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
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Feb 06, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web.
Should You Invest in Facebook?
Jan 31, 2012 - Rumor is running rampant that Facebook is about to file for a public offering of stock. Should small investors give the IPO the thumbs up?
Ask Stacy: How Can I Get Ahead on $26,000 a Year?
Jan 31, 2012 - This reader appreciates tips on spending less, but what he really wants to know is, "How can I make more?" Here's what I think...what about you?
The Smartest US Cities?
Jan 30, 2012 - Once a year, Central Connecticut State University puts out a list of the most and least literate cities in the country. If you're from Washington, D.C., you've probably already seen it. But if you live in Bakersfield, maybe not.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jan 28, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Homer Simpson's business advice, redneck investment advice, a recession primer, a PMI story, and an inspirational question.
Despite TV’s Obsession With Pawnshops, They’re Still Last Resort
Jan 25, 2012 - There are no less than 5 reality shows now glorifying the pawn business. But there’s nothing glorious about paying uber-high rates to borrow money.
Ask Stacy: Is It Too Late for a Happy Retirement?
Jan 24, 2012 - Maybe you can relate: This reader sees retirement looming on the horizon, but because she hasn't saved enough, she's afraid her golden years will be anything but. What can she do?
The Week in Review: Funny Money Stories
Jan 21, 2012 - Here are some interesting and amusing developments from the past week that aren’t exactly news but might make you smile.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jan 21, 2012 - Every week I take a look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. What I found this week: treasure hunt with a Treasury hunt, the dark side of 401(k) plans, Suze Orman's debit card, more money resolutions, and steps to change your financial habits.
HGTV ‘House Hunters’ Follow-Up
Jan 20, 2012 - Spoiler alert – if you prefer believing this show is real and not staged, don't read this.
Why House Hunters Shouldn’t Watch HGTV’s ‘House Hunters’
Jan 19, 2012 - From cooking to custom cars, TV is full of "how-to" shows. But if you're hunting for a house, don't take HGTV's "House Hunters" too seriously.
Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My House or Invest?
Jan 17, 2012 - He's 29 years old, his only debt is his mortgage, and he's got enough in the stock market to pay it off. What would you do?
Ask Stacy: How Bad Are Old Unpaid Bills?
Jan 10, 2012 - Those old delinquent debts have long faded from your memory. But now that it's time to buy a house, will potential mortgage lenders forget about them too?
Money Hacks 2012 – 8 Shortcuts to Getting Richer
Jan 09, 2012 - They're called "hacks": clever solutions to tricky problems. Here are some of my favorites to help you save more or spend less.
Most Popular Posts of 2011
Jan 03, 2012 - Whether you're a newcomer to Money Talks or you've been with us for years, it's interesting to see what fellow readers respond to. Here are our 10 most-read articles from 2011.
