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

Monday’s Money Deal: Digital Cameras

Sep 13, 2010 - If you're looking for a camera that's better than your cell phone but won't break the bank, here's a clear picture of some decent deals.

Can a Virtual Doctor Visit Save You Money?

Sep 12, 2010 - While some patients are skittish about it, checkups over a computer are becoming more popular - if you're sick of wasting time and money in a waiting room, this could be just what the doctor ordered.

Bankers Remain Pessimistic About Credit Card Market

Sep 11, 2010 - Fewer consumers are turning to credit cards these days, and more are paying back their balances.

Ask Stacy: What To Do With a Windfall?

Sep 10, 2010 - Question: I just inherited from a relative. What should I do with the money?

7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic

Sep 09, 2010 - You know that generic products are cheaper than name-brand ones, but are you clinging to the belief they're also inferior? Here are some where we challenge you to discern the difference.

Vacation Houses At Hotel Room Prices

Sep 08, 2010 - Here's a creative way to have more fun on your next vacation – instead of renting a cramped, cookie-cutter hotel room, rent a private home.

The Research Has It Wrong – Don’t Make the Same Mistake

Sep 08, 2010 - A new poll claims that if given one wish, Americans would rather be richer than thinner, smarter, or even younger. Another study claims happiness comes from a $75,000 salary. Hogwash - here's why.

Victory For Women’s Rights – Ladies Night Remains Legal

Sep 06, 2010 - Is it fair for women to get preferential treatment in bars? Proof that some lawyers have too much time on their hands.

UPDATE: Outrage Over the Most Outrageous Fee Ever

Sep 06, 2010 - A fee that lasts 99 years? Thankfully, we weren't the only ones really upset about it. The "capital recovery fee" is becoming increasingly illegal.

A Labor Day Salute to You – the American Worker

Sep 03, 2010 - Labor Day is about all of us. It's a celebration of, for, and by the people who made America the most prosperous nation on earth: American workers and the families who support them. We've got a lot to be proud of.

Convenience Checks: the Crack Cocaine of Credit?

Sep 03, 2010 - They're called "convenience checks," but for the vast majority of recipients, there's nothing convenient about them. For those who have a problem with debt, they're temptation. For everyone else, they're a nuisance.

4 Tips to Book the Right Travel Insurance

Sep 01, 2010 - It seems logical to insure your luggage against loss and your vacation from cancellation due to illness. But if you don't read the fine print, you're sending your savings on a bad trip.

Saving Green: New Help to Save on Power

Sep 01, 2010 - If there's one technology that hasn't kept up with the times, it's the analog power meter outside your house that tallies your energy consumption – and the paper bill you get in the mail. But that may be changing for the better.

Dying in Debt: Can You Take It With You?

Aug 31, 2010 - Think your debts are wiped out when you die? Think again. If you're not careful, you could stick your survivors with a big bill.

6 Tips to Stretch Your Back-to-School Cash

Aug 30, 2010 - Parents will spend more this year than last on their schoolchildren. But will they spend it wisely? Here are some lessons that will help you score you an A+ in smart spending.