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.

Free Media Center Upgrade for Windows 8 Pro Users
Free Media Center Upgrade for Windows 8 Pro Users

on November 21, 2012

Some users of the new Microsoft operating system can get a free upgrade through January.

Phone Booths Go Digital
Phone Booths Go Digital

on November 21, 2012

Pay phones are being replaced with digital screens that provide local business deals, public information, and directions.

Most Black Friday Shoppers Buy for Themselves
Most Black Friday Shoppers Buy for Themselves

on November 21, 2012

“Oh, wow, how sweet of me! I shouldn’t have!” More than half of Americans will spend an average of $140 on “presents” for themselves this shopping season.

Where the Most Germs Are in Restaurants
Where the Most Germs Are in Restaurants

on November 20, 2012

Neither the bathroom nor the kitchen top the list. But three items in this picture are on it.

Gift Card Fees and Limits Explained
Gift Card Fees and Limits Explained

on November 20, 2012

Find out how much you can put on certain gift cards, what the fees are, if and when they expire, and more.

Company Pays Employees to Date Each Other
Company Pays Employees to Date Each Other

on November 20, 2012

They’re not only OK with office dating, they’ll pay a bonus for it. Even if you date someone from a rival company.

Some Mannequins Have Secret Cameras
Some Mannequins Have Secret Cameras

on November 20, 2012

A few fashion brands are spying on customers through their clothing displays.

China Plans to Erect World’s Tallest Skyscraper in 3 Months
China Plans to Erect World’s Tallest Skyscraper in 3 Months

on November 20, 2012

How could it be made so fast, and cheaper than the current tallest building?

Citi Users: Get a Better Price After Purchase
Citi Users: Get a Better Price After Purchase

on November 19, 2012

A free new program can help Citi cardholders save up to $1,000 a year on things they already bought.

Black Friday Freebies
Black Friday Freebies

on November 19, 2012

The goal of Black Friday is to get people to spend a ton of money. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get free stuff.

Secrets from People With Amazing Credit Scores
Secrets from People With Amazing Credit Scores

on November 19, 2012

Want to know how to get an almost-perfect score? Ask people who have them.

Don’t Panic About Twinkies
Don’t Panic About Twinkies

on November 19, 2012

The brand will probably be sold to another snack-maker. And if not, there are recipes to make your own.

Ad-Tracking Critics Use Ad Trackers
Ad-Tracking Critics Use Ad Trackers

on November 19, 2012

Two popular sites concerned about online consumer privacy protections share a flaw they’re criticizing.

10,000 American ID Crime Rings
10,000 American ID Crime Rings

on November 16, 2012

A new study of identity theft found the crime is sometimes a family business, and sometimes a network of friends. Find out where these crime rings are most common.

Sadness Makes You Spend
Sadness Makes You Spend

on November 16, 2012

Researchers have found evidence that backs up the anecdotes about people who splurge when they’re upset.

People Care About How Wrinkled Money Is
People Care About How Wrinkled Money Is

on November 16, 2012

New research shows people can’t stand “dirty” money, and are a little embarrassed to spend it in front of others.

Giant Diamond Sells for Record Price
Giant Diamond Sells for Record Price

on November 16, 2012

A 76-carat perfect diamond. Want to know how big that is, or what it’s worth?

Where to Hide Valuables
Where to Hide Valuables

on November 16, 2012

Don’t have a safe? Here are some alternative ideas for protecting important stuff from potential thieves.

Free Popcorn to Stay Off Your Phone
Free Popcorn to Stay Off Your Phone

on November 15, 2012

One theater chain is offering bribes to keep your phone off during the film. Here’s how you can score their freebies.

Cancel a Flight Within 24 Hours Without Fees
Cancel a Flight Within 24 Hours Without Fees

on November 15, 2012

Here’s a little extra help finding the best airfare — or wiggling out of a booking if plans change suddenly.

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