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.

How to Save Money While You Care for Your Pet
How to Save Money While You Care for Your Pet

on November 18, 2010

Would you give up a long-planned vacation so your pet could have surgery? Nine out 10 pet-owners say yes. But sometimes, we’re not fiscally smart about how we care for the animals we love.

How Countrywide Profited on Foreclosures
How Countrywide Profited on Foreclosures

on November 17, 2010

If you don’t understand why so many on Main Street are so angry at Wall Street, check out this story.

Next Bank Scandal? Forced-Place Homeowners Insurance
Next Bank Scandal? Forced-Place Homeowners Insurance

on November 15, 2010

Imagine how you’d feel if your mortgage lender bought one year’s worth of homeowners insurance on your home – then billed you $33,000?

Ask Stacy: Why Can’t I Get My Free Credit Report?
Ask Stacy: Why Can’t I Get My Free Credit Report?

on November 12, 2010

A certain number of people will believe whatever you say on TV, providing you say it often enough. Example? “FreeCreditReport.com”

White Pages Following Rotary Phones Into History
White Pages Following Rotary Phones Into History

on November 11, 2010

Want to build a low-cost memorabilia collection? Here’s an idea: collect the white pages from the states where they’re no longer required to be distributed.

How NOT to Sell a Timeshare – Pay Money Up Front
How NOT to Sell a Timeshare – Pay Money Up Front

on November 11, 2010

If you’re trying to sell a timeshare, being asked to pay money up front should raise red flags. Don’t do it – ever.

How to Save Gas Money This Holiday Season
How to Save Gas Money This Holiday Season

on November 11, 2010

Good thing Santa’s sleigh doesn’t run on unleaded, because the price of gasoline is going up for the holidays. Here’s how you can be a fuel-sipping Scrooge.

Think Your Job Has Perks? Not Compared to These
Think Your Job Has Perks? Not Compared to These

on November 10, 2010

Part of Occidental Petroleum CEO Ray Irani’s $31.4 million dollar compensation package includes $391,000 for personal tax preparation and financial planning. I don’t remember what I spent on those things last year, but I think it was less than that.

Feds: Trashing an Employer on Facebook is Protected Speech
Feds: Trashing an Employer on Facebook is Protected Speech

on November 10, 2010

A woman working for a Connecticut ambulance company was fired after trashing her boss on Facebook. Not so fast, says the National Labor Relations Board.

Beware This Low-Tech ATM Scam
Beware This Low-Tech ATM Scam

on November 9, 2010

You’d think that with today’s heightened high-tech security, ripping off devices as sophisticated as an ATM would take a doctorate in computer science from MIT. Turns out all it takes is a wad of napkins.

Free Inflight Wi-Fi for the Holidays
Free Inflight Wi-Fi for the Holidays

on November 8, 2010

If you’re traveling on AirTran, Delta or Virgin America flights this holiday season, you’re in luck: free Wi-Fi awaits.

Ask Stacy: Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
Ask Stacy: Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

on November 5, 2010

While deciding whether to refinance your mortgage may seem mysterious, when you boil it down, it’s just simple math.

Woman hesitating to buy something
Paying Off the Plastic? Here’s a New Use for an Old Card

on November 4, 2010

Tired of holding your smart phone in your hand while you watch your favorite shows or movies? Here’s a way to use an old credit card to create a nifty stand.

Fannie, Freddie Yank Foreclosures From Firm Investigated by Money Talks
Fannie, Freddie Yank Foreclosures From Firm Investigated by Money Talks

on November 3, 2010

We were one of the first news organizations in the country to disclose the ongoing foreclosure fiasco. The firm at the heart of our story is now losing a ton of business.

How the Elections Will Impact Your Savings
How the Elections Will Impact Your Savings

on November 3, 2010

If you have 401(k) or other savings in the stock market, you’ve gotten a little richer over the last several months as a Republican victory became more likely. Now that it’s happened, will the party continue?

Consumer Reports Names Hottest Holiday Gifts
Consumer Reports Names Hottest Holiday Gifts

on November 3, 2010

62 percent of us plan to give a gift card this year – but 27 percent of those who got one last year still haven’t used it yet.

6 Tips to Avoiding Flight Delays
6 Tips to Avoiding Flight Delays

on November 3, 2010

There’s nothing more frustrating than rushing to the airport only to find that your flight has been delayed. Here are six tips to keep that experience to a minimum this travel season.

Federal Reserve Board Clarifies Credit Card Rules
Federal Reserve Board Clarifies Credit Card Rules

on November 2, 2010

The Federal Reserve Board recently acted to clarify recent credit card rules to remove uncertainty and make credit card statements easier to understand.

Colleges Rake in $83 Million From Credit Card Companies
Colleges Rake in $83 Million From Credit Card Companies

on November 2, 2010

Card issuers are willing to pay millions for valuable information from colleges and alumni associations, which could include phone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses of members.

Viewer question: Can I Get a Government Grant for My Small Business?
Viewer question: Can I Get a Government Grant for My Small Business?

on November 1, 2010

There’s a special place in hell reserved for people who steal money from those who can least afford to lose it. Don’t make them rich while they wait for their slot to open.

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