Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Today at 6:30 AM  If you're looking for money to pay down debt, you may think that means going on a "dollar-diet:" Not spending anything until your debts are dust.  But money reporter Stacy Johnson says that you can find extra money and still do things like home remodeling.  Just find a way to do it for less.

Monday, May 14, 2012  This year's graduating class is entering a world where a good credit history is super-important. That's why money reporter Stacy Johnson is here with five tips to help young adults build and maintain a great credit score.

Friday, May 11, 2012  For many families, vacation time is right around the corner. But before you start packing, pack some tips to save from money reporter Stacy Johnson.

Wednesday, May 09, 2012  Interested in finding your vacation spot in an exotic locale? Then you might have considered a timeshare. But before you take a trip to timeshare city, listen to this advice from money reporter Stacy Johnson.

Monday, May 07, 2012  Every person makes mistakes when using their money, but not everyone know what they are.  Money reporter Stacy Johnson gives us the five dumbest ideas for using money, and how to avoid them.

Friday, May 04, 2012  The average American woman spends close to a thousand dollars on clothes every year, the average man about half that. But there are plenty of ways to dress for less - here's money reporter Stacy Johnson with his 5 best tips to save on clothes.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012  Keeping your family entertained doesn't have to break the bank. Free museum nights, visiting a park on a free day -- there are a lot of ways to save on entertainment. Here's money reporter Stacy Johnson with some ideas.

Monday, April 30, 2012  When it comes to spending less and saving more, there are hundreds of ideas. One example? Groceries. Today money reporter Stacy Johnson has his top 5 tips for saving on food, plus ideas on where to find many more.

Friday, April 27, 2012  We all enjoy life's little pleasures, like eating out, or having a gourmet cup of coffee. But would you enjoy them as much if they were costing nearly a quarter million dollars? Here's money reporter Stacy Johnson to explain how they may be doing exactly that.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012  If you own a house, the last few years have been tough, to say the least. But is the turnaround in housing finally here? Money expert Stacy Johnson recently talked to an expert that says yes - it's time to buy.

Monday, April 23, 2012  It's a common scenario a friend or family member wants a new car, but they have bad credit.

Friday, April 20, 2012  There's a lot of time, study and money that goes into getting a college degree.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012  With all the ways to save these days, from Groupon to extreme couponing, it's hard to know you've covered all the bases when it comes to bagging a bargain. But if you're out for a deal, don't forget to include some old-fashioned low-tech in your arsenal. Money expert Stacy Johnson reminds us that sometimes the best way to get a deal is...just ask!

Monday, April 16, 2012  Insurance may be necessary, but it doesn't have to be expensive.  Our money reporter Stacy Johnson has been giving us ways to save on insurance all month.  Today he explores homeowners insurance.

Friday, April 13, 2012  According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 144 million Americans don't keep tabs on their credit by regularly looking at their credit report. Do you know how much you owe? If not, you'll appreciate this advice from Money reporter Stacy Johnson.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012  Summer's on the way, and that means boats. But whether it's a 6 foot canoe or 60 foot yacht, is a boat really for you? Here to help you decide is money reporter and avid boater Stacy Johnson.

Monday, April 09, 2012  When the government backs a mortgage that ends up in foreclosure, it's the taxpayer that loses. But when it's time to sell a foreclosed home cheap, can the taxpayer find a housing bargain? Not always.

Friday, April 06, 2012  You may have upgraded your television set and your life into high definition to watch your favorite shows. But you should you pay up $50 or more for the cables to hook it all up? Money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us why you should do your homework before buying any HDMI cable.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012  According to some estimates, there are more than 270,000 investment advisers in the United States.  Some of them are brilliant...and some definitely aren't.   So how do you find the right person to help with your finances?  Here's money reporter Stacy Johnson with some advice.

Monday, April 02, 2012  If your family observes the ritual of Spring cleaning, there may be one place still left to tidy up…your paperwork. For some helpful tips on how to keep your paperwork in order, here’s money reporter Stacy Johnson.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012  If you've ever sold a house before, you know it's no walk in the park...and today's market makes it even harder. That's why if you're selling soon, you'll want to avoid mistakes like the ones money "hacker" Stacy Johnson reveals in this story.

Monday, March 26, 2012  With health care reform now close to becoming the law of the land, the need for insurance hasn't gone away. Most Americans will still be buying it and paying for it. Which is why money reporter Stacy Johnson wants you to understand it. Today he reviews some tips to make you an informed health insurance shopper.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012  Giving money to charity can make you feel good, right? Imagine if you could offer a small loan to someone and make a little interest on it. As part of his series called Investments that Beat the Banks, money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us how microlending works and why you may want to give it some attention.

Monday, March 19, 2012  If you've got money in the bank, chances are you're making some money in interest - but probably not a lot. In his continuing series, Investments that Beat the Banks, money reporter Stacy Johnson explains how putting your money in stocks could pay a lot more.

