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.
Don’t Get Suckered Into a “Free” Credit Report
Brandon Ballenger on July 19, 2013
Avoid the pretenders, the add-on services, the trial offers, and the rest of the nonsense on the Web. There’s only one place to really get your report for free.
Professional Liars for Hire
Brandon Ballenger on July 18, 2013
Liar, liar, pants on fire? You’re hired. A company in Minnesota will say just about anything you want, for the right price.
Detroit Files for Bankruptcy
Brandon Ballenger on July 18, 2013
The wheels have fallen off the automotive capital of the world.
Delaying Retirement Will Keep You Smarter, Longer
Brandon Ballenger on July 18, 2013
Work keeps people physically, socially, and mentally active. New research suggests every extra year of work will reduce the risk of dementia.
Where Do Sales Tax Holidays Go Beyond School Supplies?
Brandon Ballenger on July 17, 2013
Eight states give tax breaks on computers, and a few go even further.
McDonald’s Not Sure How Its Workers Survive On Minimum Wage
Brandon Ballenger on July 17, 2013
A McDonald’s budget template for employees shows it takes roughly two full-time minimum wage jobs to scrape by.
Some Survivors of Asiana Crash May Get No Compensation
Brandon Ballenger on July 17, 2013
Terms of an international treaty will determine whether passengers can sue for tons of money or whether they get nothing for their injuries.
An RV Park for the End of the World
Brandon Ballenger on July 16, 2013
For all your survive-the-apocalypse needs, consider this cave, which features amenities ranging from a wine bar to meditation areas.
Your Dog Has Its Own TV Channel
Brandon Ballenger on July 16, 2013
DirecTV will soon offer DogTV, which features programming meant to either calm or stimulate dogs while owners are away.
Green Coke: Coming Soon?
Brandon Ballenger on July 16, 2013
Coca-Cola is testing a new green Coke product in Argentina, which uses a natural, no-calorie sweetener.
Expensive Standalone Emergency Rooms Popping Up
Brandon Ballenger on July 15, 2013
Free-standing emergency rooms are becoming much more common. They’re convenient, but expensive. Critics says they’re cash cows for their owners.
New eBay App Lets You Customize Jewelry and Phone Covers
Brandon Ballenger on July 15, 2013
EBay now offers a 3-D printing app that lets you customize pre-designed items, then have them made and shipped to you.
Nearly 10 Percent Have Used Smartphone During Sex
Brandon Ballenger on July 15, 2013
Sadly, there’s a whole new meaning to ‘phone sex.’
Get Some Gas Today: Prices May Surge Soon
Brandon Ballenger on July 13, 2013
Oil prices hit 15-month highs this week and supply is down. Guess what that means?
Dying to be Young? More of the Young are Dying
Brandon Ballenger on July 12, 2013
Young doesn’t mean healthy. Young adults are becoming obese at a faster rate than other age groups, and they’re the only demographic where heart disease deaths are increasing.
Will the Netflix Model Work for E-Books?
Brandon Ballenger on July 12, 2013
Several sites are trying out e-book rentals or subscription services. If there was an e-book equivalent of Netflix, would you use it?
Who Has the World’s Shortest Workweek?
Brandon Ballenger on July 11, 2013
Hint: It’s not the United States. There are plenty of countries where people work fewer hours a week on average.
Goodwill Probably Doesn’t Want Your Old TV
Brandon Ballenger on July 11, 2013
Getting rid of your old television is getting more difficult in some areas.
Consumer Bureau to Banks: Be Nice When Collecting Debts
Brandon Ballenger on July 11, 2013
The federal government is warning banks they face penalties for mistreating consumers who owe money. It’s also giving consumers ways to challenge debts and debt collection practices.
Consumer Reports: Those Who Haggle Save Major Money
Brandon Ballenger on July 10, 2013
Most people don’t try to negotiate discounts, but those who do save hundreds of dollars with very simple techniques.
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