Author: Stacy Johnson

50 Ways to Make a Fast $50 — or More

Stacy Johnson on August 17, 2018

Need to make a quick buck? Here is a host of opportunities — many of which you may not know exist.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Buy an Extended Car Warranty?

Stacy Johnson on August 17, 2018

Nobody wants an unexpected repair bill, but are extended warranties and service contracts worth it? Here’s how to decide.

2-Minute Money Manager: Which Is Better — Roth or Regular Retirement Plans?

Stacy Johnson on August 15, 2018

Is it better to get a tax deduction now, or tax-free income later? There’s a simple answer.

2-Minute Money Manager: I’m Retiring Soon — How Should I Invest My Savings?

Stacy Johnson on August 13, 2018

If retirement is on the horizon, you can’t afford to take too much risk, but you also need to make as much as possible. Here are your options.

2-Minute Money Manager: What’s the Fastest Way to Increase My Credit Score?

Stacy Johnson on August 10, 2018

Applying for credit soon? Here’s a simple list of things you can do to get your credit score in top shape ASAP.

2-Minute Money Manager: How Do I Know I’ll Have Enough to Retire?

Stacy Johnson on August 8, 2018

Approaching retirement and wondering if you have enough saved? Here’s a simple, quick method to find out.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Use Savings to Pay Off My Mortgage?

Stacy Johnson on August 6, 2018

Which is better: Money in the bank, or a debt-free home? It depends. Here is some simple advice that will help you decide what to do.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Wait to Take Social Security?

Stacy Johnson on August 3, 2018

Many financial advisers say you should always wait until age 70 to collect Social Security. They’re wrong. Here’s why.

2-Minute Money Manager: If I Co-Sign a Loan, Can I Protect Myself?

Stacy Johnson on August 1, 2018

Co-signing a loan means putting your credit on the line for someone else. You shouldn’t do it — but if you ignore that advice, here’s how to do it right.

2-Minute Money Manager: Can I Protect My Money If I Go Into a Nursing Home?

Stacy Johnson on July 30, 2018

Medicaid — not Medicare — covers long-term nursing home expenses. But you must have a low income and few assets to qualify. Is there a way to work the system?

2-Minute Money Manager: Is Life Insurance a Good Investment?

Stacy Johnson on July 27, 2018

There are a lot of great ways to invest your savings, but life insurance isn’t one of them. Here’s why.

2-Minute Money Manager: Can I Sell My Insurance Policy?

Stacy Johnson on July 25, 2018

If you’ve outgrown the need for life insurance and could use some cash, it’s possible to sell your life insurance policy. But it’s not as easy as it sounds.

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Get Disability Insurance?

Stacy Johnson on July 23, 2018

Health insurance will pay medical bills. But if you’re sick or can’t work, who’s going to pay other bills? Here’s what you need to know about disability insurance.

7 Questions to Ask Before Paying a Robo-Adviser

Stacy Johnson on July 23, 2018

In the past, you had to pay a human for investment advice. These days, you can hire a robo-adviser for half the price. Are they as good?

2-Minute Money Manager: What Are the Fastest Growing Jobs?

Stacy Johnson on July 20, 2018

Whether you’re starting out or starting over, here are the careers offering the most opportunity and money.

2-Minute Money Manager: How Much Does a Fee-Based Financial Adviser Charge?

Stacy Johnson on July 18, 2018

Fee-based financial advice is more likely to be objective than commissioned-based help. But how much does the former cost?

2-Minute Money Manager: Should I Get Global Entry or TSA Precheck?

Stacy Johnson on July 16, 2018

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are both programs that will speed you through airport security lines. I enrolled in the wrong one. Here’s how to avoid my mistake.

6 Reasons I’m No Fan of Suze Orman and You Shouldn’t Be Either

Stacy Johnson on July 15, 2018

Suze Orman has a huge following. But beware: The self-proclaimed personal finance expert has a track record that suggests more sizzle than steak.

2-Minute Money Manager: How Can I Find Cheaper Internet?

Stacy Johnson on July 15, 2018

The cost of cable TV is soaring, and everyone’s looking to stream their favorite shows instead. The problem? You still need to pay for internet access. Here’s where to find it cheap.