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.

Happy People Make More Money
Happy People Make More Money

on January 7, 2013

New research ties wealth to emotional health. One of the keys to success may be a happy childhood.

Despite Giving Billions Away, Bill Gates Getting Richer
Despite Giving Billions Away, Bill Gates Getting Richer

on January 4, 2013

The founder of Microsoft has donated more than $28 billion to charity. But his wealth is going up, not down.

Super Bowl Ads Hit Record Price
Super Bowl Ads Hit Record Price

on January 4, 2013

How much would you pay for a 30-second slot during one of the most-watched events on TV? Probably not this much.

How to Get on The Price Is Right
How to Get on The Price Is Right

on January 4, 2013

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a contestant, reading a funny first-person account can’t hurt your chances.

Consumer Watchdog Is Just Getting Started
Consumer Watchdog Is Just Getting Started

on January 4, 2013

In its first couple years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has fined big banks millions and assumed oversight of credit reporting agencies. That was a warm-up.

Should We Make a Trillion-Dollar Coin?
Should We Make a Trillion-Dollar Coin?

on January 4, 2013

Some people are suggesting the government make a valuable platinum coin that could circumvent Congressional bickering over the debt.

2013’s Most Stressful Jobs
2013’s Most Stressful Jobs

on January 3, 2013

A study measured different kinds of job demands to decide who has the most hectic work. The results are a little strange.

An Apple iWatch?
An Apple iWatch?

on January 3, 2013

With a big technology showcase coming up, rumors are flying fast. One of them is that Apple might make a smartphone you can wear.

Government Investigation of Google Over
Government Investigation of Google Over

on January 3, 2013

The Federal Trade Commission decided the company does not unfairly promote its own services.

Rig Company to Pay $1.4 Billion for Oil Spill
Rig Company to Pay $1.4 Billion for Oil Spill

on January 3, 2013

Transocean, partially responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, will pay up and plead guilty to a criminal charge.

Hormel Buys Skippy Brand
Hormel Buys Skippy Brand

on January 3, 2013

You probably wouldn’t put peanut butter on your pepperoni, but the brand’s apparently worth $700 million to its new owner.

Fiscal Cliff Deal May Boost Home Sales
Fiscal Cliff Deal May Boost Home Sales

on January 2, 2013

One measure in the agreement extends a tax break for underwater homeowners.

Study: Sugar Makes You Overeat
Study: Sugar Makes You Overeat

on January 2, 2013

We already know sugary drinks contribute to obesity. But researchers have discovered they actually change how the brain works.

We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again
We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again

on January 2, 2013

America owes $16.394 trillion. And yes, that probably means another big, expensive fight in Congress.

How Billionaires Got Richer in 2012
How Billionaires Got Richer in 2012

on January 2, 2013

The world’s richest people added $241 billion more to their net worth last year. Here’s how, and by how much.

Obama’s Debt Commission Chairs Diss Fiscal Cliff Fix
Obama’s Debt Commission Chairs Diss Fiscal Cliff Fix

on January 2, 2013

Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson are not impressed with Congress’ past-the-last-minute tax shenanigans. Here’s what they said.

Study: Being Overweight Is Not Necessarily Unhealthy
Study: Being Overweight Is Not Necessarily Unhealthy

on January 1, 2013

Research suggests the death risk for overweight people is lower than many believe.

2012 Had Highest Ever Average Gas Price
2012 Had Highest Ever Average Gas Price

on January 1, 2013

It wasn’t your imagination. Gas prices overall were worse than even 2008’s.

An iPhone Gift with Conditions
An iPhone Gift with Conditions

on January 1, 2013

Read what one mother made her 13-year-old son agree to for his Christmas present.

How Accurate Are Food Labels?
How Accurate Are Food Labels?

on January 1, 2013

Tests on over 600 products show nutrition info is often well off the mark about the amount of fats, sugars, and nutrients.

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