Stacy Johnson CPA
Ask Stacy: Do I Have Too Many Credit Cards?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
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?
Accept $10.5 Million, or Get Arrested – What Should I Do?
Stacy Johnson CPA 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
Stacy Johnson CPA on September 5, 2011
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
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 11, 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?
Stacy Johnson CPA 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
Stacy Johnson CPA 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
Stacy Johnson CPA 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
Stacy Johnson CPA 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.
Big Banks Use Back Taxes to Seize Homes
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 19, 2011
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
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 20, 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
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 17, 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?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
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
Stacy Johnson CPA 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?
Stacy Johnson CPA on November 7, 2012
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?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 31, 2018
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.
Are Your Friends Costing You?
Stacy Johnson CPA 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.
How to Replace Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Personal Paperwork
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 4, 2012
A comprehensive list of what to do and where to go to replace everything from your drivers license to your birth certificate.
Feds Sue, Settle with Credit Card Companies – How it Affects You
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 19, 2011
On Monday, the Justice Department sued Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for anti-competitive practices. A proposed settlement aims to end anti-competitive practices and allow customers to save money, but it is likely to also have unintended consequences for consumers.
Consumer Tips for Automated Banking
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 19, 2011
Last month Chase’s online banking was down for a few days – if that happens with your bank, what about your automatic bill payments? Proper protocol for online banking…
Where to Find 60,000 Speed Traps Nationwide
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 3, 2010
Speeding is as dangerous as it is costly, but some say speed traps are meant to raise money – not protect the public good. Here are some new, high tech ways to avoid them.
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