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.

Women Manage Credit Better Than Men, Study Says
Women Manage Credit Better Than Men, Study Says

on May 22, 2013

Experian shares some finding from its analysis of data from 750,000 credit reports.

Getting a Price Match Can Be Tricky, Even Downright Difficult
Getting a Price Match Can Be Tricky, Even Downright Difficult

on May 21, 2013

A recent analysis of retailers’ price-match policies revealed the important factors in getting a deal.

Beware Tornado-Related Scams in Aftermath of Oklahoma City
Beware Tornado-Related Scams in Aftermath of Oklahoma City

on May 21, 2013

The victims in Oklahoma need help — but scammers will inevitably try to prey on our desire to reach out. Here’s what to do.

Are You Embarrassed to Carry a McDonald’s Bag?
Are You Embarrassed to Carry a McDonald’s Bag?

on May 21, 2013

A restaurant chain conducted a study to find out which brand’s bag people were most embarrassed to be caught holding.

Stop Advertising Prostitution Expertise, LinkedIn Says
Stop Advertising Prostitution Expertise, LinkedIn Says

on May 20, 2013

The job-oriented social network has changed its privacy policy to explicitly prohibit profiles promoting prostitution or escort service. Some profiles on the site still list prostitution as a skill.

Where Do America’s Poor Live? In the Suburbs
Where Do America’s Poor Live? In the Suburbs

on May 20, 2013

The suburban poor now outnumber the poor in U.S. cities.

Study: Many Americans Don’t Understand Credit Scores
Study: Many Americans Don’t Understand Credit Scores

on May 20, 2013

Women in general know more about credit scores than men, but many members of both sexes get the basics wrong.

Lawyers Recovering Madoff Funds Have Collected $700M in Fees
Lawyers Recovering Madoff Funds Have Collected $700M in Fees

on May 17, 2013

The work to recover the lost $17.5 billion has been going on for five years, and it’s not over.

Scam Scares People With Fake $900 Walmart TV Purchase
Scam Scares People With Fake $900 Walmart TV Purchase

on May 17, 2013

If you’re emailed a receipt for something you didn’t buy, don’t panic: It’s probably just a phishing attempt.

McDonald’s Is Cutting Fat From the Menu (Not the Food)
McDonald’s Is Cutting Fat From the Menu (Not the Food)

on May 17, 2013

McDonald’s is ditching some of its most expensive menu items, but other prices may be going up.

How a Few Minutes on the Phone Can Save $500 on Your Cable Bill
How a Few Minutes on the Phone Can Save $500 on Your Cable Bill

on May 16, 2013

Sometimes all you have to do is ask. But it helps if you have a legitimate complaint you’re ready to leave over.

Ford Owners: EcoBoost Engine Loses Power on Acceleration
Ford Owners: EcoBoost Engine Loses Power on Acceleration

on May 16, 2013

Drivers in Ohio and Louisiana are suing Ford over what they say are defective engines. More than 100 people have complained, one lawsuit says.

A New Free Way to Send Money: Through Email
A New Free Way to Send Money: Through Email

on May 16, 2013

Google is gradually rolling out a feature that lets you attach money to an email, just like a photo or text document.

$45 Million Stolen in Hours With Prepaid Cards
$45 Million Stolen in Hours With Prepaid Cards

on May 15, 2013

One of the most sophisticated cybercrime attacks ever was pulled off with the help of ‘cashing crews’ that accessed massive numbers of ATMs.

Got a Klout Score Higher Than 55? American Airlines Will Buy You Drinks
Got a Klout Score Higher Than 55? American Airlines Will Buy You Drinks

on May 15, 2013

Popular on Twitter or Facebook? You may be eligible for free Wi-Fi, alcohol, and snacks.

A Simple Way to Save 30 Percent on Detergent and Get Cleaner Clothes
A Simple Way to Save 30 Percent on Detergent and Get Cleaner Clothes

on May 15, 2013

A new study from Consumer Reports evaluates the cleaning power of single-use laundry detergent packets.

J.C. Penney Goes Back to Having Fake Sales
J.C. Penney Goes Back to Having Fake Sales

on May 14, 2013

They’re caught in the act: Examples show prices are being marked up so they seem a bargain when put on sale.

Cell Phones: Is a No-Contract Deal Cheaper?
Cell Phones: Is a No-Contract Deal Cheaper?

on May 14, 2013

Skipping a contract can save you hundreds of dollars, but it requires some planning.

One A Day Vitamins Prevent Disease: Or Do They?
One A Day Vitamins Prevent Disease: Or Do They?

on May 14, 2013

A nonprofit is suing Bayer over claims its multivitamins prevents disease.

Ads Hide Secret Messages That Only Kids Can See
Ads Hide Secret Messages That Only Kids Can See

on May 13, 2013

A clever printing technique allows advertisers to create optical illusions — or different messages for kids and adults on the same image.

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