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
Bright Idea: Better Light Bulb Labeling Ahead
Jun 21, 2010 - Starting in 2011, light bulbs will be labeled with brightness and cost to operate, making it easier to comparison shop.
Money and Marriage: Like a Horse and Carriage
Jun 21, 2010 - Only drug addiction and extramarital affairs play a more active role in divorce than disagreements over money, so it makes sense to talk about finances before your marriage.
Supreme Court: Privacy? Not on the Company’s Phone
Jun 17, 2010 - Rule of thumb: Before you send that dirty text on your company-owned cell phone, imagine that the Supreme Court is going to read it.
JD Power: U.S. Cars Now Beat Imports in Quality – Barely
Jun 17, 2010 - For the first time ever, U.S. cars as a whole beat out imports for quality.
Tips to Steer Clear of Trouble in 6 Car-Accident Scenarios
Jun 17, 2010 - Here are six common car-accident scenarios and tips on how you can curtail trouble before it starts.
On the Horizon – A Tidal Wave of Tax Forms
Jun 16, 2010 - Thanks to the health care reform bill, life's about to get a lot more taxing for small business.
Lower Rates Coming on Credit Cards?
Jun 15, 2010 - The Federal Reserve issued more credit card regulations today that will cap penalty fees at $25 and may result in lower interest rates for millions of cardholders.
The Mother of Outrageous Fees?
Jun 15, 2010 - A New York company recently announced a plan to collect 1% of the sales price of a home each and every time it's sold for the next century.
Tips to Help Recent Grads Build Credit
Jun 14, 2010 - Whether starting out or starting over, building a solid credit history is the key to better borrowing. Here's how to do it right.
Should Medical Debt Count Against You?
Jun 12, 2010 - Some in congress think your medical debt shouldn't count in determining your credit worthiness. What do you think?
Most Homeowners Think It’s OK to Walk Away
Jun 11, 2010 - Only 23% of respondents in a recent survey said that it's OK to stop paying their mortgage if their property is worth less than they owe. But that's not the whole story.
5 Tips to Make Sure Your Mortgage Loan Gets Approved
Jun 10, 2010 - Those easy mortgages of the housing bubble days are over. Here are five ways to make sure you get the loan you need to buy your dream house.
Credit Card Debt Falls $138 Billion Since October ’08
Jun 09, 2010 - Americans are using less plastic, staying more current on their debts and building their savings.
7 Tips to Save at least $1,000 on Your Next Move
Jun 09, 2010 - Here are some quick tips to save at least $1,000 on your next move, and a few more that will help reduce your stress.
6 Tips to Pay Less for a College Degree
Jun 08, 2010 - While college is certainly expensive, it's often not as expensive as the "sticker price" that you so often see in the popular press. Here are six strategies you can use to make it more affordable.
