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
It’s Equal Pay Day – But Is the Gender Gap Real?
Apr 09, 2013 - Tuesday, April 9, is the day we're supposed to recognize how women are discriminated against in the workplace. Let's start by getting the facts straight.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Apr 05, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: avoiding regrets, when to get a safe deposit box, nine bad money habits, who should pay on dates, and five questions to ask before buying a used car.
Ask Stacy: What’s the Best Way to Borrow For a Vandweller Lifestyle?
Apr 02, 2013 - This reader wants to leave the normal life behind to live and work from a van. The problem? Nobody will lend him the money.
Review: 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card
Apr 02, 2013 - While as a rule I'm no fan of store-branded credit cards, every rule has exceptions. The Kroger-branded 1-2-3 REWARDS card might be one.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Mar 29, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: 6 reasons your start-up will fail, where to find free audio books, 45 things to spend money on, 44 things not to spend money on, and things you should sell on eBay instead of at a yard sale.
Ask Stacy: Can I Go Back in Time With Taxes?
Mar 26, 2013 - With many things in life, you don't get do-overs. Fortunately, taxes aren't one of them. Months, even years, after filing your return, if you remember a deduction that could have gotten you a bigger refund, you can refile. Meet the 1040X.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Mar 22, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: taming your emotions, turning your brain into a business, networking in surprising places, habits of success, and tricks for sticking to a budget.
Ask Stacy: Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Forgiven Debt?
Mar 19, 2013 - Imagine enduring a foreclosure, then adding some salt to the wound with a giant tax bill. It can happen with all types of loans and credit card debts.
Review: Discover It for Students Card
Mar 19, 2013 - If you're looking for a student credit card with no annual fee, decent rates, and a zero-percent intro rate on purchases, this could be your plastic.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Mar 15, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to save at Amazon, eight free ways to volunteer, how to make saving fun, 75 reasons you're unhappy, and the five best coffee grinders.
Ask Stacy: Am I Responsible for My Ex’s Loan?
Mar 12, 2013 - This reader got divorced and her husband was awarded their motor home. Too bad he wasn't also awarded the loan that went with it.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Mar 08, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: signs you need a vacation; prepaid tuition plans; should you buy a starter home?; dating co-workers; and 52 weekend projects to improve your life.
Ask Stacy: Can You Help Me Clean Up My Credit History?
Mar 05, 2013 - This reader has bad marks on her credit history, is worried they'll prevent her from getting a job, and wants to get them removed. There are millions of Americans in her shoes.
The 10 Best Things to Buy at Drugstores
Mar 01, 2013 - Meet someone who hasn't come out of pocket for a toothbrush or toothpaste in years. No, she's not a shoplifter – she's simply mastered the hacks for Walgreens and CVS.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Mar 01, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to spot a shoplifter, what to consider when making a will, where to take your toddler on a date, how to make people like you, and when you shouldn't try to build an emergency fund.
