Stacy Johnson CPA

I'm the founder of Money Talks News and have spent the last 40+ years in the personal finance trenches. I'm a CPA, author of a few books and multiple Emmy recipient. I'm married to a woman I don't deserve, have an awesome dog and live on the water in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

My Embarrassing Confession: I’m a Deadbeat
My Embarrassing Confession: I’m a Deadbeat

on November 1, 2013

Consumers are responsible for about two-thirds of the U.S. economy, so the more we spend, the better for everyone. But I’ve got to tell you: I’m not doing my part. Not even close.

Ask Stacy: Should I Co-Sign My College Freshman Son’s Lease?
Ask Stacy: Should I Co-Sign My College Freshman Son’s Lease?

on October 29, 2013

A reader is faced with something many of us have encountered: risking our credit to help out a loved one. Is it ever OK?

Congress Attacks America: How to Prepare for a Debt Ceiling Disaster
Congress Attacks America: How to Prepare for a Debt Ceiling Disaster

on October 9, 2013

When it comes to most financial calamities, you don’t see them coming until it’s too late. Not so with the debt ceiling. In just over a week, your 401(k) could be decimated and our country could be shoved toward recession. Is there anything you can do to protect yourself?

Americans Don’t Want Health Insurance? Since When?
Americans Don’t Want Health Insurance? Since When?

on October 4, 2013

Because of Obamacare, many Americans are now insisting they shouldn’t be forced to have health insurance. But here’s what I’m not understanding: Don’t you want health insurance?

Obamacare Insurance Marketplace: Off to Rocky Start
Obamacare Insurance Marketplace: Off to Rocky Start

on October 1, 2013

Want to be one of the first to enroll for health insurance on the new state online marketplaces? Good luck with that.

We’re a Finalist in a National Video Contest — Help Us Win
We’re a Finalist in a National Video Contest — Help Us Win

on September 10, 2013

Money Talks News is a finalist in a national video contest sponsored by American Airlines. Check out our entry!

Here’s When LED Lighting Isn’t a Bright Idea
Here’s When LED Lighting Isn’t a Bright Idea

on September 6, 2013

While LEDs last decades and sip electricity, replace the wrong bulbs and you could be dead before you break even.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Cancel a Credit Card?
Ask Stacy: How Do I Cancel a Credit Card?

on August 20, 2013

When you want to stop using a credit card, you just cut it up, right? Not quite. Here’s how to do it right.

Ask Stacy: What’s the Best Internet Provider?
Ask Stacy: What’s the Best Internet Provider?

on August 13, 2013

More and more people are dumping pay TV and opting for online viewing instead. But to make it work, you’ll need a fast Internet connection. Here are your choices, with the pros and cons of each.

Ask Stacy: Can DirecTV Charge for Something I Didn’t Order?
Ask Stacy: Can DirecTV Charge for Something I Didn’t Order?

on July 30, 2013

If you have DirecTV, know someone who does, or are considering subscribing, read this. In fact, if you pay for TV at all, read this.

Ask Stacy: How Do Reverse Mortgages Work?
Ask Stacy: How Do Reverse Mortgages Work?

on July 23, 2013

If you’re 62 or over, or know someone who is, sooner or later you’ll probably hear about reverse mortgages. Here’s what you need to know.

Stock bull
Beginning Stock Investor? Here’s All You Need to Know

on July 5, 2013

Investing in stocks isn’t nearly as complicated as Wall Street wants you to believe. Proof: I can tell you everything you need to know in one short article.

Ask Stacy: How Can I Dump a Timeshare?
Ask Stacy: How Can I Dump a Timeshare?

on June 25, 2013

A reader wants to get out of a timeshare she says was falsely advertised. If you’ve ever considered a timeshare, or know someone who has, here’s what you need to know.

Worrying About the Stock Market? Don’t.
Worrying About the Stock Market? Don’t.

on June 21, 2013

Thursday’s sell-off was scary. But reacting to daily ups and downs is the mother of bad decisions.

Ask Stacy: Is This Source for Free Credit Scores For Real?
Ask Stacy: Is This Source for Free Credit Scores For Real?

on June 18, 2013

A reader thought he was getting a free credit report, but he was actually signing up with a credit repair agency. Let’s be careful out there, folks.

Time for a New Grill? Here’s What’s Cookin’
Time for a New Grill? Here’s What’s Cookin’

on June 4, 2013

Summer’s here, so maybe you’re looking for the grill of your dreams. Here’s how to select the model that’s best for you.

Ask Stacy: Help! They’re Trying to Reduce My Social Security Payments!
Ask Stacy: Help! They’re Trying to Reduce My Social Security Payments!

on May 28, 2013

Social Security is a simple concept, but the execution can be complicated. One example is the Windfall Elimination Provision. Does it apply to you?

Ask Stacy: Should I Lend My Granddaughter Money for Law School?
Ask Stacy: Should I Lend My Granddaughter Money for Law School?

on May 21, 2013

Lending to family and friends has been going on since the first money was minted. Is it a good idea? That depends on who’s doing the borrowing and who’s doing the lending.

Mother’s Day Gift Contest Winners
Mother’s Day Gift Contest Winners

on May 10, 2013

Two weeks ago we announced a contest to determine the worst Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever given or received. Here’s what you said.

Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?
Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

on April 23, 2013

This reader has enough in savings to pay off her mortgage, but hesitates to drain her savings to do it. The math is simple, but the answer isn’t.

581 - 600 of 1,166