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 single 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. And here's something that separates me from many of the money morons you'll find on Oprah: 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: How Do You Start a Blog?
Nov 29, 2011 - There are lots of ways to earn extra income, from getting a raise to getting a part-time job. This reader is interested in sharing her thoughts for money by creating her own blog. How hard is it?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Nov 26, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web.
One Thing Bank of America Is Good For
Nov 25, 2011 - Back in December of 2008, I bought 400 shares of Bank of America at a bargain price. Or so I thought. At least I found one silver lining in an otherwise very dark cloud.
My Thanksgiving Wish for You
Nov 24, 2011 - A little something to think about as you sit down with your family today.
Ask Stacy: Can a Debt Be Collected Forever?
Nov 22, 2011 - You have an old debt that's beyond the statute of limitations and long ago dropped off your credit history. Then one day you get a call from a debt collector insisting you pay it. Can they do that?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Nov 19, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: The high price of art, the high earnings of Amazon, the four stages of retirement, the sleazy upside of home ownership, and how to talk to your kids about a car without actually buying them one.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Stop Junk Mail and Spam?
Nov 15, 2011 - This reader is like most of us: tired of being harassed by junk snail mail and spam. Is there a way to make it stop? No, but there are ways to slow it down.
Latest Congressional Outrage: Insider Trading
Nov 14, 2011 - Using information not publicly available to make money in stocks is illegal. Unless, as it turns out, you're a member of Congress. These people are out of control.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Nov 12, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Make ends meet without kidding around, the stupidest beverage ever, making broccoli sexy, making life insurance bearable, and an infuriating Allstate story.
Be Careful How You Save on Cigarettes
Nov 09, 2011 - This reader tried to score cheap cigarettes, but had her ash handed to her.
It’s Back: The Worst Gift Ever Contest!
Nov 08, 2011 - What's the cheesiest, dumbest, or most useless gift you've ever received? We're compiling a list - add to it and you might get a gift from us that's only slightly better.
Ask Stacy: Which is Better – FSA or Deducting Medical Expenses?
Nov 08, 2011 - This week we tackle medical expenses and income taxes. The question: Should I use a Flexible Spending Account at work, or just deduct my medical expenses on my tax return?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Nov 05, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Get poor quick, Veteran's Day discounts, barking up the wrong tree, receptive receptions, and how one Canadian spends her cash.
Ask Stacy: Where Can You Earn 6 Percent on Savings?
Nov 01, 2011 - We recently published an article that said that if you can save $200 a month and earn 6 percent, you'll grow your savings to $200,000 in 30 years. What this reader is wondering is how the heck you're supposed to earn 6 percent.
10 Common Money Mistakes
Oct 31, 2011 - Everybody makes mistakes – even people who write about money for a living. Here are a few examples from some of the nation's top bloggers, along with 10 of my own.
