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
JetBlue Offers Free Wi-Fi
Sep 21, 2012 - Finally an airline has recognized that offering something free - that travelers want, no less - might be a great idea.
Non-Working Spouses Finally Get Some Credit
Sep 21, 2012 - If you're a non-working spouse, thanks to the CARD act, getting your own credit card could prove challenging. That might be about to change.
Post Office Says Offices Aren’t Drive-Throughs
Sep 21, 2012 - At least eight cars have crashed into post offices this year in just central Florida alone. The USPS offers useful advice to keep your wheels out of their lobbies.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 21, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: saving old school, negotiating quietly, negotiating overseas, slaving away, and giving the right way – for you.
Ask Stacy: Are We Heading Toward a Fiscal Cliff?
Sep 18, 2012 - Unless Congress acts, $600 billion of spending cuts and tax hikes will take effect in 2013. It could derail the economy and tank the stock market. This reader is worried about what's going to happen. So am I.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 14, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to sell a used car safely, how to argue about money and happiness, how to save at thrift stores, how to save in the supermarket, and how to drink weird but tasty concoctions at home.
Ask Stacy: Can I Help My Fiance’s Credit?
Sep 11, 2012 - This reader has an excellent credit history and score, but the man she's about to marry doesn't. How can she help him?
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Sep 07, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: cheap ways to keep kids happy, how to stay friends when one makes more money, signs your parents raised you right, learning about WOSBs, and another reason to hate the cable company.
10 Common Misconceptions About Money
Sep 06, 2012 - Getting older definitely isn't making me better-looking, but at least it's making me wiser. Here's what I've learned about money that you should too.
Ask Stacy: Do I Have to Admit to a Bankruptcy?
Sep 04, 2012 - Do you still have to admit to a bankruptcy after it no longer appears on your credit report?
For Labor Day – 5 Tips to Labor Less
Aug 31, 2012 - If you'd like to spend more of your life at leisure and less at labor, here are some simple tips to make it happen.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Aug 31, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: the best big box, the worst car-dealer tactics, the crap you don't need, the home repair advice you do need, and why it doesn't matter how much it costs to live in your city.
Ask Stacy: When Should You File Bankruptcy?
Aug 28, 2012 - Jane is selling her belongings at yard sales to pay her creditors. Stop and read this, Jane.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Aug 24, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: generic vs. name-brand, avoiding private mortgage insurance, helping your kids grow up self-reliant, using grocery-delivery services, and alternative uses for things in your bathroom.
Ask Stacy: Can I Protest Bad Marks to Improve My Credit Score?
Aug 21, 2012 - You can improve your credit history and score by disputing negatives. But there's a catch...
