Author: Stacy Johnson CPA
Interchange Fee Regulations: Who Wins, Who Loses?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 1, 2010
Debit card interchange fees – money merchants pay banks when they accept debit cards – could fall as a result of regulatory reform. Good for merchants? Definitely. Good for you? Maybe not.
When Free Speech Gets Expensive
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 30, 2010
Our constitution guarantees that stating your opinion won’t land you in jail, but that’s no guarantee it won’t land you in the poorhouse.
What Regulatory Reform Means to You
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 25, 2010
Billed as the most sweeping reform since the 1930s, the financial reform bill is close to becoming law. Will it actually reform anything? Here are the main provisions – you be the judge.
Uncle Sam: Let’s Get Smarter About Money
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 25, 2010
The new financial reform bill contains a little-known provision establishing an office of financial literacy. Here’s what it might do for you.
New Rule: Advisers Must Give Honest Advice
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 25, 2010
Believe it or not, the people you pay to advise you at Wall Street investment houses aren’t required to act in your best interests. Soon they will be.
Bought a New iPhone? Don’t Lose It
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 24, 2010
Replacing some things is expensive. Replacing others is complicated. Replacing an iPhone is both.
Formal Wear: Rent or Own?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 24, 2010
When it comes to formal attire, men are the ones who are more likely to rent than own, while women are the opposite. I think both sexes have it wrong.
Not Your Facebook Friend: Your Insurance Company
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 24, 2010
One more reason to be careful what you say online: One day soon your insurance company may be watching, reading… and canceling your coverage.
New Penalty for Homeowners Who Walk Away
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 23, 2010
Losing your home to foreclosure is one thing, but walking away just because it’s financially convenient could keep you out of an FHA-backed mortgage for seven years.
Financial Reform Explained: What The Heck Are Derivatives?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 23, 2010
When you hear about financial reform, you often hear about reforming rules for trading derivatives. Here’s what it means and why you should care.
Car Dealers Escaping Oversight?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 23, 2010
It looks like the nation’s 18,000 car dealers will successfully accelerate away from any plan to oversee them via a new consumer regulatory agency.
New Rules Could Increase Bank Fees
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 23, 2010
Banks are already preparing new fees on basic banking services as they try to replace revenue lost to financial regulatory reform.
If the Oil Spill Ruined Your Wedding, Would Wedding Insurance Help?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 22, 2010
Wedding cancellations because of the Gulf oil spill highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of wedding insurance. Is it worth buying?
Money Advice for Recent Grads
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 22, 2010
The transition from student to responsible adult isn’t always an easy one. Here’s some advice to consider as you start down the path.
Congress Takes a Swipe at Swipe Fees
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 21, 2010
If you have a debit card, the cost for using it is likely to drop – for your local merchant. Whether you’ll see the savings or not, only time will tell.
COBRA Subsidy is Gone: Now What?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 21, 2010
People who lose their jobs today don’t get a government-sponsored 65% subsidy for their COBRA health insurance payments.
Bright Idea: Better Light Bulb Labeling Ahead
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 21, 2010
Starting in 2011, light bulbs will be labeled with brightness and cost to operate, making it easier to comparison shop.
Money and Marriage: Like a Horse and Carriage
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 21, 2010
Only drug addiction and extramarital affairs play a more active role in divorce than disagreements over money, so it makes sense to talk about finances before your marriage.
Supreme Court: Privacy? Not on the Company’s Phone
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 17, 2010
Rule of thumb: Before you send that dirty text on your company-owned cell phone, imagine that the Supreme Court is going to read it.
JD Power: U.S. Cars Now Beat Imports in Quality – Barely
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 17, 2010
For the first time ever, U.S. cars as a whole beat out imports for quality.
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