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
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.
Ask Stacy Followup: My Credit History Reappeared!
Jan 03, 2012 - About a month ago, a reader wrote to report that her credit history had been accidentally wiped out by TransUnion. It's back now, and there's a lesson in it for all of us.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 31, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: New Year's resolutions about eating instead of not eating, 37 ways to spend less and enjoy yourself more, paying taxes doesn't have to be complicated, stop blowing off online banking, and how to save on landscaping.
Broken Heart, Broken Budget
Dec 30, 2011 - If you're looking for love, there's nothing wrong with casting a wide net. Just don't get reeled in by a scam artist.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Get Started Investing?
Dec 27, 2011 - Tired of earning less than 1 percent on your savings? Here's how to do better.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 24, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web.
Ask Stacy: Should I Try Multilevel Marketing?
Dec 20, 2011 - There are lots of ways to make extra money, including the time-tested method of network or multilevel marketing. Is it for you?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 17, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: gifts that keep on giving, big deals on big kids' clothes, giving yourself the business, saving for the right reason, and how to get great service for nothing.
Free Shipping Day Deals
Dec 16, 2011 - Today is free shipping day. But it's also deal day...up to 40 percent off in some stores.
The Cats Get Fatter – CEO Pay Rises 36 Percent
Dec 16, 2011 - Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys. Do, however, encourage them to land a job as the CEO of a big company.
Ask Stacy: Why Are E-Books So Expensive?
Dec 13, 2011 - This reader is steamed that I'm charging so much for the digital editions of my books. E-books eliminate expenses ranging from paper to transportation – shouldn't they cost less than their paper cousins?
Ask Stacy: Help…My Credit History Disappeared!
Dec 06, 2011 - It's great when bad marks gradually fall off your credit history. Not so great? When your entire credit history is sucked into some credit bureau black hole.
Lessons From Rodney Dangerfield – How to Get a Little Respect
Dec 05, 2011 - Gaining respect and recognition at work takes more than hard work and expertise. You've got to learn the game, play it, and toot your own horn.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 03, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the web. This week: best Craigslist buys, how to do stuff that doesn't cost anything, nothing is sadder than unused vacation, how to stop junk mail, and whether this blog is worth $1 million.
Toy Reviews From the Only True Experts: Kids
Dec 03, 2011 - Wondering exactly what your kid will think of that toy when they unwrap it? Problem solved. Check out these videos featuring kids offering the ins and outs of their favorite toys.
