Author: 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.
GAO: Debt Settlement Industry Defrauds Consumers
Stacy Johnson CPA 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.
How Your Home Insurance Can Vanish Overnight
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 27, 2010
It may never have occurred to you, but if you’re not in your home for any reason from vacation to renovation, you may no longer have homeowners insurance.
Uncle Sam to Sell 20% of its Citi Stake
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 26, 2010
Uncle Sam announced this morning that he’s selling 1.7 billion shares of Citigroup sometime soon. That’s depressing the price of the stock today, but I’m looking at it as a buying opportunity.
Can You Hide Smoking from Life Insurance Companies?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 23, 2010
Anyone who smokes has considered it: quit smoking for a while, tell your insurance company you’re a non-smoker, get lower rates… then, if you light up again, so what? Well, if that’s your strategy, be careful not to get your ash handed to you.
A Healthy Gift for the Class of 2010
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 20, 2010
Although the provisions of the health care reform bill requiring insurance companies to allow kids 26 or under to remain on parental insurance policies don’t kick in until September, some major companies are giving graduating seniors a break.
Confusing Provisions of the CARD Act
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 20, 2010
The new credit law that went into effect in February established new and important consumer protection from credit card abuse. But when theory becomes practice, sometimes things can be a little fuzzy at first.
Portfolio Addition: Citigroup and Huntington Bancshares
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 20, 2010
On Friday, April 16th, we added 2,000 shares of Citigroup and 1,000 of Huntington Bancshares to our model portfolio. Here’s why.
5 Tips to Protect Your Savings from Inflation
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 19, 2010
In some ways our economy is like a blimp: big, tough to steer… and facing inflation. Are your savings inflation-protected? Here are some ideas that might help.
Latest US Export? Consumer Protection
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 18, 2010
There’s an old expression: “When the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold.” Our recent housing crisis and recession quickly spread around the world. Now we’re exporting something a little more pleasant: consumer protection.
Insurance Outrage: Hike Prices, Pay CEO $100,000,000
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 17, 2010
My personal health insurance bill went up 40% this year, and this week I learned that the CEO of the company that issued my policy, United HealthCare, received more than 100 million dollars in compensation last year. Do I care? Yes.
Taxes 2010: Can’t Pay? File Anyway!
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 15, 2010
Burying your head in the sand and ignoring your problems is normally not a great idea. But when you’re dealing with Uncle Sam, it’s flatout dumb. If you owe income taxes you can’t pay, or know someone who does, here’s what you need to know.
Credit Card Debt Declines Again
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 9, 2010
If you’ve been paying down household debt during these tough economic times, you’re in good company. Nearly 40% of consumers say they’re using more cash and less credit than they were a year ago.
Tips on Avoiding Five (More) Consumer Problems
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 7, 2010
Every year hundreds of thousands of consumers complain to the FTC. Looking at the list of the most popular consumer complaints is a great way to make sure you never become one of them.
Three Things You Need to Know Today
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 7, 2010
Think of it as a “consumer espresso”: Three things every smart consumer should know today, distilled down to 500 words or less.
Think Airline Fees Can’t Get Worse? Think Again.
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 6, 2010
At least one airline, Spirit Air, is now charging for carry-on bags. End of the fee frenzy? No way. It’s just the tip of the iceberg: there are dozens more ways to degrade your experience. Here are some of my ideas.
Tips to Avoid the Top Five Consumer Problems
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 6, 2010
Every year the FTC compiles a list of the most complained-about consumer services. Here are this year’s top five, along with tips to avoid becoming a statistic. If you’ve ever been ripped off, this is a must-read.
Will Credit Counseling Hurt My Credit Score?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 6, 2010
Question from a viewer: If you go to a credit counselor for help, how it will affect your credit history and credit score?
8 Tips for Buying a $5,000 Car
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 31, 2010
Is it possible to find a reliable car for $5,000? I know for a fact that it is because I’ve done it more than once. But you need to follow some simple steps to make sure you get the right car at the right price. Here’s how to go about it.
Why I Don’t Buy New Cars
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 31, 2010
There are few Americans who can save $30,000 in five years, but anyone who buys and finances a new car could be doing exactly that. Maybe it’s time to consider what you’re really giving up when you buy something expensive with borrowed money.
Using Savings Bonds as Tax-Free College Savings? 7 Things to Know First
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 28, 2010
There are exceptions to nearly every rule. But the rule allowing you to earn tax-free interest on EE savings bonds when used for education seems to have more exceptions than most. Before you buy EE bonds for education, read this first!
1,101 - 1,120 of 1,167