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.

5 Reasons We Need Free Credit Scores Now
5 Reasons We Need Free Credit Scores Now

on March 23, 2012

For nearly 10 years, we’ve all been able to get free credit reports. But we still can’t see our credit scores without paying for the privilege. It’s time to fight for that right – here’s how you can help.

Money Talks Money Giveaway!
Money Talks Money Giveaway!

on March 21, 2012

We’re about to achieve our 100,000th newsletter subscriber and our 10,000th Facebook like. If you’re the one that hits either magic number, or refers the one who does, you’re about to be $250 – $500 richer!

Unhappy woman watching TV
Can Watching TV News Make You Stupid?

on March 19, 2012

The purpose of watching news on TV is to be better informed. But depending on what you watch, you may end up knowing less than when you started. Here are two tips to help you separate journalism and propaganda.

Ask Stacy: Should I Transfer to a Zero-Interest Credit Card?
Ask Stacy: Should I Transfer to a Zero-Interest Credit Card?

on March 13, 2012

Why would you pay interest on a credit card balance when you can transfer to a card with a zero-percent promotional rate?

In Search of the Elusive $11 Credit Report
In Search of the Elusive $11 Credit Report

on March 9, 2012

Federal law limits the charge for a credit report to a maximum of $11. But that doesn’t do you much good if the companies providing it hide the cheapest option behind a wall of up-sell.

Ask Stacy: Can a Short Sale Be Removed From My Credit History?
Ask Stacy: Can a Short Sale Be Removed From My Credit History?

on February 28, 2012

This former service member had to short-sale their house and wants the negative mark removed from their credit history. Reasonable? Possible?

The Single Best Tip to Beat High Gas Prices
The Single Best Tip to Beat High Gas Prices

on February 24, 2012

If you really want to do something about prices at the pump, it’s not too late to take the advice I offered on Dec 8, 2010.

Man looking at credit score
Ask Stacy: How Can I Clean Up My Credit History?

on February 21, 2012

This member of the military wants to know if he should contact old creditors to see if they’ll remove bad marks from his credit history. Is it possible?

Ask Stacy: Chase Screwed Me. Should I Sue?
Ask Stacy: Chase Screwed Me. Should I Sue?

on February 14, 2012

This reader took out a low fixed-rate loan from Chase Bank only to see her minimum payments more than double. What can she do?

The Truth About Jobs: Why Both Sides Are Wrong
The Truth About Jobs: Why Both Sides Are Wrong

on February 14, 2012

With the unemployment rate stuck at more than 8 percent, Democrats say we need more time, more training, and more stimulus. Republicans say we need less regulation and a guy in the White House who knows how to create jobs. They’re both wrong.

Tax Hacks 2012: Should You Hire Help?
Tax Hacks 2012: Should You Hire Help?

on February 10, 2012

Since taxes are complicated, you may think a pro is always the way to go. But if they’re not used properly, you’re wasting your money.

Should You Invest in Facebook?
Should You Invest in Facebook?

on January 31, 2012

Rumor is running rampant that Facebook is about to file for a public offering of stock. Should small investors give the IPO the thumbs up?

Ask Stacy: How Can I Get Ahead on $26,000 a Year?
Ask Stacy: How Can I Get Ahead on $26,000 a Year?

on January 31, 2012

This reader appreciates tips on spending less, but what he really wants to know is, “How can I make more?” Here’s what I think…what about you?

The Smartest US Cities?
The Smartest US Cities?

on January 30, 2012

Once a year, Central Connecticut State University puts out a list of the most and least literate cities in the country. If you’re from Washington, D.C., you’ve probably already seen it. But if you live in Bakersfield, maybe not.

Exterior of a pawnshop.
Despite TV’s Obsession With Pawnshops, They’re Still Last Resort

on January 25, 2012

There are no less than 5 reality shows now glorifying the pawn business. But there’s nothing glorious about paying uber-high rates to borrow money.

HGTV ‘House Hunters’ Follow-Up
HGTV ‘House Hunters’ Follow-Up

on January 20, 2012

Spoiler alert – if you prefer believing this show is real and not staged, don’t read this.

Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My House or Invest?
Ask Stacy: Should I Pay Off My House or Invest?

on January 17, 2012

He’s 29 years old, his only debt is his mortgage, and he’s got enough in the stock market to pay it off. What would you do?

Ask Stacy: How Bad Are Old Unpaid Bills?
Ask Stacy: How Bad Are Old Unpaid Bills?

on January 10, 2012

Those old delinquent debts have long faded from your memory. But now that it’s time to buy a house, will potential mortgage lenders forget about them too?

Money Hacks 2012 – 8 Shortcuts to Getting Richer
Money Hacks 2012 – 8 Shortcuts to Getting Richer

on January 9, 2012

They’re called “hacks”: clever solutions to tricky problems. Here are some of my favorites to help you save more or spend less.

Most Popular Posts of 2011
Most Popular Posts of 2011

on January 3, 2012

Whether you’re a newcomer to Money Talks or you’ve been with us for years, it’s interesting to see what fellow readers respond to. Here are our 10 most-read articles from 2011.

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