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

Many Card Issuers Not Adequately Disclosing Penalty Rates

Jul 29, 2010 - Some credit card issuers no longer provide full disclosure of the terms of the penalty rate, or fail to correctly follow disclosure requirements required by the new Federal Reserve rules.

10 Tips to Help You Save $1,000 by Christmas

Jul 27, 2010 - The year's more than half over. If you're not meeting the savings resolutions you made in January, here are some tips that can help you catch up in time for the holidays.

Cellphone Jailbreakers Set Free

Jul 26, 2010 - Rules just released by the U.S. Copyright Office will for the first time make it legal to "jailbreak" your cell phone or in some cases copy a DVD.

Just the Ticket – Tips to Shop the Ticket Resale Market

Jul 26, 2010 - If you want tickets to a concert, game or other popular event, you've got two choices: pay the asking price from the primary seller, or take a chance and try to get a deal from one of many resellers. Here's how to play the game.

Fast Way to Lose Weight? Lighten Up on Credit Cards

Jul 26, 2010 - Nearly all fast-food chains now accept plastic. It’s a trend that’s adding to both bottom lines of the chains - and the bottoms of their customers.

Viewer Question: Should I Buy a Variable Annuity?

Jul 23, 2010 - While earning a guaranteed 5% may sound like a great deal today, historically speaking it's no big deal. If you can lock in 5% for one year, fine. But if you have to enter into a high-cost, long-term insurance contract to get it, it becomes a lot less attractive.

Payday Lenders Dropping Like Flies

Jul 22, 2010 - Arizona is one of many states putting the squeeze on lenders that offer two week loans at up to 400% annualized interest. Is this the beginning of the end for payday lenders?

Financial Reform: Signature Today, But Few Changes Tomorrow

Jul 21, 2010 - The President will sign into law the most sweeping reforms to our nation's financial system in 75 years, but don't expect changes overnight.

Wall Street Reform – Vote Over, Studies Just Beginning

Jul 21, 2010 - When Congress doesn't have the either the votes or the chutzpa to make real changes, the studies begin. The financial reform bill orders up 68.

4 Ways You Lose From Financial Reform

Jul 20, 2010 - The recently-enacted financial regulatory reform bill bashes the profitability of banks in numerous ways. Is there any doubt they'll try to make up for it at your expense?

5 Ways You’ll Profit From Financial Reform

Jul 19, 2010 - Two years in the making, the new financial regulatory reform bill has arrived. Here are five ways it might put more money in your pocket - or at least keep it there.

It’s About Time: 401k Fees May Soon Be Disclosed

Jul 15, 2010 - For years, employees have been in the dark regarding fees they pay to invest in 401ks and other work-related voluntary retirement plans. The Department of Labor has finally agreed to turn on the light.

What Financial Reform Means to You

Jul 15, 2010 - It's not easy to boil down 2,300 pages of new legislation into 1,000 words or so, but here's the down and dirty of what you need to know about the new financial reform bill.

Half of Baby Boomers May Not Have Enough For Retirement

Jul 14, 2010 - According to a recently-released study, many of those facing retirement haven't set enough aside to keep their golden years golden.

Now You Can Deposit Checks Through Your Smart Phone

Jul 14, 2010 - The ability to check your balance and transfer funds has long been a mainstay of smartphone apps, but now banks are increasing the convenience by allowing you to deposit paper checks through your phone as well.