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
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.
7 Hot Holiday Toys Under $10
Nov 23, 2011 - The shopping season has begun – already feeling short on cash? Here are some cheap toys retailers say are popular this year.
5 Reasons to Shop on Small Business Saturday
Nov 21, 2011 - We haven't quite reached "The 12 Days of Christmas," but we're getting closer. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Free Shipping Day, and now Small Business Saturday. Is yet another designated shopping day worth it? Yes.
4 Tips to Find the Right Charity
Nov 16, 2011 - Americans donate billions of dollars to more than a million charities each year. But they're not all created equal. Learn how to tell a fake charity from a real one, and a good charity from one that's great.
18 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping
Nov 14, 2011 - With less than two weeks until the biggest shopping day of the year, how's your gift list looking? If you need ideas for presents and tips to save some money, we have lots.
Holiday Jobs: 6 Tips to Get and Keep Them
Nov 14, 2011 - Many companies hire extra help for the holidays. While this typically starts before Halloween and peaks shortly after, a survey from CareerBuilder shows this year's different: Employers are hiring later and paying more.
6 Great Ways to Save on Holiday Travel
Nov 11, 2011 - Holiday flights can be expensive and a major cheer-kill. Find out how to lower the stress and the cost of getting to your friends and family for the holidays.
