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.

New Fed Website Not Much Help to Consumers
New Fed Website Not Much Help to Consumers

on May 26, 2010

The Fed recently announced a new website designed to help consumers choose the best credit card for their needs. Too bad it doesn’t do anything of the sort.

Mortgage Rates Plunge to 25-Year Low
Mortgage Rates Plunge to 25-Year Low

on May 20, 2010

According to one well-known weekly survey, last week’s mortgage rates cracked 5% for the first time since 1985.

Young couple in a hotel room
Hidden Travel Costs Boost Vacation Expenses

on May 19, 2010

You’ve gone online and gotten the best possible deals on your plane fare, rental car and hotel. Think your costs are covered? Think again.

The 5 Best Companies for Customer Service
The 5 Best Companies for Customer Service

on May 17, 2010

Whether you own a business or work at one, customer service is crucial for success. The best in customer service and what we can all learn.

Credit Card Changes in Store?
Credit Card Changes in Store?

on May 17, 2010

With the passage of last year’s CARD act, consumers won major concessions from credit card companies. Now it may be your local merchant’s turn.

The Right Way to Close a Credit Card Account
The Right Way to Close a Credit Card Account

on May 16, 2010

Here’s a question I recently got from a viewer. It’s a common one…see if you can relate.

6 Tips for Lower Medical Bills and Cheaper Drugs
6 Tips for Lower Medical Bills and Cheaper Drugs

on May 13, 2010

My health insurance policy features a $5,000 deductible, and I’m not shy about letting my doctor know that I’ll be paying my bills myself. But if the thought of discussing money with your doctor leaves you feeling ill, check out this story.

7 Tips to Finding the Grill of Your Dreams
7 Tips to Finding the Grill of Your Dreams

on May 11, 2010

Comparing today’s grills to those of yesteryear is like comparing a Ferrari to a Model T. Here’s a quick guide to finding the grill of your dreams.

Transform Last Year’s Tax Refund Into Next Year’s Tax Credit
Transform Last Year’s Tax Refund Into Next Year’s Tax Credit

on May 6, 2010

Got your tax refund from last year? Transform it into an income tax credit for next year, while making some some cool improvements around the house at the same time.

Merger Could Affect Credit Cardholders and Frequent Flyers
Merger Could Affect Credit Cardholders and Frequent Flyers

on May 6, 2010

The creation of the nation’s largest airline may be taking off as Continental and United announced plans to merge. If it happens, changes could occur for those with Continental or United credit cards and frequent flier rewards.

The New Credit Card Law is Working
The New Credit Card Law is Working

on May 5, 2010

It’s been less than three months since the CARD Act changed credit card statements, and there’s already evidence that it’s working.

How Your Credit Affects Your Insurance Bills
How Your Credit Affects Your Insurance Bills

on May 5, 2010

Like it or not, insurance companies think that those with damaged credit are more likely to suffer damaged cars and damaged homes.

United/Continental Merger: Good for Airlines, Not Consumers
United/Continental Merger: Good for Airlines, Not Consumers

on May 4, 2010

The United/Continental merger may be just another boring business deal. Or it may mark the beginning of a trend to higher ticket prices.

Financial Advice for the Truly Stupid
Financial Advice for the Truly Stupid

on May 1, 2010

Every now and then the would-be comedians here want to do a video just for fun…and to see if we can get on the Jon Stewart show. See if our most recent attempt makes you laugh.

10 Tips to Save on Life Insurance
10 Tips to Save on Life Insurance

on May 1, 2010

There are ways to save on virtually anything you buy, from groceries to gas to houses. And yes, life insurance. Here are 10 tips to lower your bill.

Shopping for appliance
9 Tips to Save on Appliance Purchases

on April 29, 2010

The “Cash for Appliance Clunkers” program is the latest way to save on new, energy efficient appliances, but it’s certainly not the only way. Whether you’re planning to take advantage of your state’s program or it’s already over, check out these appliance-shopping tips.

Waiting for Change: Health Reform Timeline
Waiting for Change: Health Reform Timeline

on April 29, 2010

You’ll be waiting for years for some major changes to health insurance. Others are right around the corner. Here’s a look at the current timetable.

11 Tips for a Less Expensive Lawn
11 Tips for a Less Expensive Lawn

on April 27, 2010

When it comes to your lawn, seeing green doesn’t mean spending green. Here are some tips to keep your lawn green for less this summer.

Earn While You Learn With Investment Clubs
Earn While You Learn With Investment Clubs

on April 27, 2010

Most clubs require that you pay dues to belong, but there’s one type of club that might pay you to show up! If you’re a beginning investor interested in making both money and friends, take a look at investment clubs.

GAO: Debt Settlement Industry Defrauds Consumers
GAO: Debt Settlement Industry Defrauds Consumers

on April 27, 2010

The Government Accountability Office recently called up 20 debt settlement companies, pretending to be consumers in need of help. What they found was an industry rampant with fraud.

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