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 Tips for Finding Outlet Store Deals
Nov 04, 2011 - Most people know about outlet store savings – cheaper prices on off-season and refurbished goods. But you may not be getting the deal you expect.
5 Ways to Avoid Debit Card Fees
Nov 02, 2011 - America, land of the fee. Because the Dodd-Frank Act is costing big banks swipe fee revenue, they're trying to pin the loss on consumers. But public outcry, and these tips, might save you from new fees on debit cards.
How Popular Is Your Boss?
Oct 27, 2011 - Office bosses as a group tend to get a bad rap – but recent research shows most people have nothing but nice things to say about the folks in charge.
Bright Idea: Get the Right Light
Oct 24, 2011 - The government is implementing new lighting standards in January. New bulbs will cost more up front, but rack up savings in the long term.
The 5 Best Tips for a Cheaper Winter
Oct 21, 2011 - Winter is on the way: Time to save some cold cash on heating costs. Here's where to find the biggest bang for your buck in quick, cheap home improvements.
Why I’m Still a Happy Renter: 4 Tips for the Apartment Hunt
Oct 21, 2011 - Experts suggest potential homebuyers should snatch up cheap homes at low interest rates now – and that's fine if you have the cash. But there are plenty of great rentals seeking tenants for low rents right now, if you know how to look.
Why Men Don’t Read Product Reviews, and Why They Should
Oct 20, 2011 - A new survey backs up what we've all heard before: Guys don't have the patience for shopping. One of the effects of that is that they don't read product reviews. But there are ways to do that more quickly so you can save time and money.
8 Ways to Get Your Favorite Music Free
Oct 19, 2011 - Friends, lend me your ears: The digital music scene has come a long way since the illegal file-sharing boom of Napster and the first appearance of the iPod. If you've been looking for an alternative to keeping all those MP3s on your computer or phone, try out these services.
6 Free Ways to Save Your Digital Life
Oct 18, 2011 - McAfee's rolling out a new all-in-one security product for computers, phones, and tablets. But their expensive bundle includes a lot of services you already have, or can get for free – in one case, from McAfee itself!
4 Reasons to Start Thinking Taxes Now
Oct 17, 2011 - Nobody wants to think about taxes heading into the holidays. But there are tax opportunities now that disappear at the end of the year, and others where more time means less pain and better planning.
8 Alternatives to Netflix
Oct 14, 2011 - A lot of people are mad at Netflix for raising rates. But while there are a lot of other options out there, Netflix may still be the best fit for many. Check out the alternatives and decide for yourself.
New Job Hunting Advice From Hiring Managers
Oct 12, 2011 - Looking for holiday work? A handful of recent surveys asked the people who make hiring decisions what to do and where to go – see what they said.
Why Don’t More People Buy Electronics Online?
Oct 11, 2011 - According to recent research, fewer than half of us are likely to buy many types of electronics online. If you're strictly a bricks-and-mortar shopper, you might be missing out on online bargains.
10 Ways to Save on Self Storage
Oct 10, 2011 - People own a lot of stuff. And they have a hard time letting go of it. Renting storage space may sometimes be necessary, but many people spend thousands to keep stuff they don't really care about.
What Your Sign Says About Your Salary
Oct 10, 2011 - Some people believe horoscopes can predict their future – so why not your entire career? A new study looks at the most probable job fields for different star signs.
