Author: Stacy Johnson

2-Minute Money Manager: How Do I Find a Good Financial Adviser?

Stacy Johnson on November 13, 2018

No matter what they call themselves — from financial planner to stockbroker or investment manager — their answer to this simple question can help you decide where to get advice.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Invest My Health Savings Account in Stocks?

Stacy Johnson on November 12, 2018

HSAs are a great way to save on income taxes while putting aside money to meet medical expenses. But should you put that money at risk by investing it in stocks?

Ask Stacy: Where Can I Get Social Security Advice?

Stacy Johnson on November 6, 2018

Choosing the proper claiming strategy can mean thousands more in Social Security money over your lifetime. Here’s how to find an inexpensive expert who can help.

2-Minute Money Manager: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Sell My Stocks?

Stacy Johnson on November 5, 2018

Investing in stocks means confronting two nerve-wracking questions: When should you buy, and when should you sell? Here’s a simple rule of thumb that will help.

5 Wise Things to Do With Your ‘Free’ Hour This Sunday

Stacy Johnson on November 2, 2018

You can sleep an extra 60 minutes this weekend thanks to the end of daylight saving time. Or, you can reinvest that time so it pays dividends year-round.

5 Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Investment Returns

Stacy Johnson on October 31, 2018

Stock market investing may seem like rocket science, but it’s simpler than you think. You just need to avoid these five potential blunders.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Invest With ETFs?

Stacy Johnson on October 30, 2018

Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, combine the best of both stocks and mutual funds. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Slash the Cost of Raising Kids

Stacy Johnson on October 24, 2018

The government says the cost of raising children is soaring. We say there are plenty of ways to trim the tab.

2-Minute Money Manager: Why Won’t My Credit Score Go Up?

Stacy Johnson on October 23, 2018

You’re doing everything perfectly, but your credit score isn’t perfect. What’s the problem? Here’s how to raise your credit score.

2-Minute Money Manager: Where Can Seniors Find Jobs?

Stacy Johnson on October 22, 2018

If you’re middle-aged or older, finding a job can be a job in itself. Here are some tips that will make it easier.

How to Avoid 10 of the World’s Most Infuriating Fees

Stacy Johnson on October 16, 2018

Unreasonable fees are the financial equivalent of a cold slap in the face. Here’s how to steer clear of them.

2-Minute Money Manager: What’s the Best Way to Protect My Passwords and Stay Safe Online?

Stacy Johnson on October 16, 2018

If you use the same password for everything — or use simple passwords so you can remember them — stop what you’re doing and read this.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Buy Dental Insurance?

Stacy Johnson on October 15, 2018

Insurance can be important, but some types of coverage are poor buys. Here’s why dental insurance may not be worth the money.

Dow Loses Another 545 Points: Is This the Big One?

Stacy Johnson on October 11, 2018

The Dow has now lost more than 5 percent of its value in 24 hours. Here is why that worries me more than the declines earlier this year.

2-Minute Money Manager: I’m 50 — Should I Go Back to School for a Master’s Degree?

Stacy Johnson on October 8, 2018

A lot of middle-aged people go back to school for a graduate or undergraduate degree. Good idea? It depends. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Avoid Paying the 10 Most Annoying Fees

Stacy Johnson on October 5, 2018

Here’s how to make sure you’re not hit by unexpected charges on airline flights, at hotels and in daily financial transactions.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Sell My House to an As-Is, All-Cash Buyer?

Stacy Johnson on October 2, 2018

You’ve seen the signs on the side of the road or the ads online: “We Buy Ugly Houses!” Sound too good to be true? Here’s my take.

Should I Drop Cable and Stream Instead?

Stacy Johnson on October 1, 2018

If you’re tired of paying the high cost of cable, consider dropping it and going for a streaming TV solution instead. Here’s how to do it, step by step.