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.

Home Sales Are Picking Up

Brandon Ballenger on February 21, 2013

In January they hit the second-highest stride seen in the last three years.

Oscar Losers Get $45,000 Gift Bags

Brandon Ballenger on February 21, 2013

Don’t feel bad for the actors and actresses who don’t win golden statues. They still get free trips, cosmetic surgery, and other goodies.

Facebook Forces 104-Year-Old To Lie About Her Age

Brandon Ballenger on February 21, 2013

The site won’t let a woman born in 1908 list that as her birth year. After some publicity, Facebook said they’ll fix it.

Wanted: People to Work in Paradise

Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2013

There are well-paying jobs – some that might start as hobbies – always needed in resort towns.

New Website Helps Identify Scams

Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2013

Not sure if somebody’s trying to con you? Here’s a place for help.

Five-Minute Jewel Heist Nets $50 Million

Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2013

Here’s how diamond thieves robbed a plane just before it took off – it’s like something out of a movie.

10 Tips to Avoid an Audit

Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2013

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid the nightmare millions of taxpayers fear: an IRS audit. But there are at least 10 ways to reduce the risk.

Report: All Those Hackings Came From the Chinese Military

Brandon Ballenger on February 19, 2013

Heard about the hacks on Coca-Cola, Halliburton, and The New York Times? It may all be coming from one building in China, and one company is outing some of the alleged hackers.

Here Comes A New U.S. Deficit Reduction Plan

Brandon Ballenger on February 19, 2013

From two names you may have heard before: Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles. It’s an attempt to get Republicans and Democrats to meet halfway. Again.

Is the Consumer Watchdog Doomed?

Brandon Ballenger on February 19, 2013

Some Republicans are trying to stop the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from operating, despite the protections and money it’s won back for wronged consumers.

Beef Prices May Jump 10 Percent By Summer

Brandon Ballenger on February 18, 2013

Grilling burgers may be more expensive than usual this year, as the drought of 2012 gives new meaning to “cash cow.”

Medicare Drug Costs Going Down for Seniors

Brandon Ballenger on February 18, 2013

Part D coverage will also expand, and participating pharmacies won’t be able to automatically refill prescriptions anymore.

Why Facebook Gets a $429 Million Tax Refund

Brandon Ballenger on February 18, 2013

A new report suggests Facebook is getting special tax treatment. Actually, the company just screwed up.

Can You Claim a Home Office Tax Deduction?

Brandon Ballenger on February 18, 2013

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who work from home, don’t pass up a deduction that could be worth thousands. Here’s how to tell if you qualify.