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 single 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. And here's something that separates me from many of the money morons you'll find on Oprah: 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
The Week in Review: Funny Money Stories
Oct 29, 2011 - Here are some interesting and amusing developments from the past week that aren’t exactly news but might make you smile.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Oct 29, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: reverse mortgages, selling stuff online, inspirational stories, energy-efficient clothes washers and dryers, and dealing with office politics.
30 Tips to Spend Less and Save More
Oct 26, 2011 - We recently caught up with several of the nation's top money bloggers and asked them a simple question: What's your single best tip to save money?
Ask Stacy: Why Are You Endorsing a Work-at-Home Business?
Oct 25, 2011 - This reader saw me in an ad endorsing a work-at-home business. Should I be flattered – or mad as hell?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Oct 22, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Halloween candy and decorations, two personal finance stories that are personal, and it's never to early to start crafting some Christmas presents.
Health Care Reform = Free Preventive Care? Not Exactly
Oct 20, 2011 - Under the new health care law, "preventive care" is supposed to be free with no deductible or co-pay. So I went for a physical last month – and got billed $730.
Ask Stacy: Can I Really Buy an iPad for $23.73?
Oct 18, 2011 - You've probably seen the TV commercials – special online auctions where they're practically giving stuff away. Are they the real deal?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Oct 15, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: what to do with dryer lint, how to save time and money on makeup, hot ideas for staying warm, bad breath solutions, and travel tips from someone who knows.
6 Ways the Rich Get Richer
Oct 13, 2011 - There's a reason people have been using the expression "the rich get richer" for so long. It's true.
Ask Stacy: Should I Become a Financial Advisor?
Oct 11, 2011 - This reader from halfway around the world is studying biology and medicine, but would rather pursue a degree in finance. What advice would you offer?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Oct 08, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: pets and vets, energy drink alternatives, the math behind a good job, taking a mortgage class, and what women need to know.
Ask Stacy: Are These Buyers Trying to Rip Me Off?
Oct 04, 2011 - This question involves a reader who's selling their house – or trying to – to a buyer who wants to tie it up with a 60-day inspection period. Is this a scam?
Secrets to Success: The Power of Positivity
Oct 03, 2011 - We've all done it – set a goal, then failed to reach it. If it's important, why don't we follow through? One reason might be our attitude. In this post, I ask you to ponder the power of positivity.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Oct 01, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: Working from home is often a scam, home repair can be easy, how to feed a family for $100 a week, how to pay for college in three years, and a personal story about two dads.
Can’t Afford Health Insurance? Here’s What to Do
Sep 30, 2011 - If you're one of the 50 million Americans without health insurance, you may think your only healthcare option is the emergency room. Not true. If you're going without insurance, or know someone who is, this post is just what the doctor ordered.
