Stacy Johnson President/Journalist
Here's a little bit about me, my background, what I do and why I do it. I'm a 50-something married guy living in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, FL, the yachting capital of the world. I live in a modest house on a canal off the Intracoastal Waterway and have a boat or two behind my house. I love riding motorcycles (Softail Custom) sailing, fishing, traveling and laughing out loud as often as possible.
As far as credentials go, I've got more than most. I've been a CPA since 1980 and have also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options, mutual funds, life insurance and real estate. I spent 10 years working for three Wall Street firms (EF Hutton, Shearson and Prudential) and have been investing in both stocks and real estate for about 30 years.
For the last 20 years, I've written, produced and distributed Money Talks News, a consumer/personal finance TV news feature that airs in about 80 cities nationwide as well as around the web. I've now done close to 3,000 personal finance news stories. I've also written a few books, including what I modestly consider to be the best how-to-get-out-of-debt book in the universe, Life or Debt.
While I'm certainly not rich in the Palm Beach/Central Park West sense, I'm financially independent, meaning I work because I want to and not because I have to. I didn't get here by selling books, tapes or seminars. I did it the same way I expect you to: one hard-fought paycheck at a time.
My philosophy is simple: as you go through life, you have the opportunity to either look rich or be rich. But you probably won't live long enough to accomplish both. So make a decision. If you want to look rich, you don't need me. Just do what the commercials tell you. If you want to be rich, however, I can help.
Consider this: if you can save just 5 bucks a day every day for 30 years, and earn 10% on it, you'll end up with $343,693. That's enough to change your life and the lives of those you love. And I'll assist by hooking you up with savings, both big and small, so you'll find that 5 bucks. And I'll give you investing advice so your money works as hard for you as you do for it.
So if you'd like to make more, spend less, avoid being ripped off and better understand money, keep coming back. We'll leave the lights on for you!
Posts by Stacy Johnson
Ask Stacy: Should I Lend My Granddaughter Money for Law School?
May 21, 2013 - Lending to family and friends has been going on since the first money was minted. Is it a good idea? That depends on who's doing the borrowing and who's doing the lending.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
May 17, 2013 - This week you'll learn how to: become a millionaire, save on meat, improve your conversational skills, save on cellphone plans, and know when interest rates will head higher.
Ask Stacy: Why Can’t My Son Find Work?
May 14, 2013 - A reader's son earned a master's degree in business, but hasn't found a job after more than two years of looking. The parents think the problem is a lack of experience. I think it's something else.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
May 10, 2013 - This week: how to start a home business, biggest job mistakes, buying and selling on Craigslist, vacation home exchanges, and why credit cards aren't competitive.
Mother’s Day Gift Contest Winners
May 10, 2013 - Two weeks ago we announced a contest to determine the worst Mother's Day gift you've ever given or received. Here's what you said.
What My Mom Taught Me About Money
May 09, 2013 - As Mother's Day approaches, it occurs to me that my mom taught me everything I ever needed to know about money when I was a kid.
Living Together but Not Married? 5 Tips
May 08, 2013 - Nearly half of Americans in their 30s and 40s have lived together in a romantic relationship. While that may make for a happy couple, it can lead to money misery.
Ask Stacy: Do Unpaid Bills Ever Expire?
May 07, 2013 - A reader recently received a bill in the mail from 2006. Does she have to pay?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
May 03, 2013 - This week: information on tipping, transferring credit card balances, food stamps for pets, low-income homebuying and controlling toy clutter.
Ask Stacy: How Can I Contact My Congressman?
Apr 30, 2013 - A reader wants her representative and senators to know what she's thinking. You should too. Here's how to get in touch with everyone from President Obama to your state representative.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Apr 26, 2013 - This week: How to entertain yourself for $10 or less, how to find a job that isn't advertised, how to pay less for funerals, why you should quit your job, and why you'll never get rich by budgeting.
Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?
Apr 23, 2013 - This reader has enough in savings to pay off her mortgage, but hesitates to drain her savings to do it. The math is simple, but the answer isn't.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Apr 19, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to make money with your friends, how the Internet can make you richer, how to save at baseball games, how to improve your home for less than $100, and how five guys became famous investors.
Ask Stacy: Barely Making Minimum Payments. What Now?
Apr 16, 2013 - This reader's brother is like many people I've heard from: barely making minimum payments and unable to save for emergencies. If that's you or someone you know, here are your options.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Apr 12, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: the cheapest places for generic drugs, 20 real work-from-home jobs, rental scams, getting the best life insurance, and saving on spring cleaning.
