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.
No Credit Score? That Doesn’t Mean You’re a Huge Risk
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on August 14, 2013
New research suggests shifting your calorie intake toward the start of the day promotes weight loss.
How to Get Antibiotic-Free Meat
Brandon Ballenger on August 14, 2013
“Antibiotic-Free” is a phrase the USDA specifically says it has not authorized, so don’t trust it.
Renting a House on Craigslist? Don’t Get Scammed
Brandon Ballenger on August 14, 2013
A free classified site where people can sell and rent things anonymously? What could possibly go wrong?
New York Sues Lender Charging 355 Percent Interest
Brandon Ballenger on August 13, 2013
The company claims it doesn’t have to follow federal or state laws, based on its supposed ties to a Native American tribe.
Deregulated Electricity is Costing More, Not Less
Brandon Ballenger on August 13, 2013
The debate has returned to Arizona, where once again the Arizona Corporation Commission is considering deregulating utility companies.
Late Payments on Credit Cards Near 20-Year Low
Brandon Ballenger on August 13, 2013
We’re paying the bills on time, more of the time.
Walmart’s Worst Nightmare? A Chain That Competes on Price, Treats Employees Well
Brandon Ballenger on August 12, 2013
A retail expert calls an Idaho-based grocery chain ‘Walmart’s worst nightmare’ based on the company’s ability to undercut Walmart’s prices. What do you think?
Concerned About Privacy? Don’t Use Gmail
Brandon Ballenger on August 12, 2013
Google’s attorneys say that people sending email to a Gmail account shouldn’t expect privacy.
Rich People Have Different Toxins in Their Bodies
Brandon Ballenger on August 12, 2013
In some ways, your body chemistry depends on whether you’re rich or poor, research says.
Car Insurance Rates Up 23 Percent in 5 Years
Brandon Ballenger on August 9, 2013
That’s more than double the rate at which consumer prices have grown.
Which Appliances Are Most Likely To Cause a Fire?
Brandon Ballenger on August 9, 2013
Don’t let home appliances put your family and belongings at risk. Learn which are the most dangerous and how to stay safe.
Few Student Loan Borrowers Take Advantage of Repayment Help
Brandon Ballenger on August 9, 2013
Federal student loan borrowers have options to repay based on their income and eventually get the balance forgiven. Why don’t many use it?
The Biggest Social Security Mistake You’re Likely to Make
Brandon Ballenger on August 8, 2013
This one simple misstep could cost you thousands of dollars in benefits a year.
Could People Replace ATMs?
Brandon Ballenger on August 8, 2013
A new technology could supersede both in-person service and ATMs within the next year. Is this the future of banking?
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