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.
Same-City Walgreens Locations May Have Huge Price Differences
Brandon Ballenger on September 6, 2013
A study of 3 pharmacy chains found that prices were most inconsistent across Walgreens locations.
Can an Online-Only Bank Meet All of Your Banking Needs?
Brandon Ballenger on September 4, 2013
Some banks operate exclusively on the Internet. Does that mean they’re less reliable than the brick-and-mortar names you know?
What Google Glass Can and Can’t Do
Brandon Ballenger on September 4, 2013
So how does this wearable computer stuff actually work? Can it recognize photos? Does it record everything?
Has Smartphone Culture Gone Too Far?
Brandon Ballenger on September 4, 2013
People seem to use their smartphones everywhere these days: In bed, during movies, at dinner. Is it too much? And will it ever stop?
Walgreens Sued for Alleged Deceptive Pricing
Brandon Ballenger on September 3, 2013
Missouri’s attorney general has sued the pharmacy company over inaccurate display prices. Have you been overcharged at Walgreens?
Don’t Text Drivers: You Could Be Sued if They Crash
Brandon Ballenger on September 3, 2013
A New Jersey appeals court ruled that people have a responsibility not to text people they have reason to believe are behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
More Will Pay Federal Income Tax This Year
Brandon Ballenger on September 3, 2013
The number of those who pay no federal income tax is expected to drop to 34 percent of households in 10 years.
Lawsuit Says Woman Died Because Walmart Didn’t Double-Bag Her Groceries
Brandon Ballenger on September 2, 2013
A plastic grocery bag broke, setting off a chain of events that led to the woman’s death, her husband’s lawsuit says.
Hey, Tooth Fairy: What Do You Pay These Days?
Brandon Ballenger on September 2, 2013
We want the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth — so help your dentist.
Are Some C-sections Financially Motivated?
Brandon Ballenger on September 2, 2013
The financial incentive to perform the more profitable procedure is likely very subtle but it’s still there, new research suggests.
Facebook Is Changing the Rules So It Can Keep Selling Your Face
Brandon Ballenger on August 30, 2013
Facebook is proposing a policy update that will ensure its right to keep sticking your name and photo next to advertisements sent to your friends without compensating you.
Are Top CEOs Overpaid for Their Performance?
Brandon Ballenger on August 30, 2013
CEOs are paid so handsomely because they bring something important to the company, right? Like bankruptcy, or a bailout?
How New IRS Rules Affect Married Same-Sex Couples
Brandon Ballenger on August 30, 2013
Ah, the freedom to give money to the government — together. New IRS rules apply to all married same-sex couples, no matter where they live.
Do You Support the Fast-Food Workers’ Strike?
Brandon Ballenger on August 29, 2013
Across the country, fast-food employees are demanding $15-an-hour pay. Do they deserve it? Would you help pay for it?
Would You Prefer a Credit Score Based on Your Facebook Friends?
Brandon Ballenger on August 29, 2013
Some nontraditional lenders use your history on social networks and online payment sites to determine creditworthiness. Is that better or worse than the way credit scores usually work?
1 Out of 4 Antibiotic Prescriptions Are Useless
Brandon Ballenger on August 29, 2013
Physicians often prescribe antibiotics when they’re unnecessary, and that practice could backfire.
Here’s What to Buy at Warehouse Stores
Brandon Ballenger on August 28, 2013
Not everything at Costco or BJ’s is a bargain. Find out which items you can score the biggest savings on and decide if the trip is worth it.
How 6 Liters of Salt Water Can Cost $546
Brandon Ballenger on August 28, 2013
A newspaper tried to figure out why IV bags of saline cost so much at hospitals. Here’s what it found.
Starbucks Won’t Cut Workers’ Hours to Dodge Obamacare
Brandon Ballenger on August 28, 2013
While some businesses have complained about the requirements of health care reform and threatened to scale back full-time workers to part time, Starbucks made a point of saying it won’t.
Beware the Priceline Hotels Pro App
Brandon Ballenger on August 27, 2013
This Priceline app isn’t quite the same as the free one offered by the company.
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