Tag: Ask Stacy

Man in suit walking on long road towards sun.

Ask Stacy — How Can I Rebuild My Credit After a Bankruptcy?

Stacy Johnson CPA on August 11, 2017

Starting out or starting over: Not easy, maybe, but simple.

The Stock Market’s in Nosebleed Territory — Time to Get Out?

Stacy Johnson CPA on August 9, 2017

With valuations stretched, and markets setting records, is there no place to go but down?

Ask Stacy — How Can I Get a Higher Limit on My Credit Card?

Stacy Johnson CPA on August 4, 2017

This reader wants to increase his credit line to build his credit, but his bank isn’t cooperating. The solution is simple …

Ask Stacy — Can I Really Get a No-Cost Mortgage?

Stacy Johnson CPA on July 28, 2017

Some mortgage lenders claim you can refinance to a lower rate at “no cost.” Don’t believe them.

Ask Stacy — 8 Tips to Get Credit When You Don’t Have Any

Stacy Johnson CPA on July 14, 2017

This young reader wants to know how to deal with a common credit conundrum: How are you supposed to build a credit history when you keep getting turned down for lack of a credit history?

Ask Stacy — Is My Investment Adviser Charging Too Much?

Stacy Johnson CPA on July 7, 2017

Some advisers charge by the hour, some by commissions, some with an annual fee, like a mutual fund. Which is best?

Ask Stacy — 10 Simple Steps to Prevent Rip-Offs, Ransomware and Cyber Attacks

Stacy Johnson CPA on June 30, 2017

While it may seem that big companies would be better able to protect themselves than us little guys, keeping us safe is actually much easier. Here’s all you have to do.

Ask Stacy — I Should Be Able to Trust Your Ads, Shouldn’t I?

Stacy Johnson CPA on June 16, 2017

Here’s what you need to know about advertisers on the internet.

Ask Stacy — How Do I Invest in a Mutual Fund?

Stacy Johnson CPA on June 9, 2017

A reader is interested in investing in a stock mutual fund, but wants to know exactly how to go about it. Here’s the answer, step by step.

Ask Stacy — How Do I Find Work When I’m Over 50?

Stacy Johnson CPA on June 2, 2017

When you’re past your prime, finding work can be frustrating. But you can reinvent yourself. I know because I’ve done it.

Ask Stacy — I Got Ripped Off by an Online Store. What Can I Do?

Stacy Johnson CPA on May 26, 2017

This reader ordered something online and never received it. She feels helpless, but she shouldn’t. She has powerful weapons at her disposal.

Ask Stacy — What’s the Best Way to Save for My Kid’s College?

Stacy Johnson CPA on May 19, 2017

When it comes to saving for college, there are lots of options. Here’s everything you need to know in as few words as possible.

Ask Stacy — Should I Buy an Extended Car Warranty?

Stacy Johnson CPA on May 12, 2017

There are two types of people: those who can’t stand the idea of unexpected expenses, and those who can’t stand the idea of paying for protection they don’t need.

Ask Stacy — How Can I Get a Delinquency Off of My Credit Report?

Stacy Johnson CPA on May 5, 2017

A reader and her husband were surprised to find a delinquent account on his credit history, and now they need to clean it up before they apply for a mortgage. Possible? Yes. I know it is because I’ve done it myself.

A person looks at their credit score on a laptop

Ask Stacy — Will Paying Old Unpaid Debts Improve My Credit Score?

Stacy Johnson CPA on April 28, 2017

Here’s how to improve your credit score if you have debt in collections. Paying it off may or may not be the answer.

Ask Stacy — Should I Pay For a Mortgage Acceleration Program?

Stacy Johnson CPA on April 21, 2017

Is there a way to pay off a 30-year mortgage in seven years by using sophisticated techniques? No, but there are simple ways to pay off your mortgage early.

Ask Stacy — Should I Borrow $80,000 or Forget Art School?

Stacy Johnson CPA on April 13, 2017

This high school senior faces a choice: lose out on the opportunity to attend a prestigious college, or borrow 80 grand. Are those really the only options?