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 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?

Tips on Collecting From Some of the World’s Best

Mar 16, 2012 - Looking for an interesting alternative to low-paying savings accounts? Start a collection with tips from two guys who just made $38 million selling theirs.

5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Mar 14, 2012 - Tired of spending frustrating hours online booking flights with no certainty you'll end up with the best deal? Maybe it's time for a blast from the past.

4 Things to Know About Peer Lending

Mar 14, 2012 - Tired of earning next to nothing on your savings? Meet someone making 13 percent by simply doing what the bank does.

Can the Tooth Fairy Predict the Economy?

Mar 13, 2012 - A dental insurer believes "the value of a lost tooth is closely related to the U.S. economy." But the going rate for lost baby teeth dropped 42 cents in the past year. Maybe the tooth fairy expects another recession?

5 Tips for Finding Work When You’re Over 50

Mar 12, 2012 - Feel like your age and experience disqualify you from jobs? Maybe the problem is your perspective, or at least the employer's – learn to take the qualities that come with age and turn them into work-finding assets.

7 Things to Know Before You Join a Clinical Trial

Mar 09, 2012 - Clinical trials can earn you hundreds or even thousands. But they aren't necessarily easy to get into – or through. Here are some details from those in the industry.

6 Steps to Pay Less for Car Insurance

Mar 07, 2012 - Since you're paying more for gas, maybe it's time to save on another expensive part of the driving experience: insurance.

7 Top Scams and How to Avoid Them

Mar 05, 2012 - It's National Consumer Protection Week: the perfect time to familiarize yourself with today's most common scams so you can avoid becoming a victim.

Starting Your Own Business? 3 Resources You Need to Know

Mar 02, 2012 - You can start a business with a little money, a lot of hard work, and relentless optimism. But if you want to succeed with minimum cost and effort, take advantage of every entrepreneurial resource available. Here are some big ones...