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
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.
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.
Cheapest Overnight Shipping
Dec 21, 2011 - Think Fedex, UPS and the Post Office are all the same? Not even close.
Beware Fake Charities: 4 Tips for Donating
Dec 19, 2011 - Think you’d never donate to a fake charity? We set up shop in front of K-Mart and prove that Americans do it all the time.
Some College Students Now Occupying Off-Campus Mansions
Dec 19, 2011 - Which would you choose: an empty white dorm room with a bunch of rules for $14,000 a year, or an old five-bedroom mansion off-campus for $200 a month? In the most depressed housing markets, that's an option.
Are Concierge Doctors Worth the Price?
Dec 14, 2011 - Some people are VIPs – very important patients, who get more attention from their doctor with less waiting. As you might imagine, there's a price to pay. Is it worth it?
6 Money Mistakes Couples Make
Dec 12, 2011 - Money and marriage may go together like a horse and carriage, but don't put the cart before the horse. Or buy one without talking to your spouse.
Beware Paperless Event Tickets
Dec 12, 2011 - It's called paperless ticketing - you gain entrance to the concert or show by swiping the credit card you used to buy the tickets. The problem? Since only the card that bought the tickets can use them, that destroys your ability to sell your tickets, or buy them on the secondary market. What does Ticketmaster call this? Why, "convenient," of course.
Can a Photograph Boost Your Retirement Plan?
Dec 09, 2011 - Half of baby boomers won't have enough money to live out their lives comfortably. Some researchers have an idea to fix that in the future – and it sounds a little like science fiction.
Betting on the Elections – Why Do Gamblers Beat Polls?
Dec 07, 2011 - Forget fantasy football - try fantasy politics. Not only do people gamble on who will win the elections, they're more accurate than the pollsters.
6 Dumb Gifts for Guys – and 6 Smart Ones
Dec 05, 2011 - Finding the perfect gift for a guy isn't easy, we know. But don't beat your head against the wall or make a wild guess – try these. And if all else fails, just ask.
Want to Manage Your Money Without a Bank? Try Walmart
Dec 01, 2011 - People who either don't trust or can't afford to rely on a bank have traditionally used pay-day lenders and check-cashing stores instead. Now some of them are using one of few companies with revenues that surpass even Bank of America: Walmart.
13 Smart Things to Do Before Year-End
Nov 30, 2011 - The holidays are a time for bargain shopping and enjoying family, but they're also a good time to start becoming a new, more organized you. Follow these tips to start the new year on the right foot.
5 Gift Ideas to Teach Kids About Money
Nov 28, 2011 - While children get more holiday presents than most of us, sometimes they lose interest before the batteries die. Why not give a gift that earns interest, or lasts a lifetime?
How Smartphones Help Find the Best Black Friday Deals
Nov 24, 2011 - You'll probably be fiddling with your smartphone while waiting in line this Black Friday. Make use of that time by using your phone to find deals.
