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Brandon Ballenger Writer

Brandon Ballenger

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.

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Posts by Brandon Ballenger

A revamped mortgage refinance program can help lower monthly payments on your home.

More Help for Homeowners: HARP 2.0

Jan 23, 2012 - When the government realized one of its mortgage refinance programs wasn't helping enough people, it changed the rules. Find out if you qualify for the revamped Home Affordable Refinance Program, which could save you thousands.

Cleaning up your credit report? Don't trust anyone to do what you can do yourself for free.

Should You Pay for Credit Repair?

Jan 20, 2012 - You've seen the ads – stuff like "We can erase your bad credit, guaranteed!" and "Create a new credit identity!" Are these people for real, and are they worth it?

Debts are chains that bind us, but they means they can be destroyed in a chain reaction.

Resolutions 2012: 4 Steps to Destroy Debt

Jan 18, 2012 - 2012 is when it all ends. No, not the world – your slavery to debt! If you're ready to break free, we're here to show you how.

Feel like your savings plan is scraping the bottom of the barrel? Here's how to make your new year's resolution to save more pay off.

Resolutions 2012 – 4 Steps to Saving More

Jan 16, 2012 - Still haven't made a New Year's resolution? Well, the Chinese New Year is Jan. 23 - good enough. But instead of the Year of the Dragon, make it the Year of Savings.

Shocked by your credit card bill? Too much debt to handle? Maybe it's time to get help from a credit counseling group.

Resolutions 2012 – Finding Help With Debt

Jan 13, 2012 - Racked up some holiday debt you've sworn to tackle in the new year? A credit counseling agency can help, and the right one might not charge you.

Saving on energy can cost money and time up front. If you don't have a lot of either, try these tricks instead.

6 Easy Ways to Save Energy

Jan 12, 2012 - There are dozens of ways to lower your energy costs, and most require little in the way of effort or expense.

Creating a spending plan isn't about sacrificing what you want, it's about finding more money. Learn how to do it and stick to it in 2012.

Resolutions 2012 – Budgeting Your Way to Happiness

Jan 11, 2012 - Some people see budgets like diets, but starving yourself to meet your goals will never work. Here's how to look at budgets and make them work for you.

Inflation Forecast 2012

Inflation Forecast 2012 – and How to Lower Your Personal Rate

Jan 06, 2012 - If you've ever paid attention to the inflation rate, you probably noticed it doesn't match your experience, and it won't in 2012, either. Here's why, and a few ways to fight rising costs.

Hunting for your dream job? The most popular fields may surprise you.

What’s Your Dream Job? For Young People, Not Banking

Jan 05, 2012 - Not sure what you want to be when you grow up? A new survey takes a look at what young people consider the ideal employer. Up high: tech. Down low: banks.

Predicting the economy in 2012? The funny thing about crystal balls is they tend to turn the big picture upside down.

2012 Forecast: Stocks, Housing, and Oil Prices

Jan 04, 2012 - It's a new year, which means a new set of economic predictions from every pundit and blowhard in the business. We've collected several, and as usual, pit them against the opinion of average folks on the street. Let's see who wins!

Wondering how the market will perform next year? Your guess is as good as the expert's.

You Can Beat the Wall Street Pros

Jan 02, 2012 - For nearly a decade, Money Talks News has collected market predictions from Wall Street pros and average Joes. Guess who's usually more accurate?

It might collect snow and dust for a few months, but January is a good time to buy cheap patio furniture.

9 Things to Buy in January

Dec 26, 2011 - Did you overspend during the holidays, and vow to start the new year making smarter financial decisions? You're not alone, which is why you should break out the wallet again.

Lose a wad of cash? Probably not. But you might be owed money you forgot about, or never knew existed.

Finding Unclaimed Cash

Dec 23, 2011 - Looking for some money to pay holiday bills? Instead of checking for coins under the couch, start by checking the Web.

Is your computer spying on you? Make sure it doesn't with common sense and internet safety practices.

Free Ways to Avoid Internet Security Risks

Dec 22, 2011 - Internet scams happen all year long, but they're especially common during the holiday shopping frenzy. Make sure you're protected.

Sending a package at the last minute? Don't pay overstuffed prices.

Cheapest Overnight Shipping

Dec 21, 2011 - Think Fedex, UPS and the Post Office are all the same? Not even close.

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