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
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.
Ask Stacy: My Credit Limit is Frozen. What Now?
Feb 26, 2013 - This reader wants to increase his credit line to build his credit, but his bank isn't cooperating. The solution is simple...
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Feb 22, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: DIY bankruptcy, Amazon Prime gets less prime, why you should greet the dawn, how to find extra money, and last but not least: how to be happier.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Know When an Email Is Safe?
Feb 19, 2013 - Odds are you or someone you know is going to fall for an email scam. But avoiding email issues is easy – if you follow a few simple rules.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Feb 15, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: making a career switch, affordable ways to have fun, portfolio tips, money and marriage, and raising the minimum wage.
Ask Stacy: Can I Really Refinance My Mortgage at No Cost?
Feb 12, 2013 - Mortgage lenders claim you can refinance to a lower rate at "no cost." Not true.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Feb 08, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: products you don't really need, job interview mistakes, hidden hotel fees, retail therapy myths, and Valentine's Day spending habits.
Ask Stacy: Where Can I Get a Free Credit Score?
Feb 05, 2013 - It's easy to confuse credit reports and credit scores, especially since both are critical. But here's one big difference: You can get a free report, but not a free look at your credit score.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Feb 01, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: investing in yourself, the future of Medicaid, when to buy in bulk, credit vs. the Super Bowl, and choosing an investment manager.
Ask Stacy: I Can’t Afford Health Insurance. What Can I Do?
Jan 29, 2013 - This reader is now paying nearly $900 monthly for health insurance and she can't afford it. Here are five options.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jan 25, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: becoming financially aware, money lies, the impact of bad credit, types of property ownership, and “no spend” days.
Ask Stacy: What Can I Do About My Student Loan Debt?
Jan 22, 2013 - Becky recently graduated with $126,000 in student loan debt. This is no way to start out in life – what are her options?
The Debt Movement Is Looking for Volunteers!
Jan 21, 2013 - One of my fellow personal finance bloggers is on a mission: destroy $10 million in debt during the next 90 days. Got some debt you'd like to shed?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jan 18, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: online safety, Social Security misconceptions, natural disasters not covered in your homeowners policy, debt consolidation tips, and mistakes to avoid when selling your home.
Ask Stacy: How Can You Budget With an Irregular Income?
Jan 15, 2013 - This reader would like to have a budget, but like lots of self-employed Americans, doesn't have a steady income. Here are three steps to take control of your financial future with irregular earnings.
