Tag: Ask Stacy
Ask Stacy: Will Canceling Credit Cards Hurt My Credit Score?
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 20, 2015
Read the popular press, and it’s easy to believe our credit scores must be constantly tweaked and monitored to keep us alive. It’s a credit score, people, not an ICU patient.
Ask Stacy: I Don’t Have Enough to Retire. What Can I Do?
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 6, 2015
Maybe you can relate: This reader sees retirement looming but, because she hasn’t saved enough, she’s afraid her golden years will be anything but. What can she do?
Ask Stacy: Why Can’t My Son Find a Job?
Stacy Johnson CPA on September 22, 2015
A reader’s son earned a master’s degree in business, but hasn’t found a job after more than two years of looking. The parents think the problem is a lack of experience. I think it’s something else.
Ask Stacy: Can You Help Me Clean Up My Credit History?
Stacy Johnson CPA on September 15, 2015
This reader has bad marks on her credit history, is worried they’ll prevent her from getting a job, and wants to get them removed. There are millions of Americans in her shoes.
Ask Stacy: Is a Credit Union the Best Place for Loans?
Stacy Johnson CPA on September 8, 2015
This reader is wondering if a credit union is a good place to look for a car loan. The answer? When it comes to both saving and borrowing, credit unions are typically much better than banks.
Ask Stacy: Can Obamacare Help Me Retire Early?
Stacy Johnson CPA on August 25, 2015
This reader would like to retire early, but wonders how they can possibly afford the cost of health insurance until they’re eligible for Medicare. Well, here’s some good news.
Ask Stacy: The Market Looks Scary – Should I Sell My Stocks Now?
Stacy Johnson CPA on August 24, 2015
The stock market has been in a freefall for several days, reminding investors how events beyond our control can devastate savings in the blink of an eye. Here are seven tips to help you overcome the fear you feel right now.
Ask Stacy: What Happens If I Die With Debt?
Stacy Johnson CPA on August 11, 2015
It’s not uncommon for credit card companies and others to attempt to collect debts after death. But is it legal?
Ask Stacy: I’m Afraid to Leave an Inheritance for My Kids – What Should I Do?
Stacy Johnson CPA on August 4, 2015
A reader wants to leave her money to her kids, but she’s afraid they’ll blow it. It’s a common problem, and one without an ideal solution.
Ask Stacy: What Happens If My Investment Account Is Hacked?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 28, 2015
You’d assume that if the money in your IRA or 401(k) is stolen, you’re covered. Bad assumption. If you’ve got any kind of brokerage account, stop what you’re doing and read this.
Ask Stacy: Is It Possible to Make a Living Trading Stocks?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 21, 2015
A reader wants to pursue a career as an active trader and investor. Can he do it? Sure, at least theoretically.
Ask Stacy: What’s the Difference Between Mortgage Rates and APRs?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 14, 2015
Shopping for a house is more fun than shopping for a mortgage, but if you do it right, mortgage shopping isn’t that hard and can pay off big time. Here’s how.
Ask Stacy: Which Is Better — Dividend or Growth Stocks?
Stacy Johnson CPA on July 7, 2015
This reader wants to know whether he’s better off buying fast-growing stocks or stocks that pay dividends. Here’s why it’s useful to have both types, and even better to have the rare stocks (like Apple) that offer growth and dividends.
Ask Stacy: What’s the Fastest Way to Rebuild My Credit?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 23, 2015
This reader filed for bankruptcy and wonders if a secured credit card will help him rebuild his credit. Here’s the answer for him, as well as anyone looking to build, or rebuild, their credit.
Ask Stacy: The Definitive Guide to Slashing the Cost of Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 16, 2015
If you’re still buying glasses the traditional way, you’re likely paying twice as much as you should. Here’s where to get the best deals on every kind of glasses, from reading to sun.
Where Can I Go for Help With Debt?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 9, 2015
If you’re having trouble paying off credit card debt, you’re not alone. There are plenty of companies out there promising to help, but can they be trusted?
Ask Stacy: Will My Credit Card Really Cover My Rental Car Mishap?
Stacy Johnson CPA on June 2, 2015
Some credit cards offer to cover damage to a rental car so you won’t need the expensive collision damage waiver coverage pushed by the rental companies. But will this free credit card benefit really offer the protection it promises?
Ask Stacy: Should I Take Out a Reverse Mortgage?
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 19, 2015
The commercials insist a reverse mortgage is the perfect place to find extra retirement income. Here’s what they don’t tell you.
Ask Stacy: Should I Buy an Annuity for Retirement Income?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 28, 2015
What will you do for a regular monthly income when you retire? Annuities provide one possible answer, but they’re not for everyone.
Ask Stacy: Why Did I Get a Tax Bill for Forgiven Debt?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 7, 2015
This reader had $60,000 in student loans forgiven, but is now facing a big, fat tax bill. How can this be fair?
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