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

Police Catch Possible $30-Million Syrup Thieves
Dec 18, 2012 - Talk about sticky fingers. A bizarre story about three to eight guys who allegedly stole a warehouse full of Canadian maple syrup.

2012′s Worst Bosses in America
Dec 18, 2012 - Fraud, arrogance, possibly sleeping with employees, and other dumb decisions put these CEOs at the bottom.

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Scams
Dec 17, 2012 - It's gift-getting crunch time, but avoid being tricked into buying from unknown retailers or downloading deceptive apps.

Should Retirees Get Smaller Houses?
Dec 17, 2012 - Just because you don't need all that space anymore doesn't mean getting rid of it is always a good idea.

Life-Saving Robocalls?
Dec 17, 2012 - Most people find automated calls an obnoxious inconvenience. But here's a case where they help.

The 10 Most Depressing States in the U.S.
Dec 17, 2012 - These places have the highest reported rates of mental health issues. Do you live in one?

Beware Exaggerated Mileage Claims
Dec 17, 2012 - Some cars don't get anything close to the miles per gallon figure they claim.

The Credit Reports You Don’t Know About
Dec 14, 2012 - Experian, TransUnion and Equifax probably sound familiar. But how about DataX, CoreLogic, or the Medical Information Bureau? They might affect your credit, too.

Define “Socialism”
Dec 14, 2012 - Capitalism and socialism were the most looked-up words this year in Merriam-Webster.

Which Is Worse: Texting While Walking or Driving?
Dec 14, 2012 - Distracted walkers are becoming as much a risk as texting drivers.

Winning the Lottery Ruined His Life
Dec 14, 2012 - Jack Whittaker won a $314.9 million jackpot 10 years ago. And despite his altruism, things didn't go well for him.

14 Things to Do if the World Doesn’t End
Dec 14, 2012 - You can use the last days of 2012 to save a lot of money and reduce your stress in 2013 – assuming, of course, there is one.

Study: Dishwashers Don’t Kill Stomach Flu Virus
Dec 13, 2012 - New research says better cleaning products are needed for handling norovirus.

iPhones Get Google Maps App
Dec 13, 2012 - Been postponing the iOS6 update because of messed up maps? Good news.