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.

What’s New With the iPhone 5
What’s New With the iPhone 5

on September 13, 2012

Want to know what’s changed in the latest version of Apple’s signature product? Here’s a quick list.

Should Moms Work Part Time?
Should Moms Work Part Time?

on September 13, 2012

A new survey of stay-at-home and full-time working moms finds neither is happy.

Few Plan to Switch Jobs Next Year
Few Plan to Switch Jobs Next Year

on September 13, 2012

A new survey says most people will stick with their current employer next year. Last year, a majority said they planned to leave.

Restaurants Where You Might Spot Stars
Restaurants Where You Might Spot Stars

on September 13, 2012

A dining site has compiled a list of restaurants where celebrities have been recently spotted. Any in your city?

Fast Food Menus Adding Calorie Counts
Fast Food Menus Adding Calorie Counts

on September 12, 2012

McDonald’s has started highlighting its calorie counts right on the big signboards, both inside and outside. Other restaurants probably will, too.

The Most Frugal Cities
The Most Frugal Cities

on September 12, 2012

An analysis of coupon use finds New England is more thrifty than the South, but people in populous and coastal cities use them less.

The One Percent is 288 Times Richer Than You
The One Percent is 288 Times Richer Than You

on September 12, 2012

A new report says those in the wealthiest percent of Americans make an average of $16.4 million. In the other 99 percent, it’s $57,000.

Government Lawsuit Makes E-Books Cheaper
Government Lawsuit Makes E-Books Cheaper

on September 12, 2012

The Department of Justice told Apple and publishers to stop fixing prices. One publisher’s prices have already dropped significantly.

More Free Wi-Fi for Some
More Free Wi-Fi for Some

on September 12, 2012

A Google-Boingo partnership will offer Android phone and laptop users free access to more than 4,000 hotspots until at least the end of the month.

How to Avoid 4 Common Internet Scams
How to Avoid 4 Common Internet Scams

on September 12, 2012

Consumer Reports is warning about the latest computer-related rip-offs, including unbelievable coupons and iPad contests. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Illegal Downloads? $9,250 Each
Illegal Downloads? $9,250 Each

on September 11, 2012

A music piracy lawsuit that’s been ongoing since 2007 may be over, with a judgment that one woman owes the industry 222 grand.

Surprise! Bank Slashes Some Mortgage Rates
Surprise! Bank Slashes Some Mortgage Rates

on September 11, 2012

Chase is sending certain homeowners unexpected letters that offer to cut their payments by hundreds a month. It’s not a scam.

Get Out of Jail, Collect $104 Million
Get Out of Jail, Collect $104 Million

on September 11, 2012

A former Swiss banking employee just won a big whistleblower award from the IRS.

Job Recovery Favors Men
Job Recovery Favors Men

on September 11, 2012

Analysis of national job reports shows men are getting new work more often than women.

Majority Now Have Smartphones
Majority Now Have Smartphones

on September 11, 2012

If you have a cell phone, odds are it’s an Android smartphone.

A Recovery in Retail?
A Recovery in Retail?

on September 10, 2012

One company says nearly 281,000 retail workers have been hired this year, up 6.5 percent over a year ago.

People Aren’t Meeting Savings Goals
People Aren’t Meeting Savings Goals

on September 10, 2012

A survey by Scottrade also found fewer people are using saving tactics like coupons and comparison shopping than six months ago.

Fans Plan Weddings Around Football
Fans Plan Weddings Around Football

on September 10, 2012

A new survey shows that for some serious fans, not even getting married is an excuse to miss football.

More Jobs Available Online
More Jobs Available Online

on September 10, 2012

Monster.com says it’s seen a 6 percent increase in job postings since a year ago, even though national unemployment’s only dropped one percent since then.

Free Layaway at Sears
Free Layaway at Sears

on September 7, 2012

Sears and Kmart just became the latest stores to drop layaway fees.

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