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.
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.
In Massachusetts, Stores Can’t Ask For Your Zip Code
Brandon Ballenger on March 20, 2013
The State Supreme Court ruled a craft store broke the law by asking for zip codes at checkout to spam customers.
Senator: Why Does The Minimum Wage Rise So Slowly?
Brandon Ballenger on March 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren argues that if pay were tied to productivity, the minimum wage would be $22 today.
Coming Soon: Money 101
Brandon Ballenger on March 19, 2013
The nonprofit Council for Economic Education has worked with teachers to develop money lessons for grade schoolers.
Stores That Don’t Sell Anything?
Brandon Ballenger on March 19, 2013
At a clothing store called Bonobos you can try things on, but you’ll never walk out with a purchase.
Southern California BBB Sold Good Business Ratings
Brandon Ballenger on March 19, 2013
A chapter of the Better Business Bureau has been kicked to the curb after the national organization discovered it was taking money in exchange for better rankings.
Study: An Active Lifestyle Is As Good as the Gym
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2013
Researchers found people who exercise naturally tend to work out more than people going to the gym, and even a few minutes of exercise has a positive effect.
Chelsea Clinton: Living Large in Manhattan
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2013
It has six and a half bathrooms and cost more than $10 million.
The Vatican Deficit-Spends Too
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2013
In 2011, the Holy See saw a $19 million budget gap. Will the Pope of the poor fix it and other financial problems?
12 Ways Skimping Now Can Blow Up in Your Face Later
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2013
Smart spending is obviously a good idea. But can there be too much of a good thing?
Consumer Watchdog Eyeing Student Loan Business
Brandon Ballenger on March 15, 2013
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to take a role in overseeing student loan companies to make sure borrowers are treated fairly.
Chinese Firm Investing Big In U.S. Natural Gas
Brandon Ballenger on March 15, 2013
ENN Group is muscling into the American energy market with $50 million for trucker gas stations this year. It already has a big investment in solar, too.
Think Before Paying Taxes With a Credit Card
Brandon Ballenger on March 15, 2013
The IRS doesn’t care how you pay, and the fees can be high.
Expert: The Economy Is Picking Up Steam
Brandon Ballenger on March 14, 2013
JP Morgan chief U.S. economist Michael Feroli says the second half of 2013 should bring more economic momentum.
Wind Energy is Blowing Away Nuclear
Brandon Ballenger on March 14, 2013
The nuclear industry provides 19 percent of American electricity. Wind provides just 3.4 percent, but gaining ground is proving to be a breeze.
FDA: Forcing Calorie Counts on Menus Will Take a While Longer
Brandon Ballenger on March 14, 2013
The government agency says creating a new menu-labeling law “has gotten extremely thorny.” Grocery and convenience stores are the thorns.
Celebrity Credit Reports Posted Online
Brandon Ballenger on March 13, 2013
Hackers now probably know the credit scores of everybody from Michelle Obama to Beyonce and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Despite Job Cuts and Losses, Bankers Are Paying Themselves More
Brandon Ballenger on March 13, 2013
A new report says despite 93,000 job cuts, top banks spent billions more on their people last year.
Return of the Twinkie
Brandon Ballenger on March 13, 2013
Everyone’s favorite creamy sponge cake will return to shelves soon.
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