Brandon Ballenger Writer

I'm a freelance writer based in Pompano Beach, Fla. who's done work for The South Florida Business Journal and BusinessMiami, covering real estate, health care, and franchising. I received a bachelor's degree in English and public communication from Florida Atlantic University in 2008, and am currently pursuing a master's degree in communication there. In my free time, I read fantasy novels, plays video games, and take advantage of South Florida's perennial summer at the beach.
Posts by Brandon Ballenger

5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Car Ownership
May 03, 2012 - Buying a car is expensive, but so is keeping one running. Check out these quick tips to spend less money fueling and maintaining your vehicle.

5 Ways to Score Scholarship Money
Apr 20, 2012 - College-bound? Here's how to win a slice of the billions up for grabs every year in scholarships.

The Simplest Way to Save on Everything
Apr 18, 2012 - Forget the latest shopping app or extreme couponing. The way to get the best deal on anything from dry cleaning to a new car is to use the same technique humans have used since they learned to communicate.

A Simple System to Destroy Debt
Apr 13, 2012 - It's possible to pay off every debt you have in months, rather than years. It's not easy, but it is simple. Here's a five-step process that will work, if you work it.

Your Child Might Be an Identity Theft Victim
Apr 12, 2012 - Even 5-year-olds can have their identities stolen. It can wreck their credit as adults and cost their parents now. Here's how to prevent it.

Buying a Boat? Tips to Staying Afloat
Apr 11, 2012 - The sticker price of a boat is just the beginning. Learn about the total cost of ownership or you'll quickly sink your savings.

Are Expensive HDMI Cables a Rip-off?
Apr 06, 2012 - There are few products that look the same, do the same thing, but range in price from 1 cent to $300. Despite years of expert testimony, some consumers can still be talked into paying more for a cable than a TV.

Clean Up Your Finances in 7 Easy Steps
Apr 02, 2012 - Spring cleaning? We can't do your manual labor, but we can save you some time when it comes to going through piles of paperwork deciding what to toss.

5 Dumb Moves Homebuyers Make
Mar 30, 2012 - House hunting? Avoid these common buyers blunders that can blow your dreams out of the water.

5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make
Mar 28, 2012 - Selling your home? Getting it right the first time can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Unemployment No Longer the Stigma It Once Was
Mar 27, 2012 - If you're trying to claw your way back into the job market after being unemployed or underemployed, there's finally some good news for you.

7 Tips to Pay Less for Health Insurance
Mar 26, 2012 - Health insurance policies – and their premiums – vary widely. But you have more control over your costs and coverage than you might think.

What Happened When My Identity Was Stolen
Mar 26, 2012 - Somebody in China stole my debit card number and ripped me off for $474.01. I got my money back – and I have tips to help you keep yours.

Beating the Banks: Microloans
Mar 21, 2012 - What's better than earning a higher interest rate on your savings? Helping a worthy entrepreneur while you do it. Microloans offer the opportunity to beat the banks while you save the world.

How Dividend Stocks Can Help You Beat the Bank
Mar 19, 2012 - Stocks do more than go up and down: Some pay dividends that beat the pants off bank savings accounts. Did you know AT&T pays nearly 6 percent?