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
Ask Stacy: Why Do Ebooks Cost So Much?
Jan 08, 2013 - This reader is steamed that I charge so much for the digital editions of my books. E-books eliminate expenses ranging from paper to shipping – shouldn't they cost less than their paper cousins?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jan 04, 2013 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: tips for an organized year, bargain-hunting resolutions, six-figure jobs without a degree, money arguments in relationships, and states with the lowest cost of living.
Our 10 Most Popular Videos of 2012
Jan 02, 2013 - Whether it's print or video, for decades we've been offering specific tips to help you save more, spend less, and avoid rip-offs. Of the nearly 200 videos we produced in 2012, here's a recap of the 10 that earned the most views...
Ask Stacy: What’s the Single Best Way to Pay Down Debt?
Jan 01, 2013 - This reader is like a lot of us – making a resolution is easy, but making it happen? Not so much. But whatever your resolutions this year, if they involve money, read this.
Our 10 Most Popular Posts of 2012
Jan 01, 2013 - Missed Money Talks this year? Not to worry – here's a list of the 10 posts with the most views. Check it out – you're bound to find something you like.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 28, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: student loan tips, skills to teach your children, the power of proclaiming your frugality, credit card fraud, and real-life holiday movie homes.
We’re Going Off the Cliff – Now What?
Dec 26, 2012 - Falling off the fiscal cliff is now a virtual certainty. Here's what's going to happen to your take-home pay, taxes, and other parts of your financial life.
Ask Stacy: How Can I Build Credit Without a Credit History?
Dec 25, 2012 - It's a catch-22 we all face when starting out: The only way to create a credit history is with credit, and you can't get credit without a credit history.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 21, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: frugal acts of kindness, avoiding 401(k) fees, baby bonds, online shopping tips, and a refinancing warning.
Ask Stacy: How Can I Rebuild My Credit?
Dec 18, 2012 - This reader filed for bankruptcy and wonders if a secured credit card will help him rebuild his credit. Here's the answer for him, as well as anyone looking to build, or rebuild, their credit.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 14, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: holiday scams, tips to get richer in 2013, maintaining motivation, money visualizations, and cheap eats.
Ask Stacy: How Can You Go to Europe for 10 Days With Just a Carry-On?
Dec 11, 2012 - I mentioned in a recent article that my wife and I had traveled to Europe for nearly two weeks with only one carry-on each. This reader wants specifics on how we did it.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Dec 07, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: saving for retirement, landing a job quickly, designing a lucky life, recession takeaways, and unusual investments.
Ask Stacy: What’s Better – Cheap Car or Great Mileage?
Dec 04, 2012 - This reader wants to buy a classic car, but he's concerned it will use too much gas. He shouldn't be.
10 of the World’s Most Insulting Fees and How to Beat Them
Dec 03, 2012 - The frenzy of fees in everything from travel to banking is the financial equivalent of a cold slap in the face. Here are 10 examples, and some advice on fighting back.
