Author: Brandon Ballenger
I'm a freelance journalist living in South Florida. If I'm not writing, I'm playing video games or at the beach. My favorite spice is oregano, and I thought you should know. I got my bachelor's degree in English and public communication from Florida Atlantic University in 2008.
FTC: We’re Shutting Down an $11M Sweepstakes Scam
Brandon Ballenger on September 24, 2013
Millions of letters have been mailed promising huge winnings in exchange for a small fee, the Federal Trade Commission says. Seniors are often targeted.
Who Needs a Waitress? Order by Tablet at Chili’s
Brandon Ballenger on September 23, 2013
The restaurant chain plans to have dozens of tablets available at every location next year for ordering, paying, and playing video games.
Man Finds Lottery Ticket Worth $6.3M, Turns It Over to Police
Brandon Ballenger on September 23, 2013
A man who makes his living selling lottery tickets found a lost winning ticket — and was honest enough to turn it in. Would you?
Secrets to Financial Success Can Fit in Your Pocket
Brandon Ballenger on September 23, 2013
The best personal finance advice is easy to understand and put into practice.
The Most Common Obamacare Scams
Brandon Ballenger on September 20, 2013
Big changes are the perfect time for big cons. Don’t get swindled by these tactics.
Thinking About a New Home? The Clock is Ticking
Brandon Ballenger on September 20, 2013
Next year, it’ll become more expensive and harder to qualify for a mortgage. If you’re sitting on the fence, now’s the time to get off it.
Your Losing NFL Team Is Making Your Butt Big
Brandon Ballenger on September 20, 2013
Want to lose weight? Follow a better NFL team. New research says people eat food that’s less healthy after their favorite football team loses, and eat better when their team wins.
Credit Cards You’ve Never Heard of Because You Can’t Get One
Brandon Ballenger on September 20, 2013
Some are literally studded with a diamond. Others come with around-the-clock concierge service.
Had Too Much to Drink? New Apps Can Tell
Brandon Ballenger on September 20, 2013
The smartphone apps, with a small attachment, can read blood-alcohol levels, predict when users will sober up, and even call a cab.
Chase Ordered to Refund $309 Million to Credit Card Customers
Brandon Ballenger on September 19, 2013
Yet another big bank is in trouble with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for the way it sold credit card add-on products to customers.
New High-Tech Gadgets Just for Pets (and Anxious Owners)
Brandon Ballenger on September 18, 2013
Worried about what your pet is up to while you’re not home? There’s an app — and lots of gadgets — for that.
Super Bowl Ticket Prices Are Skyrocketing
Brandon Ballenger on September 18, 2013
Top seats will go for $2,600 this year — and that’s before they’re resold. What do you think of Super Bowl prices?
Don’t Believe the Mileage Rating on the Window Sticker
Brandon Ballenger on September 18, 2013
Forty-seven miles per gallon? Yeah, right. The figure automakers tout is rarely what drivers actually get in normal driving conditions.
Shrink Ray Hits Diapers
Brandon Ballenger on September 17, 2013
You might notice Pampers and Luvs coming in smaller packages soon.
For the First Time in 5 Years, U.S. Household Income Didn’t Decline
Brandon Ballenger on September 17, 2013
The economic slide for many U.S. families appears to have stopped. Good news, but how about a turnaround? We’re kind of stuck in neutral.
Thinking of Duct Cleaning? You Might Be Wasting Your Money
Brandon Ballenger on September 17, 2013
Research shows it doesn’t accomplish much most of the time, and it may even make dust and mold worse.
United Airlines Error Results in Free Plane Tickets
Brandon Ballenger on September 16, 2013
People bought tickets for trips across the country for less than $10 after taxes and fees. The airline said it would honor them.
Does a Degree From a Respected School Mean Good Money?
Brandon Ballenger on September 16, 2013
Schools that produce a large number of graduates in high-earning fields are often prestigious, but not all prestigious schools produce high earners.
400 Wealthiest Americans Are Worth a Record $2.02 Trillion, Forbes says
Brandon Ballenger on September 16, 2013
The 400 richest Americans not only regained everything lost five years ago, they’re now worth the GDP of Russia.
Some Smartphones Worth $300 in Walmart’s Trade-In Program
Brandon Ballenger on September 13, 2013
The credit can be applied to a new phone purchased with a two-year wireless contract or with Walmart’s prepaid plan.
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