Tag: Ask Stacy
Ask Stacy: Should I Invest in Stocks I Don’t Understand?
Stacy Johnson CPA on May 3, 2011
Erin’s comfortable investing in the stocks of companies she understands, but not so much in other areas. And yet she knows she’s supposed to diversify. What should she do?
Ask Stacy: Why Are My Credit Limits Going up?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 22, 2011
He’s not complaining, just wondering: His credit card companies are suddenly offering him more credit when he didn’t ask for it – Is this a gift horse that he should look in the mouth?
Ask Stacy: Do My Taxes With Software or Use an Accountant?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 15, 2011
Lorraine has used software to do her taxes in the past, but now she’s bought a house and is wondering if the additional complexity should send her to an accountant. As a CPA myself, what do you think I said?
Ask Stacy: How Can My Car Insurance Go up Like This?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 8, 2011
Linda’s insurance company raised her car premiums by $55/month just for being divorced rather than married. Isn’t that discrimination?
Ask Stacy: Do I Keep My Savings or Pay off Debt?
Stacy Johnson CPA on April 1, 2011
It’s a question many of us face: We have money in a savings account earning next to nothing, while at the same time we’re paying interest on borrowed money. Crazy? Maybe. But maybe not…
Ask Stacy: Is It OK to Buy Insurance Online?
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 25, 2011
This reader has been told that when it comes to things like insurance, local is better than online and long distance. What do you think?
Ask Stacy: How Do I Diversify My Credit Portfolio?
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 18, 2011
To have the best possible credit score, it’s a good idea to have more than one type of credit. But how do you go shopping for different types of loans?
Ask Stacy: Why Aren’t You Buying Stocks? Also: Are Gift Cards Taxable?
Stacy Johnson CPA on March 11, 2011
Steve wants to know what stocks I’m buying now, why he got charged sales tax on a gift card purchase, and if I’d like to join him on his next ride in Florida.
Ask Stacy: When is it OK to Walk Away?
Stacy Johnson CPA on February 25, 2011
This reader is unemployed, has a home that’s seriously underwater, and has $35,000 worth of credit card debt that she can’t pay. What would you advise?
Ask Stacy: Can I Make Money at Home?
Stacy Johnson CPA on February 18, 2011
One reader wants to find a legitimate work-at-home job, and another wants to know if taking out a credit card will help her rebuild her credit history.
Ask Stacy: Who the Heck Do You Think You Are?
Stacy Johnson CPA on February 11, 2011
I recently did a story suggesting that gold might not be a good investment this year. One reader is so convinced I’m wrong, he’s threatening to sic the Federal Communications Commission on me.
Ask Stacy: I’d Like to Invest… Should I?
Stacy Johnson CPA on February 4, 2011
The stock market might be a great way to make more than the measly interest paid by bank savings accounts – but it’s definitely not the right place for everyone.
Ask Stacy: How Come I Have to Repay the Home Buyers Tax Credit?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 28, 2011
If you bought a house in 2008, the tax “credit” you received wasn’t really a credit at all – it was an interest-free loan from Uncle Sam.
Ask Stacy: I Need Help With Debts Other Than Credit Cards!
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 21, 2011
Lots of agencies out there are falling all over themselves to help you with your credit card debt. But why are so few willing to tackle other stuff?
Ask Stacy: What Can I Do With My Timeshare?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 14, 2011
A timeshare might make sense for a select group of people – but never for anyone who has to borrow the money to purchase or might need to sell someday.
Ask Stacy: Should I Buy a Mortgage Acceleration Program?
Stacy Johnson CPA on January 7, 2011
Is there a way to pay off your mortgage in seven to 10 years by using sophisticated techniques involving software and credit lines? No, but the people behind these programs are hoping you’ll bite.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Know When an Email Is Safe?
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 17, 2010
Remember when you were new to email? It was hard to tell who you should respond to. That’s this week’s question – check it out and see if you know the answers.
Ask Stacy: How Do I Work from Home without Getting Worked Over?
Stacy Johnson CPA on December 10, 2010
Can you really make money working from home? Sure, but it’ll take some work to separate the scams from the scores.
Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?
Stacy Johnson CPA 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.
Ask Stacy: Zombie Debt Haunts Consumer
Stacy Johnson CPA 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.
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