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.
Could Gay Marriages Raise Tax Rates?
Brandon Ballenger on March 30, 2013
Here’s one kind of equal treatment gay couples may not want – combined income on tax forms.
Would You Pay to Browse a Store?
Brandon Ballenger on March 29, 2013
The owner of a small business in Australia is sick of people asking for help and never buying anything, so she made a new rule: You stay, you pay.
Does Your Neighborhood Make You Fat?
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2013
Research suggests it can – but the right neighborhood layout can also encourage weight loss.
It’s Automakers’ Turn to Bail Out a Government
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2013
They’re chipping in to an $8 million fund to help the city of Detroit get ambulances and police cars.
Home Values Jumping At Fastest Rate Since 2006
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2013
Thinking of buying a home? They’re not getting any cheaper. .
Teen Tech Millionaire: Just Do It
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2013
17-year-old Nick D’Aloisio, who just sold an app to Yahoo for a rumored $30 million, says you’re never too young for success.
Bill Gates Wants More Pleasurable Condoms
Brandon Ballenger on March 27, 2013
His philanthropic foundation will pay $100,000 for the best designs.
Government May Soon Allow Electronics on Planes
Brandon Ballenger on March 26, 2013
We’re always told to shut off our devices for takeoff, but the Federal Aviation Administration seems ready to change the rules.
Young Adults Are Avoiding Credit Cards
Brandon Ballenger on March 26, 2013
The number of college kids using credit cards dropped 10 percentage points between 2010 and 2012.
Congress May Fight Overdraft Fees
Brandon Ballenger on March 26, 2013
A new bill could place more restrictions on the way overdraft fees are charged and how much they cost consumers.
Who Has the Worst Retail Customer Service?
Brandon Ballenger on March 25, 2013
The American Consumer Satisfaction Index says who treats customers most poorly.
Is Basketball Betting Legal?
Brandon Ballenger on March 25, 2013
Office betting pools can get you fired, and in some states possibly arrested.
Sugary Drinks Linked to Thousands of Deaths Every Year
Brandon Ballenger on March 25, 2013
New research shows the U.S. has the third-largest death rate from sugar-sweetened drinks.
How Do Store Brands Differ From Name Brands?
Brandon Ballenger on March 22, 2013
Store brands can be cheaper, healthier, and even made by the name-brand competitor.
Only Half of Americans Expect a Comfortable Retirement
Brandon Ballenger on March 22, 2013
The rest of us worry a lot about how debt and job insecurity keep us from saving more, and we don’t do enough planning, according to a new survey.
Court Sides With Student In Textbook Case
Brandon Ballenger on March 22, 2013
The Supreme Court said there’s nothing illegal about buying cheaper foreign editions and reselling them here.
Near-Record Wheat Crop Should Lower Prices
Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2013
As wheat and corn crops recover from the worst drought since the 1930s, our wallets should too.
Freddie Mac Sues Big Banks Over Rate Rigging
Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2013
Remember the LIBOR scandal? So does mortgage giant Freddie Mac, and it wants banks to pay.
Monster Beverage No Longer Has to Report Deaths to Government
Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2013
A simple category switch from dietary supplement to beverage means the company doesn’t have to disclose reports potentially linking Monster Energy to deaths or injuries.
Verizon and Cablevision Support Unbundling Channels You Don’t Care About
Brandon Ballenger on March 20, 2013
Two major cable providers finally agree with consumers who want to ditch and stop paying for channels they don’t watch.
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