Brandon Ballenger Writer
I'm a freelance writer based in Pompano Beach, Fla. who's done work for The South Florida Business Journal and BusinessMiami, covering real estate, health care, and franchising. I received a bachelor's degree in English and public communication from Florida Atlantic University in 2008, and am currently pursuing a master's degree in communication there. In my free time, I read fantasy novels, plays video games, and take advantage of South Florida's perennial summer at the beach.
Posts by Brandon Ballenger
Despite New Rules, Banks Make More in Overdraft Fees
Jun 12, 2013 - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau studied the impact of new regulations on how much people pay in overdraft fees. It's still a lot.
Do Unpaid Internships Exploit Young People?
Jun 12, 2013 - Two former unpaid interns sued a Fox movie studio that they said made them do menial tasks instead of teaching them. A judge said they should have been paid.
Restaurant Asks Patrons Not to Tip Waiters
Jun 12, 2013 - A New York sushi restaurant pays its waitstaff a salary — with benefits — and tells customers that tips are not allowed. Should other restaurants follow suit?
Jobs Are Available in All 50 States
Jun 11, 2013 - For the second quarter in a row, businesses in every state are planning to hire more people.
De Beers Class-Action Checks Are in the Mail
Jun 11, 2013 - Did you file a claim against the diamond seller in 2008? Your portion of the $295 million settlement should be arriving soon in the mail.
U.S. Income Inequality Has Gotten Even Worse
Jun 11, 2013 - The difference in income between the wealthy and the rest of us is much more vast than it is in 25 other developed nations.
The Worst Airline Is Among the Most Profitable
Jun 10, 2013 - Spirit Airlines' fee-for-all approach seems to be paying off, despite consumer complaints.
Costco Shows You Can Have Low Prices and Decent Pay
Jun 10, 2013 - Does the generous way Costco treats its workers affect your decision to shop there?
Study: 19 Percent of Americans Spend More Than They Earn
Jun 10, 2013 - Most U.S. adults don't do well on a short multiple-choice quiz about basic financial literacy.
Study Suggests Online Dating Produces Stronger Marriages
Jun 07, 2013 - Researchers say couples who first meet online are a bit more likely to stay married and have happier marriages. Can that be right?
Apple Wants to Buy Your Used Phones, Report says
Jun 07, 2013 - Apple may soon have an in-store trade-in program for iPhones.
The Big Screen Gets Bigger
Jun 07, 2013 - Movie screens as much as 40 percent larger than usual may be coming to a theater near you. Are you willing to pay more for the experience?
Rakuten.com Customers Reporting Credit Card Fraud
Jun 06, 2013 - People who purchased something through Rakuten.com, formerly known as Buy.com, say they've seen thousands in unauthorized purchases show up on their accounts.
Free Calling, Texting and Data — What’s the Catch?
Jun 06, 2013 - You'll have to bring a compatible smartphone or buy one, and there are some limitations.
Study: Health Savings Accounts Aren’t Working
Jun 06, 2013 - They're leading to more emergency room visits, fewer screenings for cancer and fewer prescriptions.