Friday, March 16, 2012  A lot of us do it - collect everything from Beanie Babies, Barbie's and baseball cards to antique cars. As part of his series called Investments that Beat the Banks, money reporter Stacy Johnson takes us to a multi-million dollar collection that recently went up for auction - and how you can cash in on collecting.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012  How much do you earn on your savings account? Probably not much. In a new series called Investments that Beat the Banks, money reporter Stacy Johnson explains how peer lending works and why you may want to invest.

Monday, March 12, 2012  Finding work can be a challenge in the best of circumstances. But if you're a job-seeker over 50, it can be even worse. Today Money "hacker" Stacy Johnson offers some advice for those who still have a fire in their belly, but a little snow on the roof.

Friday, March 09, 2012  According to the Federal Trade Commission, we shouldn't have to pay any more than 11 bucks for a look at our credit history. But, as Money reporter Stacy Johnson explains, the big three reporting agencies try to up-sell your history and bury the cheaper option.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012  It's a necessary expense you hope to never have to use... car insurance. But, boy do we spend a ton of money on it. Money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us a few useful ways to save - without sacrificing our coverage.

Monday, March 05, 2012  Every year consumers lose billions to scams of all types.  The best defense?  Knowing what to watch for. Here's money reporter Stacy Johnson with the tops scams to look out for this year.

Friday, March 02, 2012  If you've ever tried to launch a small business, you know how hard it is to get everything started. Money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us how to find capital and resources to help.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  With bills stacking up every month, safe to say any extra money we can earn is appreciated. Well, money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us four ways to earn a little extra cash in a few uncommon ways.

Monday, February 27, 2012  So, you've got that tax refund in your bank account - now what? Before you make any big plans to spend it all, money reporter Stacy Johnson shows us how to make the most of the cash from Uncle Sam.

Friday, February 24, 2012  If you've already filed your taxes, congratulations: you're done for this year. Unless, you're one of the millions of taxpayers who receives an audit notice. How does the IRS select returns for audit? Nobody knows for sure, but money reporter Stacy Johnson has a few ideas.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012  Millions of tax returns come back with mistakes causing any number of issues and costing even more. Money expert Stacy Johnson has things to watch for.

Monday, February 20, 2012  Would you cheat on your taxes? If you answered "no" then you're probably not a struggling male under 45 years old. Here's money expert Stacy Johnson with more.

Friday, February 17, 2012  Tax preparation services want your business…and do lots of things to get it.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  What if you could use it to generate another refund for next year? Money expert Stacy Johnson has some advice.

Monday, February 13, 2012  They're called deductions: money you spent last year that could reduce what you pay in taxes now.  There may be some hiding in your tax return - and money expert Stacy Johnson is here to help you find them.

Friday, February 10, 2012  If you'll be getting help with your taxes this year, you probably want to make sure its the best help around. Stacy Johnson has a few tips to make sure your choice for a paid tax professional adds up.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012  All this month, money expert Stacy Johnson is supplying us with "Tax Hacks:" Short-cuts that will help get you through tax season with minimum hassle and maximum refund. Today he's warning about us about some popular tax-related scams.

Friday, February 03, 2012  With tax season upon us, we're all finding ways to maximize our refund and one way to do that?

Wednesday, February 01, 2012  Whether your a guy or a gal, spoiling your sweetheart is kind of expected on Valentine’s Day. But, do you have to break your budget to do it? Money Reporter Stacy Johnson shows us how creativity could save you a lot of cash -- and make the day special.

Monday, January 30, 2012  If you're one of the millions of Americans now scrambling for work, you know it pays to do everything possible to find a new job, or even start a new career. Today money reporter Stacy Johnson has some ideas on free resources that might help.

Friday, January 27, 2012  The key to financial freedom is to be debt free. And the biggest debt for most people is their mortgage.  Money "hacker" Stacy Johnson explains how to get out from under your mortgage as soon as possible.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012  In today’s tough times, if you need money and can't turn to a bank, one option is to turn to lenders of last resort...pawn shops. But is that a good idea? Money reporter Stacy Johnson has some advice.

Monday, January 23, 2012  Millions of Americans are underwater on their mortgage and looking for a way out. Money reporter Stacy Johnson introduces us to a program that just might help. It's called "HARP," and it could be music to your ears.

Friday, January 20, 2012  There are businesses out there that promise to improve your credit score for a price. But are they doing anything for you that you can't do yourself? Money "hacker" Stacy Johnson shows you the specific steps to improve your credit history without anyone's help.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012  Two of the most common New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, and get the family finances in order. While he can’t help with the weight issue, money reporter Stacy Johnson does have some tips on how to shed some excess debt…

Monday, January 16, 2012  If your New Years resolutions included putting more money in the bank in 2012, you’re in the right place. Because our Money reporter Stacy Johnson has some tips to get you started.