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.

Dead-Head Delight: Free Grateful Dead Music Till Dec. 8
Dead-Head Delight: Free Grateful Dead Music Till Dec. 8

on December 4, 2010

Things that are “free” on the web usually come with strings attached. But if you like the Dead, here’s music to your ears – 30 free songs: really!

Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?
Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?

on December 3, 2010

What would you do if you got unsolicited mail saying you’re qualified for a special government program and pre-qualified for a special mortgage rate? Here’s what I’d do.

The 5 Dumbest Gifts for Your Guy
The 5 Dumbest Gifts for Your Guy

on December 3, 2010

Shopping for that special someone, girls? Everybody is different, but we know several things you shouldn’t buy for your guy — and why. Guys: check our Wednesday post for the girls’ no-no list.

Father and son decorating a Christmas tree
Putting a Lexus Under the Tree This Year?

on December 1, 2010

Check out some silly ads that suggest you can infuse holiday cheer into just about anything if you slap on a big, red bow.

Government Seizes 82 Websites for Selling Counterfeit Goods
Government Seizes 82 Websites for Selling Counterfeit Goods

on December 1, 2010

Two agencies of the government – the Departments of Justice and Immigration – acted together yesterday to shut down sites offering counterfeit merchandise. Here’s the complete list.

New Rule: Insurance Companies Must Use Premiums to Pay Medical Bills
New Rule: Insurance Companies Must Use Premiums to Pay Medical Bills

on November 30, 2010

Starting January 1st, 80-85 percent of the money health insurance companies take in has to pay medical bills. Will it lower the cost of health insurance?

Kardashian Kard Already Kaput
Kardashian Kard Already Kaput

on November 29, 2010

After less a month on the market, the ill-conceived Kardashian Kard – a debit card aimed at teens – has already been canceled.

Everything You Need to Know About Christmas Trees
Everything You Need to Know About Christmas Trees

on November 29, 2010

Whether your fond of fir or attracted to artificial, here’s everything you need to know about finding the right Christmas tree.

Even if Bush Cuts are Extended, Taxes are Rising Next Year
Even if Bush Cuts are Extended, Taxes are Rising Next Year

on November 28, 2010

If you’re single and make $50,000 – $70,000, odds are you’ll be paying at least $400 more in federal income taxes next year. If you’re married filing a joint return with the same income, your taxes will likely rise by at least $800.

Ask Stacy: Zombie Debt Haunts Consumer
Ask Stacy: Zombie Debt Haunts Consumer

on November 26, 2010

Can old debt be reloaded onto a new credit card? How Zombie debt is stalking one consumer and what she can do about it.

Congressman Goes after Store Credit Cards
Congressman Goes after Store Credit Cards

on November 25, 2010

When it comes to store credit cards, should Radio Shack be renamed Radio Shock? Is Best Buy the worst card to get? A New York congressman says yes.

Bet You Didn’t Know This About Thanksgiving
Bet You Didn’t Know This About Thanksgiving

on November 25, 2010

Having guests for Thanksgiving this year? If you don’t want to see them again next year, here’s a strategy: bore them to death with these interesting, but ultimately useless, facts about Thanksgiving.

The Four Best Black Friday Sites
The Four Best Black Friday Sites

on November 24, 2010

Before you fall asleep on the sofa tomorrow, check out these sites to help you plan your Black Friday Strategy

Thanksgiving Links, Tips, Facts and Fun
Thanksgiving Links, Tips, Facts and Fun

on November 23, 2010

Thank a service member, see if your flight will be delayed, learn how to cook a turkey, volunteer in your community, get Thanksgiving facts and statistics – all this and more from your Uncle Sam!

How To Distinguish a Sale from a Rip-off
How To Distinguish a Sale from a Rip-off

on November 23, 2010

During the bargain feeding frenzy that holiday shopping has become, it’s easy to be led astray by shady marketing tactics. Here’s how to avoid being ripped off.

My Portfolio: Bashed by Banks, Cleaning Up in Commodities
My Portfolio: Bashed by Banks, Cleaning Up in Commodities

on November 23, 2010

Thanks largely to iron ore, copper, gold and oil, my personal online portfolio is up more than 60 percent in less than two years – but it would be doing even better without the big bets on banks.

Walmart Offers Price Matching
Walmart Offers Price Matching

on November 22, 2010

Wallmart is matching competitor’s offers for Black Friday and all weekend long. But here’s some advice – don’t bring the kids.

Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards
Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards

on November 22, 2010

Gift cards will be a hot holiday gift item once again in 2010. A National Retail Foundation survey shows that almost 57% of adults want a gift card, ahead of clothing, books, entertainment and electronics.

Ask Stacy: Credit Reports are Free – Why Aren’t Scores?
Ask Stacy: Credit Reports are Free – Why Aren’t Scores?

on November 19, 2010

It’s easy to confuse credit reports and credit scores, especially since both are crucial. But here’s one big difference: you can get a free report, but not a free look at your credit score.

Economists’ Prediction for 2011? Not Great, But Not Bad
Economists’ Prediction for 2011? Not Great, But Not Bad

on November 18, 2010

If you’re worried about a double-dip recession next year, don’t. But if you’re expecting a big recovery, you might be disappointed.

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