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
Free Inflight Wi-Fi for the Holidays
Nov 08, 2010 - If you're traveling on AirTran, Delta or Virgin America flights this holiday season, you're in luck: free Wi-Fi awaits.
Ask Stacy: Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
Nov 05, 2010 - While deciding whether to refinance your mortgage may seem mysterious, when you boil it down, it's just simple math.
Paying Off the Plastic? Here’s a New Use for an Old Card
Nov 04, 2010 - Tired of holding your smart phone in your hand while you watch your favorite shows or movies? Here's a way to use an old credit card to create a nifty stand.
Daylight Savings This Weekend – 5 Ways to Spend Your Free Hour
Nov 04, 2010 - You're gaining an hour this weekend: here's how to reinvest those minutes so they pay big dividends.
Fannie, Freddie Yank Foreclosures From Firm Investigated by Money Talks
Nov 03, 2010 - We were one of the first news organizations in the country to disclose the ongoing foreclosure fiasco. The firm at the heart of our story is now losing a ton of business.
How the Elections Will Impact Your Savings
Nov 03, 2010 - If you have 401(k) or other savings in the stock market, you've gotten a little richer over the last several months as a Republican victory became more likely. Now that it's happened, will the party continue?
Consumer Reports Names Hottest Holiday Gifts
Nov 03, 2010 - 62 percent of us plan to give a gift card this year - but 27 percent of those who got one last year still haven't used it yet.
6 Tips to Avoiding Flight Delays
Nov 03, 2010 - There's nothing more frustrating than rushing to the airport only to find that your flight has been delayed. Here are six tips to keep that experience to a minimum this travel season.
Federal Reserve Board Clarifies Credit Card Rules
Nov 02, 2010 - The Federal Reserve Board recently acted to clarify recent credit card rules to remove uncertainty and make credit card statements easier to understand.
Colleges Rake in $83 Million From Credit Card Companies
Nov 02, 2010 - Card issuers are willing to pay millions for valuable information from colleges and alumni associations, which could include phone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses of members.
Viewer question: Can I Get a Government Grant for My Small Business?
Nov 01, 2010 - There's a special place in hell reserved for people who steal money from those who can least afford to lose it. Don't make them rich while they wait for their slot to open.
Health Care Without Insurance – $50/Month?
Nov 01, 2010 - What if doctor's offices were like gym memberships: pay $50 monthly and come as often as you like: no insurance, no deductible, no paperwork, no bill.
Ask Stacy: Do I Have Too Many Credit Cards?
Oct 29, 2010 - Reader question: I've got 10 credit cards, most with zero balances. I'd like to close some - but won't that hurt my credit score?
What You Need to Know Before Raiding Your Retirement Plan
Oct 29, 2010 - Tough economic times have forced more employees than ever to raid their 401(k) retirement accounts. But before you even think about going down this road, read this.
Accept $10.5 Million, or Get Arrested – What Should I Do?
Oct 28, 2010 - Despite getting hundreds of stupid scam emails over the years, this one literally made me laugh out loud. But it's depressing to think there's even one person anywhere in the world this stupid.
