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.

Wages Haven’t Grown Much in More Than a Decade
Wages Haven’t Grown Much in More Than a Decade

on August 23, 2013

As a group, only people with advanced degrees have seen any wage growth in the past 5 years, a new study says.

Here’s the Best Frozen Pizza
Here’s the Best Frozen Pizza

on August 22, 2013

Consumer Reports dishes on the best taste, best price and best nutrition among frozen pizzas.

Google Plans Live Video Help-With-Anything Service
Google Plans Live Video Help-With-Anything Service

on August 22, 2013

You’re probably familiar with Google Hangout, the Google+ video chat service. What about Helpouts?

Beware Marijuana Investment Scams
Beware Marijuana Investment Scams

on August 22, 2013

Legal use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is becoming more common, but that doesn’t mean it’s an amazing investment opportunity.

Beware CVS ExtraCare for Prescription Drugs
Beware CVS ExtraCare for Prescription Drugs

on August 21, 2013

The CVS ExtraCare rewards program is expanding for prescription drugs, but signing up means signing away some privacy.

UPS Drops Health Care for Some Spouses, Blames Obamacare
UPS Drops Health Care for Some Spouses, Blames Obamacare

on August 21, 2013

Spouses of UPS employees who can get health care through their own jobs will no longer be eligible for health insurance through UPS in 2014. What do you think?

Bank Fee? Asking For a Waiver Often Works
Bank Fee? Asking For a Waiver Often Works

on August 21, 2013

A majority of adults aged 35-44, among other groups, have successfully requested that bank fees be waived.

Can Debt Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Can Debt Raise Your Blood Pressure?

on August 20, 2013

A new study suggests large debt hurts not just financial health, but also physical and mental health.

More Than 70 Percent of Undergraduates Get Financial Aid
More Than 70 Percent of Undergraduates Get Financial Aid

on August 20, 2013

Meanwhile, states and schools haven’t offered more aid to help families keep pace with rising college costs.

Head Start Forced to Cut 57,000 Spots for Low-Income Kids
Head Start Forced to Cut 57,000 Spots for Low-Income Kids

on August 20, 2013

The program that provides preschool education and health screenings for kids from low-income families has been affected by sequestration.

Could Seattle Make Its Minimum Wage $15?
Could Seattle Make Its Minimum Wage $15?

on August 19, 2013

There’s a push to make it happen, and some local politicians seem to be on board.

About Half of 401(k) Holders Find Them Confusing
About Half of 401(k) Holders Find Them Confusing

on August 19, 2013

Slightly more than half of workers who have 401(k)’s think they’re more difficult to understand than health insurance benefits.

Do You Drink Too Much Coffee?
Do You Drink Too Much Coffee?

on August 19, 2013

A new study suggests that too much coffee increases your risk of death from all causes.

No Credit Score? That Doesn’t Mean You’re a Huge Risk
No Credit Score? That Doesn’t Mean You’re a Huge Risk

on August 16, 2013

Research shows most people without an active credit file aren’t the huge risk lenders fear they might be.

Camping for Free or Really, Really Cheap
Camping for Free or Really, Really Cheap

on August 16, 2013

Ready to get back to nature? You don’t have to spend much on accommodations.

US Workers Are Getting Fewer Paid Sick Days
US Workers Are Getting Fewer Paid Sick Days

on August 16, 2013

We get fewer paid holidays and sick days on average than we did 20 years ago. On the bright side, we picked up a couple of vacation days, and more people have access to multipurpose paid leave.

Turn Your Wall Into a Touchscreen With $150 Software
Turn Your Wall Into a Touchscreen With $150 Software

on August 15, 2013

A Microsoft Kinect paired with this software installed on a computer with Windows 8 can create a touch-sensitive projection up to 45 inches wide.

First Jobs of Financial Geniuses
First Jobs of Financial Geniuses

on August 15, 2013

Unlike the royal baby, these people weren’t born famous, wealthy or seemingly destined for success.

Debt Collection Company Owes W.Va. Mom $10 Million
Debt Collection Company Owes W.Va. Mom $10 Million

on August 15, 2013

A court ruled that the company owed her $10.8 million, and then the Federal Trade Commission froze its assets.

Want to Lose Weight? Try a Bigger Breakfast
Want to Lose Weight? Try a Bigger Breakfast

on August 14, 2013

New research suggests shifting your calorie intake toward the start of the day promotes weight loss.

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