Suze Orman, Ali Velshi: Two TV Journalists Covering Financial Crisis

Ali Velshi of CNN and Suze Orman of the eponymous Suze Orman Show on CNBC have become mega-celebrities in the wake of the American financial crisis and deepening recession.

Although both are long-time television personalities, they have become the go-to man and woman for down-to-earth financial advice lately. Both of them have benefited from massive network television exposure, in addition to coveted guest spots on The Oprah Winfrey Show's star-making sofa.

Who are they, what are their backgrounds, and what financial practices do they preach most often? What plans do they have for getting us back on the right track?

The CNN web site describes Ali Velshi as the news network's "chief business correspondent" and also the host of Your $$$$$ (yes, that's really the name of the show!), which is a weekend financial talk show. He also has a weekly call-in radio show on CNN Radio and about a million other ventures. Velshi is known for his trademark quick wit and always appears ridiculously well-informed on the issues whenever he is asked to comment on a developing story.

In a world of increasingly acerbic and opinionated on-air television personalities, it is refreshing to see a TV journalist who still acts like a journalist and puts facts before personal opinions or hearsay. His first book, Gimme My Money Back: Your Guide to Beating the Financial Crisis, is due out next month -- it will no doubt benefit from the increased attention and airtime Velshi is receiving!

Suze Orman's trademark question is "Are you sure you can afford that?" or some variation thereof, "Are you sure about that, honey?" etc. She asks call-in guests for their financial stats, including their "take-home" monthly income, credit card debt, and other liabilities/assets before determining if they can afford whatever item they desire. More often than not, Orman delivers a much-needed cold splash of reality to callers who think it's totally fine to purchase a $125,000 automobile while unemployed, for instance.

Orman is a little over zealous at times, which is good for her, because she has become something of a pop culture phenomenon -- popping up on humor web sites, getting mocked on SNL, and being talked about constantly.

Despite her CNBC's shows gimmicks, and the fact that some of her callers' problems are a little over the top, she seems to have a heart of gold -- and to be a valuable asset to American TV viewers who are troubled by the recent developments and need some "straight talk" so to speak.

Source: CNN Programs - Anchor/Reporters - Ali Velshi, http://cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/velshi.ali.html