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.
9 Tips to Pick a Tax Pro – If You Need One
Brandon Ballenger on February 6, 2013
Just because taxes are complicated doesn’t mean simple software can’t do the job. Here’s how to determine if you need a pro, and if you do, how to find the right one.
How to Block Scam Text Messages
Brandon Ballenger on February 5, 2013
Receiving obnoxious, unwanted texts? On at least three major providers, you can probably prevent them.
Rich Bad Drivers Pay Lower Rates Than Poor Ones
Brandon Ballenger on February 5, 2013
Or: why car insurance rates are unfair.
One-Third of Risky Student Loans Are Delinquent
Brandon Ballenger on February 5, 2013
That’s almost $300 billion in college debt, and doesn’t include the past-due balances of less risky borrowers. Who’s going to pay? The taxpayer.
What Happens When You Dispute a Credit Card Charge
Brandon Ballenger on February 4, 2013
Ever wondered how your lender and the company handle it? Here’s how it works.
Federal and State Government May Sue S&P Over Financial Crisis
Brandon Ballenger on February 4, 2013
Will there finally be some accountability for the meltdown now more than four years old?
U.S. Gained 157,000 Jobs in January
Brandon Ballenger on February 4, 2013
Revised estimates also show hiring has been better than we thought over the past two years.
Burger King DNA Testing for Horse Meat
Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2013
One of Burger King’s food processors imported beef that contained horse meat, but they didn’t use it in their burgers and just dumped the company.
Microsoft Wants You to Pay $100 a Year for Office
Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2013
The popular productivity suite is now available as a subscription service.
Gas Prices Surging Again
Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2013
The price of gas has been headed up for two straight weeks. Here’s why.
Americans Think Toyota Is Best
Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2013
According to a consumer survey we perceive Toyota as the top car brand, but Toyota-owned Scion as the worst.
Will McDonald’s Kill the $1 McDouble?
Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2013
Costs may push the chain to raise prices on of the most-popular dollar menu items. Many franchisees already have.
Study: Beer Ingredient May Help Treat Cancer and Diabetes
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2013
Scientists are really interested in what happens to hops during beer-brewing.
Apple Rolls Out $799, 128 GB iPad
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2013
At some point, you should just consider a laptop.
How the IRS Fights Identity Theft
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2013
Here’s a look at what the government’s doing to keep people from stealing your tax refund.
Thieves Used Newspaper to Pick Targets
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2013
Not by seeing them stacked up on the doorstep. They acquired a list of subscribers who paused delivery because they were out of town.
Several States May Soon Raise Minimum Wage
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2013
Almost half the country has already raised the minimum wage this year or is considering it.
Government Allowed Huge Exec Pay at Bailout Firms
Brandon Ballenger on January 30, 2013
Companies propped up by taxpayer money were allowed to give millions of it, including big raises, to executives.
Where to Sell Unused Daily Deals
Brandon Ballenger on January 30, 2013
You can also scoop up other people’s at an even better price, even if the original deal sold out.
How Hotels Spy On You
Brandon Ballenger on January 30, 2013
They may even have meetings about your tastes and preferences (by eavesdropping online) before you check in.
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