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
Tips to Avoid the Top Five Consumer Problems
Apr 06, 2010 - Every year the FTC compiles a list of the most complained-about consumer services. Here are this year's top five, along with tips to avoid becoming a statistic. If you've ever been ripped off, this is a must-read.
Will Credit Counseling Hurt My Credit Score?
Apr 06, 2010 - Question from a viewer: If you go to a credit counselor for help, how it will affect your credit history and credit score?
8 Tips for Buying a $5,000 Car
Mar 31, 2010 - Is it possible to find a reliable car for $5,000? I know for a fact that it is because I've done it more than once. But you need to follow some simple steps to make sure you get the right car at the right price. Here's how to go about it.
Why I Don’t Buy New Cars
Mar 31, 2010 - There are few Americans who can save $30,000 in five years, but anyone who buys and finances a new car could be doing exactly that. Maybe it's time to consider what you're really giving up when you buy something expensive with borrowed money.
Using Savings Bonds as Tax-Free College Savings? 7 Things to Know First
Mar 28, 2010 - There are exceptions to nearly every rule. But the rule allowing you to earn tax-free interest on EE savings bonds when used for education seems to have more exceptions than most. Before you buy EE bonds for education, read this first!
Shopping Health Insurance, Post Reform
Mar 24, 2010 - Health care reform has made learning to shop insurance more important than ever. Whether you get it from work or on your own, you need to understand how it works and what controls the price. Here's the short course.
Health Care Reform: 8 Positive Changes
Mar 22, 2010 - While health care reform is not yet a done deal, odds are good it's going to become law. So whether you were for it or against it, it's time to understand it. Today we'll look at eight positives arising from the bill that could make your health insurance healthier.
How Health Care Reform Will Affect You
Mar 22, 2010 - Now that health care reform is nearly here, it's time to find out how it's going to affect you, your budget and your ability to get coverage. The hysteria surrounding the bill is over. Now's it's time to understand the new world we're facing.
Buying or Selling a Timeshare? Read This First
Mar 10, 2010 - If you've ever thought about buying a timeshare, read this article first. Because getting out of these things is a whole lot harder than getting into them.
What to Know Before You Invest in Stocks
Mar 10, 2010 - If you're tired of earning 1% or less on your savings, maybe you're considering stocks. But there's an obvious problem: risk. Here's some advice that might help you sleep a little better at night and make a little more by day.
26 Tips to Save on Entertainment
Mar 08, 2010 - Saving on entertainment doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fun. Find out how you can get the most from your down-time with these tips to save.
16 Tips to Save on Home Remodeling
Feb 25, 2010 - The best way to save on housing is not to buy or rent more house than you need. The best way to fix up the home you have is to use some simple tips that can save from 20% to 50% on remodeling costs.
18 Tips to Dress for Less
Feb 23, 2010 - For many, clothes are more than an expense, they're an expression, which can make overspending easy. But whether you view clothing as art or afterthought, use these tips to save a bundle.
Federal Unemployment, Cobra Subsidy in Danger of Expiring
Feb 23, 2010 - More than a million people are in danger of losing extended federal unemployment assistance within the week. Whether you're one of them or not, here's some advice on what to do when your unemployment runs out.
Debt Settlement Company Bites Back
Feb 23, 2010 - Debt settlement is a controversial technique to pay less than what you owe. Read this recent email exchange between me and the owner of a debt settlement company and you'll see what I mean.
