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
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.
Some College Health Plans Nothing to Cheer About
Jun 04, 2010 - Many colleges and universities offer student health insurance plans, but these policies have come under fire for often being inadequate and costly.
Wal-Mart Announces Price Roll-Back on College Tuition
Jun 04, 2010 - Retailing giant Wal-Mart to offer college credit, reduced tuition for its employees.
How to Buy a Foreclosure
Jun 03, 2010 - There's no cheaper way to buy a house than through a foreclosure auction. But foreclosure buying is also the riskiest. Is it for you?
Think Texting is Distracting? How About Sex Behind the Wheel!
Jun 03, 2010 - If you choose to believe a new survey by head-set maker Jabra, one in seven of us has had sex while driving.
Should You Buy A Foreclosure?
Jun 03, 2010 - With some experts predicting that the housing market may soon be bottoming nationwide, now be a good time to buy a foreclosure.
Have I Got a Bad Deal for You! The Rise of Health Insurance Scams
Jun 02, 2010 - The worse the economy gets, the more con artists rise to the surface with schemes to trick you out of your hard-earned money, including a fast-growing crop of fake health insurance plans.
AT&T: No More Fixed-Price, Unlimited Internet
Jun 02, 2010 - If you're planning on getting an iPhone, iPad or other web surfing wireless device from AT&T, don't plan on unlimited web-surfing for a low monthly fee.
How NOT to Buy a Foreclosure
Jun 02, 2010 - Across America people are scooping up distressed properties at major discounts. But if you're tempted to do the same, be aware: you can lose your life savings at the crack of a gavel.
Are You a Stupid Driver?
Jun 01, 2010 - A national drivers test suggests 38 million American drivers may be unfit to get behind the wheel. It also says which states have the best and worst drivers. Hint: if you plan on driving in New York this summer, be especially careful.
New Fed Website Not Much Help to Consumers
May 26, 2010 - The Fed recently announced a new website designed to help consumers choose the best credit card for their needs. Too bad it doesn't do anything of the sort.
Mortgage Rates Plunge to 25-Year Low
May 20, 2010 - According to one well-known weekly survey, last week's mortgage rates cracked 5% for the first time since 1985.
Hidden Travel Costs Boost Vacation Expenses
May 19, 2010 - You've gone online and gotten the best possible deals on your plane fare, rental car and hotel. Think your costs are covered? Think again.
The 5 Best Companies for Customer Service
May 17, 2010 - Whether you own a business or work at one, customer service is crucial for success. The best in customer service and what we can all learn.
