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.

Ask Stacy: Can I Have Bad Marks Removed From My Credit History?
Ask Stacy: Can I Have Bad Marks Removed From My Credit History?

on May 24, 2011

You probably know that you’ll improve your credit history and raise your credit score by paying your bills on time. But you did you know that you can sometimes have negative marks removed just by asking?

When You Donate to Charity, Are You Donating to a Bank Too?
When You Donate to Charity, Are You Donating to a Bank Too?

on May 23, 2011

The growing use of online charitable giving is a boon to nonprofits. But there’s an unintended beneficiary of this cyber generosity: The banks processing all those credit card transactions are raking in millions.

New Poll: 47 Percent of Americans Don’t Get It
New Poll: 47 Percent of Americans Don’t Get It

on May 18, 2011

In a recent Gallup poll, 47 percent of Americans wanted their congressional representatives to vote against raising the debt ceiling – only 19 percent were for it. What are they thinking?

A timeshare building in Orlando, Florida
Ask Stacy: How Do I Know If This Timeshare Company is Legit?

on May 17, 2011

Whether it’s a timeshare company or any other kind, use this 3-step process to investigate before you hand over that hard-earned cash.

Airlines Should Take a Lesson From Hotels
Airlines Should Take a Lesson From Hotels

on May 17, 2011

As I was flying from JFK to Fort Lauderdale yesterday, I learned two things. One: it’s possible to be relaxed and comfortable while flying. Two: some airlines will go out of their way to make sure you’re not.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Protect Myself From My Future Husband’s Bad Credit?
Ask Stacy: How Do I Protect Myself From My Future Husband’s Bad Credit?

on May 10, 2011

Shelita has perfect credit and prides herself on being responsible. Her soon-to-be husband’s story is a bit different. Should she call off the wedding?

Cinco de Mayo: What to Know – What to Eat!
Cinco de Mayo: What to Know – What to Eat!

on May 5, 2011

Here are some fun Cinco de Mayo facts you can use to try to win a margarita from the guy at the next bar stool. Not going out? Then here are dozens of recipes to eat like a puerco for pesos!

Ask Stacy: Should I Invest in Stocks I Don’t Understand?
Ask Stacy: Should I Invest in Stocks I Don’t Understand?

on May 3, 2011

Erin’s comfortable investing in the stocks of companies she understands, but not so much in other areas. And yet she knows she’s supposed to diversify. What should she do?

How the Death of Bin Laden Will Move Markets
How the Death of Bin Laden Will Move Markets

on May 2, 2011

There are very few individuals whose death can influence world-wide markets in everything from oil to stocks. Osama Bin Laden was one of those people. Here’s what to look for. Plus – Headlines from 20 newspapers announcing the demise of one of the world’s most hated men.

Rate Report: The Week’s Best Deals on Loans and Savings
Rate Report: The Week’s Best Deals on Loans and Savings

on April 28, 2011

Are you earning as much as you can on your savings while paying as little as possible when you borrow? Read on for a quick check of today’s rates and to see if you’re making your money work as hard for you as you do for it.

Ask Stacy: Why Are My Credit Limits Going up?
Ask Stacy: Why Are My Credit Limits Going up?

on April 22, 2011

He’s not complaining, just wondering: His credit card companies are suddenly offering him more credit when he didn’t ask for it – Is this a gift horse that he should look in the mouth?

Everything I Needed to Know About Money I Learned From My Mom
Everything I Needed to Know About Money I Learned From My Mom

on April 22, 2011

I’m a CPA and have also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, life insurance and real estate. But as Mothers Day approaches, it occurs to me that my mom taught me everything I ever needed to know about money when I was a kid.

Rate Report: The Week’s Best Deals on Loans and Savings
Rate Report: The Week’s Best Deals on Loans and Savings

on April 20, 2011

Most people spend more time shopping for milk than shopping for the best rates on savings, credit cards, or loans. Are you earning as much as you can while paying as little as possible? Here’s how to find out in less than a minute.

Take Five: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Take Five: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

on April 16, 2011

A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the web. This week: figuring out if a rebate is worth mailing it in, figuring out if it’s always worth trying to save a few cents, what DieHard is really supposed to mean, Easter baskets for grown-ups, and whether online degrees are worth it.

Ask Stacy: Do My Taxes With Software or Use an Accountant?
Ask Stacy: Do My Taxes With Software or Use an Accountant?

on April 15, 2011

Lorraine has used software to do her taxes in the past, but now she’s bought a house and is wondering if the additional complexity should send her to an accountant. As a CPA myself, what do you think I said?

Weekly Interest Rate Review
Weekly Interest Rate Review

on April 13, 2011

Most people spend more time shopping for milk than trying to find the best rates on their savings, credit cards, or loans. Are you earning as much as possible and paying as little as possible? Here’s a quick look at rates this week on everything from mortgages to money markets.

Take Five: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Take Five: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web

on April 10, 2011

A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the web. This week: Costco will knock $600,000 off a diamond ring, green ideas for Easter celebrations, how to drive a food truck, an inspirational story about debt, and how to avoid “frugal fatigue.”

Ask Stacy: How Can My Car Insurance Go up Like This?
Ask Stacy: How Can My Car Insurance Go up Like This?

on April 8, 2011

Linda’s insurance company raised her car premiums by $55/month just for being divorced rather than married. Isn’t that discrimination?

The 5 Golden Rules of Saving on Insurance
The 5 Golden Rules of Saving on Insurance

on April 8, 2011

Most people spend more time and effort shopping for groceries than insurance. And that’s a shame, since you probably spend more insuring your family than feeding it. Here’s what you need to understand, organize, and save on insurance.

Which is Better: Renting or Buying a Home?
Which is Better: Renting or Buying a Home?

on April 4, 2011

There are calculators around the web that are supposed to help you decide whether to rent or buy. There’s only one problem – they probably won’t help much.

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