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.
FTC Catches Alleged $70 Million Scammers
Brandon Ballenger on January 29, 2013
The federal government is accusing a Montana family of ripping off thousands of consumers with fradulent phone charges.
Getting Your Health Plan to Cover Pricy Prescriptions
Brandon Ballenger on January 29, 2013
Insurance is a pain to navigate, but you can often get help and persistence pays off.
Trick to Saving on Airfare: Buy More Tickets
Brandon Ballenger on January 29, 2013
Combining two one-way fares is sometimes markedly cheaper than the round-trip price.
Guess the Super Bowl Coin Toss, Win Pizza
Brandon Ballenger on January 29, 2013
Papa John’s will give you a free large 1-topping pie if you’re right.
YouTube To Add Monthly Subscription Fees
Brandon Ballenger on January 29, 2013
Some content channels will soon cost up to $5 per month.
Unlocking Your Phone Is Now Illegal
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2013
Unless you have permission from your carrier, you can’t use your phone on another network, including overseas.
6 Things That Will Cost Less This Year
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2013
Used cars will be more of a bargain in 2013. Guess what else? (Hint: not “last year’s model” stuff.)
Washington D.C. Cabs Must Take Credit Cards
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2013
Starting March 31, the city will force taxis to take plastic.
Thief Calls Cops to Get Back What He Stole
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2013
A second thief robbed the first of an iPhone he had just stolen. How do you like them Apples?
Watch for Credit Card Skimming Scams
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2013
ATMs can be used to rip off customers if a criminal tampers with them. Here’s what to do.
How to Get a Degree Without Taking Any Classes
Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2013
It’s possible at the University of Wisconsin, if you’re smart enough.
Consumer Bureau Chief Renominated
Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2013
President Obama isn’t done wrangling with Republicans over consumer rights, and wants Richard Cordray to stay.
Heavy Multitasking Makes You Worse At It
Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2013
That’s the conclusion of a new scientific study.
Apple Supplier Used Child Labor
Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2013
One Chinese manufacturer had dozens of employees under 16. Apple ditched them.
The Pay-What-You-Can Panera
Brandon Ballenger on January 25, 2013
A non-profit version called Panera Cares lets you set your own price for a meal. No strings attached, no weird looks.
Study Shows How Much Speeding Hurts Fuel Efficiency
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2013
A lead foot may be costing you hundreds of dollars for little benefit.
How Good Is Your Credit Score?
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2013
Is 790 great or just OK? That depends on who’s scoring you.
Credit Card Penalty Fees Fall
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2013
A 2009 law has saved consumers billions in harsh fees over the past few years.
Two Men Sue Over Short Subs
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2013
New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents may try to get money from Subway for their less-than-Footlongs.
Mail Prices Go Up Slightly This Weekend
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2013
The U.S. Postal service is raising stamp prices on Jan. 27, but you can dodge future price increases by stocking up now.
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