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

Can Watching TV News Make You Stupid?

Mar 19, 2012 - The purpose of watching news on TV is to be better informed. But depending on what you watch, you may end up knowing less than when you started. Here are two tips to help you separate journalism and propaganda.

Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

Mar 16, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Reusing diapers? Being a landlord is fun? What's worse, selling your soul or your body? Can you get relief from debt-relief companies? Does Passover soda really taste any different?

Ask Stacy: Should I Transfer to a Zero-Interest Credit Card?

Mar 13, 2012 - Why would you pay interest on a credit card balance when you can transfer to a card with a zero-percent promotional rate?

In Search of the Elusive $11 Credit Report

Mar 09, 2012 - Federal law limits the charge for a credit report to a maximum of $11. But that doesn't do you much good if the companies providing it hide the cheapest option behind a wall of up-sell.

Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

Mar 09, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to make sushi and baby wipes, what you can learn from overseas investing and farm work, and why I don't like the list of best cities to live in.

Ask Stacy: Which Is Better – Dividend or Growth Stocks?

Mar 06, 2012 - This reader wants to know what will happen to Apple stock if it starts paying dividends. Even if you don't own Apple, or any stocks at all, there are still some good lessons here.

Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

Mar 02, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Piggy banks for macho men, how to lose it big on Broadway, building muscle while saving money, going to college without going away, and home repair for those with short attention spans.

Ask Stacy: Can a Short Sale Be Removed From My Credit History?

Feb 28, 2012 - This former service member had to short-sale their house and wants the negative mark removed from their credit history. Reasonable? Possible?

The Single Best Tip to Beat High Gas Prices

Feb 24, 2012 - If you really want to do something about prices at the pump, it's not too late to take the advice I offered on Dec 8, 2010.

Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

Feb 24, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web.

Ask Stacy: How Can I Clean Up My Credit History?

Feb 21, 2012 - This member of the military wants to know if he should contact old creditors to see if they'll remove bad marks from his credit history. Is it possible?

Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

Feb 15, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web.

Ask Stacy: Chase Screwed Me. Should I Sue?

Feb 14, 2012 - This reader took out a low fixed-rate loan from Chase Bank only to see her minimum payments more than double. What can she do?

The Truth About Jobs: Why Both Sides Are Wrong

Feb 14, 2012 - With the unemployment rate stuck at more than 8 percent, Democrats say we need more time, more training, and more stimulus. Republicans say we need less regulation and a guy in the White House who knows how to create jobs. They're both wrong.

Tax Hacks 2012: Should You Hire Help?

Feb 10, 2012 - Since taxes are complicated, you may think a pro is always the way to go. But if they're not used properly, you're wasting your money.