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.

Money Talks’ Stacy Johnson Selected to Head Government Investigation of Suze Orman
Money Talks’ Stacy Johnson Selected to Head Government Investigation of Suze Orman

on April 1, 2011

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is beginning an investigation into TV “gurus” who rake in big bucks in exchange for questionable advice.

April is Financial Literacy Month: How Money-Smart Are You?
April is Financial Literacy Month: How Money-Smart Are You?

on April 1, 2011

Ready for a pop quiz? Here’s a quick test to see how wise you are when it comes to money.

Ask Stacy: Do I Keep My Savings or Pay off Debt?
Ask Stacy: Do I Keep My Savings or Pay off Debt?

on April 1, 2011

It’s a question many of us face: We have money in a savings account earning next to nothing, while at the same time we’re paying interest on borrowed money. Crazy? Maybe. But maybe not…

CPSC: Walking Water Balls Aren’t Safe
CPSC: Walking Water Balls Aren’t Safe

on March 31, 2011

They look like fun, but this is entertainment that starts with sealing you in an airtight ball – one you can’t get out of without outside help.

How Wall Street Wagers Pump up Gas Prices
How Wall Street Wagers Pump up Gas Prices

on March 31, 2011

Think Moammar Khadafy’s behind the rise in gas prices? The true answer may be a lot closer to home. Here’s what really influences the price of oil, and how you can hedge against higher prices.

Ask Stacy: Is It OK to Buy Insurance Online?
Ask Stacy: Is It OK to Buy Insurance Online?

on March 25, 2011

This reader has been told that when it comes to things like insurance, local is better than online and long distance. What do you think?

Ask Stacy: How Do I Diversify My Credit Portfolio?
Ask Stacy: How Do I Diversify My Credit Portfolio?

on March 18, 2011

To have the best possible credit score, it’s a good idea to have more than one type of credit. But how do you go shopping for different types of loans?

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! Our Best Stories for Bringing Home the Green
It’s St. Patrick’s Day! Our Best Stories for Bringing Home the Green

on March 17, 2011

If you’re planning on a day-long pub crawl this St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a few stories you might like to bring along…

First Step to Stop Counterfeiters – Your Shoes
First Step to Stop Counterfeiters – Your Shoes

on March 15, 2011

Nearly 40 percent of the counterfeit goods seized in the U.S. every year are footwear. Here’s how to stop the heels who are selling this stuff, and why you should.

Ask Stacy: Why Aren’t You Buying Stocks? Also: Are Gift Cards Taxable?
Ask Stacy: Why Aren’t You Buying Stocks? Also: Are Gift Cards Taxable?

on March 11, 2011

Steve wants to know what stocks I’m buying now, why he got charged sales tax on a gift card purchase, and if I’d like to join him on his next ride in Florida.

Forgiven Credit Card Debt May Be Taxable
Forgiven Credit Card Debt May Be Taxable

on March 10, 2011

If you negotiated a debt settlement in 2010 on the balance of your credit card account, you may owe taxes on the forgiven debt.

Foreclosure King David Stern Shutting His Doors
Foreclosure King David Stern Shutting His Doors

on March 8, 2011

The foreclosure law firm we investigated last year – one of the largest in the United States – will soon be going out of business.

Best Buy’s Buy-Back Program: Good Buy or Goodbye?
Best Buy’s Buy-Back Program: Good Buy or Goodbye?

on March 7, 2011

Best Buy – with help from Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber – is making a big media splash with their “Buy Back Program.” But it’s not unique, nor is it worth paying for.

Women Make only 75 Percent of What Men Make – Fact or Fiction?
Women Make only 75 Percent of What Men Make – Fact or Fiction?

on March 2, 2011

Last night NBC’s Savannah Guthrie implied that women are paid only 75 percent of what men make for the same work. What she accomplished was to perpetuate the myth that women aren’t good with numbers.

Taxes 2011 – 3 Steps to Convert This Year’s Refund Into Next Year’s Tax Credit
Taxes 2011 – 3 Steps to Convert This Year’s Refund Into Next Year’s Tax Credit

on February 25, 2011

What if you could take this year’s tax refund, spend every dime, then get it all back, plus 30 percent? Impossible? Not at all. Read on…

Ask Stacy: When is it OK to Walk Away?
Ask Stacy: When is it OK to Walk Away?

on February 25, 2011

This reader is unemployed, has a home that’s seriously underwater, and has $35,000 worth of credit card debt that she can’t pay. What would you advise?

CARD Act One Year Later: Are We Better Off?
CARD Act One Year Later: Are We Better Off?

on February 23, 2011

The CARD Act is approaching its first birthday, and many are calling the law a major success for consumers. But some think the celebration is a bit overdone.

Man burning cash
Taxes 2011 – 10 Dumb Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

on February 23, 2011

It’s not often in life that we get lump sums of cash, and the temptation is great to do the wrong thing. In case you’re not quite sure what the wrong thing is, here’s a quick checklist.

Taxes 2011 – 10 Tips to Avoid an Audit
Taxes 2011 – 10 Tips to Avoid an Audit

on February 21, 2011

It’s never fun to get unexpected letters in the mail from the IRS. Here’s how to keep them to a minimum.

Taxes 2011 – Avoiding 13 Common Mistakes
Taxes 2011 – Avoiding 13 Common Mistakes

on February 18, 2011

Taxes are one of those things in life where the devil is in the details. Bumble, fumble, and blow it in other areas of your life, but try to get this one right the first time.

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