Author: Stacy Johnson CPA
I'm the founder of Money Talks News and have spent the last 40+ years in the personal finance trenches. I'm a CPA, author of a few books and multiple Emmy recipient. I'm married to a woman I don't deserve, have an awesome dog and live on the water in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Insurance Companies Holding Out? Regulators Investigate
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 6, 2011
States are investigating whether insurance companies are doing enough to find out if life insurance policyholders have died and to pay the beneficiaries.
Ask Stacy: Is This Company Legit?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 5, 2011
This reader is looking for a home and has come across ads from a company that promises to provide her with a rent-to-own home. Should she bite? The steps I took to find out will come in handy when it’s time to check out any company.
6 Steps to Your Personal Independence Day
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 30, 2011
As our nation’s independence day approaches, maybe you should be thinking of your own. Are you getting closer to financial freedom? If not, here are some tips that will take you there.
Swipe Fees: Banks Win, Stores Lose
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 29, 2011
The banks were expecting bad news today as the Federal Reserve stood poised to radically reduce the fees they collect for processing debit cards. But what they got instead was proof that massive lobbying pays off.
Walmart Rolls Back Gas Prices 10 Cents a Gallon
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 29, 2011
If you live in one of 18 states, for the next 3 months you’ll probably find the cheapest gas in town at Wal-Mart.
New Patent Law: Patently Unfair?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 28, 2011
Changing the way patents are handed out could result in a more efficient, faster, and less expensive process: something that could create jobs and enhance America’s global competitiveness. Too bad it might crush the little guy.
5 Classic Cars for Less Than $15,000
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 22, 2011
It’s entirely possible to find a car that’s a blast to drive, turns heads, costs less than most new cars and does something amazing: goes up in value.
Ask Stacy: Are Money Market Accounts Safe?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 21, 2011
How are the words “money market” like the word “dolphin?” Answer: both are labels that represent two completely different things. Whether you’re a fisherman or an investor, you need to know the difference.
Study: Cable Boxes Use More Power Than Refrigerators
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 20, 2011
Hate the cable company? Now you have something new to complain about. Turns out that not only is your cable bill too high, your set-top boxes are power pigs.
Your Comments: One More Rental Car Rip-off
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 18, 2011
You’re supposed to bring your rental car back full of gas. But according to this reader, some rental companies want to see more than an arrow on the gas gauge pointing to “F”.
Why Greek Debt Matters
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 16, 2011
Greece is 5,000 miles away, and their entire economy is about the size of Massachusetts’. How can the U.S. catch a cold when they sneeze?
Ask Stacy: Is It Time to Change Credit Cards?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 14, 2011
This reader is ready to move on to new credit cards. But will that help or hurt? And how many credit cards should she have?
Investors Take Warning: Storm Clouds Gathering
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 10, 2011
Since the market lows of March 2009, the stock market has been all blue skies and sunshine. Now the storm clouds are starting to gather. Is the party over?
How Should You Set up Your Business?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 10, 2011
Ask a small-business person why they’re forming a corporation, and you’re likely to get a vague answer like “for tax purposes.” Wrong answer. If you’re an entrepreneur, here’s what you need to know when it comes to setting up your next business.
Senate Votes Today to Delay “Swipe Fee” Reform
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 8, 2011
A law is supposed to go into effect next month that would radically reduce the fees retailers pay banks when you use a debit card, costing the banks billions. But will it happen – and more to the point, should you care?
Ask Stacy: Am I Responsible For My Ex’s Debts?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 7, 2011
The spouse who ran up the bill fails to pay them, and the other gets hammered by debt collectors and a plunging credit score. If you get divorced, are you still responsible for your ex’s debts?
Ask Stacy: Bad Marks Are Multiplying on My Credit Report!
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 31, 2011
Sometimes one credit history blemish shows up as two on your credit history. Why do identical amounts show up twice?
Outdoor Jobs to Tackle Now – And Ways to Save While Doing Them
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 30, 2011
While most folks are spring-cleaning the inside of their house, I’m spring-fixing the outside – and saving a ton of money.
Your Comments: Electric Cars, Charities, Rental Car Rip-offs
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 30, 2011
Money Talks is a two-way street: We welcome your comments, suggestions, stories, and advice. Here are a few comments on some of the articles we published last week.
Car Rentals Rip-offs: 6 Things to Watch For
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 26, 2011
I’ve been doing stories about saving money and avoiding rip-offs for more than 20 years, so you’d think I’d never fall into some stupid fee trap. I wish.
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