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 single 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. And here's something that separates me from many of the money morons you'll find on Oprah: 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
How Websites Work
Sep 27, 2011 - I received an email from a reader irritated that we do things like have contests and such to get people to "like us" on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Here's a brief explanation of why we do these seemingly random – and apparently irritating – things.
Ask Stacy: Could the Greek Debt Crisis Hurt Us?
Sep 27, 2011 - If you're not concerned about the Greek debt crisis, you should be. The Acropolis isn't the only thing crumbling in Greece, and if things unravel in Europe, we're going to feel it here.
Secrets to Success: Overcoming Temporal Myopia
Sep 26, 2011 - Ever set a goal, then fail to follow through? You're not alone. If you find it hard to stay focused on the future, you have temporal myopia. Not to worry – here's the fix.
10 Ways Americans Waste Money
Sep 26, 2011 - Saving money isn't as hard as it seems. Step 1? Stop needlessly blowing it. Take a look at the following checklist and see if you're guilty of wasting cash.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 24, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: your financial sign, big bills on a credit card, your salt intake, your brie intake, and how to fight the cable company.
Like Money Talks? Win a T-Shirt!
Sep 23, 2011 - In less than a second, and with virtually no effort, you can qualify to win a T-shirt guaranteed to be a conversation-starter.
4 Reasons I’m Done Booking Online Flights
Sep 23, 2011 - The Internet is indispensable for everything from shopping to keeping up with the news. But there's one thing it's horrible for: booking a plane ticket. That's OK. I've found a better way.
Ask Stacy: What’s With Credit Card Minimums?
Sep 20, 2011 - We've all seen the signs at the cash register: "Minimum credit card transaction $10." Is this legal? In the past, no. Now, yes. Here's a quick primer on changes in banking laws and how they affect you.
The Most Expensive Colleges in the United States
Sep 20, 2011 - For those students and parents now taking out loans and writing checks to the colleges of their choice, here's some soothing news: It could have been worse. Check out the list of America's most expensive colleges and universities.
Secrets to Success, Part 1: Connecting Your Goals to Your Core Values
Sep 19, 2011 - From losing weight to saving more, goals are the way to get things done. So why are they so hard to stick to? Here's Part 1 in a series about overcoming the obstacles that keep you from following through.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 17, 2011 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: extreme couponing is extremely painful, explaining a balloon payment, babies vs. debt, lessons from Michael Vick, and spicing up your boring workday lunches.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Get a Will on the Cheap?
Sep 13, 2011 - Kevin's facing a familiar challenge: He needs a will, but doesn't have the money to pay a lawyer. What should he do?
A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 10, 2011 - A look at three interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: why a dog is a money-saver, one question you should never ask, and why you should listen to the founder of Chick-fil-A.
Ask Stacy: Help! I’m Facing a Debt Disaster!
Sep 06, 2011 - As the result of a gambling addiction, M has major debt issues – what should she do?
10 Painless Ways to Save $1,000
Sep 05, 2011 - Whether you're in debt, making big plans, or just want a better quality of life, saving is essential. But going on a "dollar diet" won't work. Here are 10 ways to gain without pain.
