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
2010 Grads Seeing Lower Salaries
Jul 09, 2010 - While the cost of college increases annually, the payoff for many disciplines is shrinking as salary offers fall.
5 Tips to Take the Bite Out of Dental Bills
Jul 08, 2010 - Health care reform will provide access to medical care for millions of uninsured Americans, but it won't help with dental bills. Fortunately, you don't have to grin and bear it.
Viewer Question: Should I Trade Forex?
Jul 08, 2010 - "Forex" refers to trading foreign exchange contracts. Good idea? Sure. Like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer, it will feel good when you stop.
13 Cool Tips for Lower Energy Bills
Jul 07, 2010 - Don't spend a fortune keeping cool this summer when you don't have to. Here are a few tips to put a chill in your summer energy bill.
Help! I’m Trapped in London!
Jul 07, 2010 - My good friend is trapped in London without a passport, money or credit cards. Can you help me bring her home?
What You Need to Know About New Overdraft Rules
Jul 07, 2010 - If you have a checking account, you now have a choice to make about overdraft protection. Read this, then decide.
Thinking Stock Options? Think Again.
Jul 06, 2010 - When I was a stock broker, I speculated with stock and index options in an attempt to make a killing. But I got killed instead. Here's why I think options are among the world's stupidest investments.
Why You Should Buy Stocks and Houses Now
Jul 06, 2010 - Stock market? Falling. Housing market? Unstable. Savings accounts? Paying zilch. What's an investor to do? Here are my predictions on where we'll be in the summer of 2012, along with a look at my personal portfolio.
How to Buy Property for Back Taxes
Jul 01, 2010 - While foreclosures are one way to buy property cheap, they're not the only way. You can also buy property by paying past-due real estate taxes. Here's how it works.
Interchange Fee Regulations: Who Wins, Who Loses?
Jul 01, 2010 - Debit card interchange fees - money merchants pay banks when they accept debit cards - could fall as a result of regulatory reform. Good for merchants? Definitely. Good for you? Maybe not.
When Free Speech Gets Expensive
Jun 30, 2010 - Our constitution guarantees that stating your opinion won't land you in jail, but that's no guarantee it won't land you in the poorhouse.
What Regulatory Reform Means to You
Jun 25, 2010 - Billed as the most sweeping reform since the 1930s, the financial reform bill is close to becoming law. Will it actually reform anything? Here are the main provisions - you be the judge.
Uncle Sam: Let’s Get Smarter About Money
Jun 25, 2010 - The new financial reform bill contains a little-known provision establishing an office of financial literacy. Here's what it might do for you.
New Rule: Advisers Must Give Honest Advice
Jun 25, 2010 - Believe it or not, the people you pay to advise you at Wall Street investment houses aren't required to act in your best interests. Soon they will be.
Bought a New iPhone? Don’t Lose It
Jun 24, 2010 - Replacing some things is expensive. Replacing others is complicated. Replacing an iPhone is both.
