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.

Health Care Without Insurance – $50/Month?
Health Care Without Insurance – $50/Month?

on November 1, 2010

What if doctor’s offices were like gym memberships: pay $50 monthly and come as often as you like: no insurance, no deductible, no paperwork, no bill.

Ask Stacy: Do I Have Too Many Credit Cards?
Ask Stacy: Do I Have Too Many Credit Cards?

on October 29, 2010

Reader question: I’ve got 10 credit cards, most with zero balances. I’d like to close some – but won’t that hurt my credit score?

What You Need to Know Before Raiding Your Retirement Plan
What You Need to Know Before Raiding Your Retirement Plan

on October 29, 2010

Tough economic times have forced more employees than ever to raid their 401(k) retirement accounts. But before you even think about going down this road, read this.

Accept $10.5 Million, or Get Arrested – What Should I Do?
Accept $10.5 Million, or Get Arrested – What Should I Do?

on October 28, 2010

Despite getting hundreds of stupid scam emails over the years, this one literally made me laugh out loud. But it’s depressing to think there’s even one person anywhere in the world this stupid.

5 Tips to Find the Right Debt Relief Agency
5 Tips to Find the Right Debt Relief Agency

on October 27, 2010

If you’re not careful, some debt relief agencies will just cause you more grief. Before you sign up, get the low down.

Four Reasons You Should Give Your Health Insurance a Checkup – Stat
Four Reasons You Should Give Your Health Insurance a Checkup – Stat

on October 24, 2010

If you’ve got an individual health insurance policy that was issued before March 23, 2010, it’s probably time to shop for a new one. Because new provisions of the health care reform law could help you save hundreds on medical bills.

Foreclosure Mess: More Shoes to Drop?
Foreclosure Mess: More Shoes to Drop?

on October 22, 2010

Robo-signers attesting to foreclosure lawsuits they haven’t read is a serious problem. But that could be the tip of a very big iceberg.

Under Fire: Mixing Credit Reports With Hiring Decisions
Under Fire: Mixing Credit Reports With Hiring Decisions

on October 21, 2010

Employers are increasingly turning to credit scores to help screen applicants who may be unreliable or a risk of theft. But many states are questioning using credit scores to judge someone’s job qualifications.

Tired Robo-Signers Let Other People Sign Their Names
Tired Robo-Signers Let Other People Sign Their Names

on October 20, 2010

Feel sorry for the poor robo-signer who had to sign 1,000 foreclosure files a day? Then here’s some good news: allegations are now surfacing that at least one robo-signer got help from co-workers.

The Mother of All Foreclosure Mistakes
The Mother of All Foreclosure Mistakes

on October 20, 2010

Imagine standing in your front yard and watching as a car pulls up. A stranger gets out, walks up to you, verifies your identity, then serves you with foreclosure papers. Now imagine that you’ve never missed a mortgage payment in your life.

3 Things You’d Better Know Before You Live Together
3 Things You’d Better Know Before You Live Together

on October 20, 2010

About to take the next step and move in with your partner? Here’s some advice on how to merge your money – ignore it at your peril.

Big Banks Use Back Taxes to Seize Homes
Big Banks Use Back Taxes to Seize Homes

on October 18, 2010

Buying property by investing in back taxes has been around for a long time. But should big banks and hedge funds be allowed to use this method to separate homeowners from their homes?

The Foreclosure Freeze – What It Means and Why It Matters
The Foreclosure Freeze – What It Means and Why It Matters

on October 18, 2010

You’ve seen the headlines about banks stopping foreclosures – but if you haven’t yet realized the implications for every American, this is a story you don’t want to miss.

Website Says It’s OK to Walk Away – No It Isn’t
Website Says It’s OK to Walk Away – No It Isn’t

on October 15, 2010

Some people seem to think they can morally justify walking away from a mortgage they could afford to pay, simply because their house went down in value. Time to man up.

Ask Stacy: Why Do Good Borrowers Get Punished?
Ask Stacy: Why Do Good Borrowers Get Punished?

on October 15, 2010

Sheila makes all her mortgage payments, but nobody will allow her to refinance her underwater mortgage. How come there’s no help for people who do the right thing?

Don’t Buy a Flat-Screen TV Today – Wait a Few Weeks
Don’t Buy a Flat-Screen TV Today – Wait a Few Weeks

on October 12, 2010

Here’s some financial advice: You can’t time the stock market, but you can time the flat-screen TV market. We’ll tell you just the right moment to invest in the latest tech – and save hundreds.

Question: How Do I Invest My Kid’s 529 College Savings Plan?
Question: How Do I Invest My Kid’s 529 College Savings Plan?

on October 11, 2010

Whether you’re investing for retirement, college, or just for fun, the way to succeed is not to over-reach. You’ve heard the expression: bulls make money, bears make money and pigs get slaughtered.

Ask Stacy: Should I Apply for a Credit Card to Get a Store Discount?
Ask Stacy: Should I Apply for a Credit Card to Get a Store Discount?

on October 8, 2010

This reader wants to know if applying for a credit card to get a store discount is a good idea. The answer? That depends. There are 3 reasons you shouldn’t apply for store credit cards – and 3 you should.

Young man slaps forehead
My 10 Dumbest Money Moves — and How You Can Avoid Them

on October 8, 2010

Most of what I’ve learned about money I didn’t learn in books, or by being a CPA, stock broker, or financial reporter. I learned it the hard way – by making stupid decisions and missing major opportunities. Here are mistakes I’ve made and you should avoid.

Are Your Friends Costing You?
Are Your Friends Costing You?

on October 6, 2010

Is dinner with friends eating up your budget? Are drinks with coworkers drying up your disposable income? Here’s what do to when your friends are keeping you from your financial goals.

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