope her husband will step up to the plate and become a real partner. Good luck Felice! Take the job at Starbucks, work provides more than a paycheck and health insurance. It can give you a big old dose of "self-worth"! Brenda

Felice,

the reason the viewers thought you've been late with all your bills is because Suzy Orman stated that, and your husband confirmed it, saying the bills are ALWAYS late.

the reason nobody is talking about the 2nd couple is because the majority of their debt is student loans, not self indulgences at the expense of their family. And they seemed eager to sell their luxury cars.

nobody heard about you having worked up until spring. The viewers saw a big Starbuck bill, hair extensions, fake flowers and big children parties with snow shipped in. The viewers saw the expression on your husband's face. My first thought is he must be having affair or working 90 hour weeks and you are angry with him/ getting back at him the only way you know how.

He thinks your father should bail you out. Your father should have nipped this in the bud when you were a child instead of indulging your every whim.

Finally, last week we got to hear Oprah's disgusted opinion that people use their bi-polar diagnosis for an excuse for bad behaviour. Well, I think people use being Christian as an excuse. Felice, the Bible is wonderful and we are all sinners. But God put therapists on earth for a reason. You should look into getting medical support with your issues. Until then, please look into your local 99 Cent store, or Dollar Tree to take an edge off your shopping urges.

Hello everyone, I know we all judge but honestly I felt so sad for her. She was so beautiful and I'm sure many women are jealous of her and now that her story is out, many people are happy to see she is not as perfect as she looks. Sadly, society is happy to see beautiful "successful" people fall. We have to give her credit for actually appearing on the show and speaking so honestly. Her husband looked so sad and broken. I don't think he was to blame at all because it was Felice's job to take care of the home, including finances and every man wants his wife to have nice things. I hope they can rebuild their future and wish them all the best of luck - God bless you and your family Felice - you go girl!

I just love the quote you used! How true!

I am one of Felice's friends and neighbors. Though Felice has made some bad decisions regarding money, the 20 minutes you saw of her life is only a tiny bit of the whole story. The producers definitely painted the picture they wanted you to see. She has a beautiful and kind heart. Though you all assume differently, her children are wonderful. Some of the best kids I've ever met. Intelligent, loving, polite, respectful children. They adore their mother for they see the good that you did not see in the show. Felice has been through things in her life that you cannot imagine. Her home situation is a tough and stressful one. She has acted out poorly, for sure. But in some cases, it is her only outlet. I love my dear friend. She will get through this. Go fix your own lives and let her move on to fix hers.

I'm tired of seeing these shows where a family with a huge annual income is going broke because of their own greed and stupidity! It would be nice to see one of these debt diet shows that is more relevant to me - a one-income family with a moderate income (~50,000/yr). I don't feel sorry for people with a huge income and a ridiculous debt load. Seriously, Oprah producers, not all families make >100,000/yr and there's a lot of people who need financial budgeting advice. I doubt I'll watch this show

I completely agree with you. It seems every show that is on that help with budgeting, debt, etc is about households that make $60,000, $100,000 or more. It would be nice to see a show that could help people living paycheck to paycheck that do not make that much. I know a lot of familys that do not buy designer clothes, get manicures/pedicures/hair done, etc and are still living paycheck to paycheck with 2 people working. We live paycheck to paycheck with 3 kids on a $40,000 income.

Felice, First of all, I would like to commend you on stepping up and admitting that there is a problem. I am sure it is such a sense of relief to finally have it out in the open and be able to work on resolving the issue instead of keep trying to hide it. I cannot criticize as I have made some bad judgement calls when it comes to money but with the help of some great books (Suze Orman books and Your Money or Your Life), I am working on turning things around and I am well on my way. I hope things work out for you and your family as I could feel your pain thru the TV. It is not easy starting over but sometimes that is what has to happen to be able to move forward. Please let us (those who have not criticized) know how you are doing and how things are going. We all make mistakes but the power is in forgiveness. You have a long road ahead of you and there is power in numbers so I wish you and your family the best. Leslie

Every time I see a show like this, it makes me even more determined to be sure we are never in the same situation. That means we pay cash for all purchases (except for a house or car), save for an occasional vacations, keep cash in a savings account, plan for retirement, etc. In other words, how my parents were raised during the Depression and how they lived as a young married couple during World War II. When did parents stop teaching their children these basic values? My father started teaching me about saving money when I was six. I am now teaching my eight-year old son the same values.

As for Suze Orman recommending the couple to sell their house and buy another one, I thought that was ridiculous. Isn't Suze just sending Felice on the ultimate shopping trip when she tells her to go to Seattle and shop for a house? Isn't that just feeding her addiction? I understand that they must sell the house but wouldn't renting a house or apartment where they are be cheaper than moving to another state and starting over?

As for $100,000 not being enough for eight people, we have friends who have five children and they live on $40,000 a year in a state that is very expensive to live in. They sacrifice a lot to do it and I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, but it can be done. It means giving up a lot of the extras, but she considers it worth it for her to stay home and homeschool the children. (She was an elementary school teacher.)

Wow, I know where your coming from, but don't do anything drastic -as trying to get your life insurance for your family- I think they would have a more difficult time dealing without you, than with you. Our story is very similar to yours, my husband drives 3 hours a day, and because of company setbacks now makes less money. I also work for the local school system only 4 hours a day, I've been trying to get on full-time, but it just hasn't happened. Our daughter is 16 and very self-sufficient, they job at the school is awsome, lots of days off and summer too, but that has changed, I used to get paid over the summer (with smaller checks during the school year, but summer off, WOW) but no longer. We have a mortgage of 300000 and a credit card with about 12000 on it, we have our daily living expensed, electric, phones, gas, insurances, taxes, water, sewer, food. We have been used to a certain life style that is very hard to let go of, espically since our daughter is an only child and used to getting what she wants. What I'm getting at is that my husband is 43 and had a very unexpected heart condition that put him out of work for 4 months making less that half his normal income and it all happened over the summer when I don't work. We contacted our mort. co. and they gave us time off, and we worked out payment arrangements with others, but he is back to work and everyone wants things to go back to they way they were, we are so far behind and just starting to get our finances back on track somehow? But I look at it this way, I would rather do without and have my family than nothing at all. A big house, fancy car, lots of clothes and things we don't really need don't make us who we are. The love and happiness of my family is most important.