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

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.

Credit Card Rates Creeping Higher

Aug 28, 2010 - By some measures, credit card interest rates are as high as they've been for 22 years. Here's the reason - and what you can do about it.

Canine Cash: 5 Ways to Make Money With 4-Legged Friends

Aug 27, 2010 - A pet project can fetch extra cash, or even lead you to a new career. Just ask dog walkers, pooper scoopers, and pet groomers – some make six figures.

Houses Now Selling for Less Than Used Cars

Aug 25, 2010 - When the pendulum swings from overbought to oversold, bargains abound. It happened last year in the stock market, and it's happening now in some housing markets. The case of the $19,000 condo.

How to Search Interest Rates – and Why You Should

Aug 24, 2010 - A single percentage point - say, getting 5% instead of 6% on a 30-year, $300,000 mortgage - can save you $67,000 over the life of the loan. Now we have tools that make the search simple.

Rent or Own Your Home? New Rules

Aug 23, 2010 - It used to be an easy decision - owning is better than renting. But after price declines greater than those suffered during the Great Depression, deciding whether to buy a home isn't so simple. Here are the new rules.

Motorist’s Dream: Gas at 6 Cents a Gallon

Aug 19, 2010 - Worldwide gas prices range from a high of 10 bucks a gallon all the way down to six cents. Here's a look at prices around the world, as well as how to find the best prices around your neighborhood.

It’s My Birthday – Walk With Me Down Memory Lane

Aug 19, 2010 - Check out a few news stories I've done over the years, and you'll see that while my appearance has changed - a lot - the advice I gave on TV nearly 15 years ago is surprisingly relevant today.

Lower Rates Ahead? New CARD Act Provisions Kick in Sunday

Aug 19, 2010 - If your credit card's interest rate has been increased since January 1, 2009, new rules require issuers to evaluate whether the reasons for the increase have changed and, if appropriate, to reduce the rate.

Ready, Set… Sue! Forced Arbitration Fading

Aug 18, 2010 - You may not realize it, but you probably can't sue your credit card company, along with a host of other businesses, ranging from your health club to your cell phone provider. But that may be ending - here's why it matters.

5 Cheap Steps to Eliminate Mosquitoes

Aug 17, 2010 - Mosquitoes can be a dangerous and obnoxious pest. But you can bug them as much as they bug you without putting the bite on your budget.

Stock Purchase: Corning – Glass Half Full?

Aug 17, 2010 - On Aug. 16th, I added 500 shares of Corning Glass (GLW) to my portfolio. Here's my logic.

3 Tips to Raise Your Credit Score – Fast

Aug 16, 2010 - What's the fastest way to pump up a credit score? We ask the company that invented credit scoring for their three best ideas.

Viewer: Get Me Off This Treadmill!

Aug 15, 2010 - Maybe you can relate: Sue's making what should be enough money, but still seems to be falling behind. Here are three simple steps that, if she follows them, will change her life.

Helping Your Kid Financially Prepare for College

Aug 15, 2010 - It is almost time for your high school graduate to leave for college. Talking with your son or daughter about budgets, credit cards, and the dangers of debt should be part of the preparation in sending them off into a life on their own.