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

IRS Working With Police to Crack Down on Identity Theft

Mar 31, 2013 - The government just expanded its refund fraud-targeting program to all 50 states.

New Government Program Could Lower Some Mortgage Payments

Mar 31, 2013 - A new anti-foreclosure program beginning July 1 will make it easier for people behind on payments to get a loan modification.

Could Gay Marriages Raise Tax Rates?

Mar 30, 2013 - Here's one kind of equal treatment gay couples may not want – combined income on tax forms.

Would You Pay to Browse a Store?

Mar 29, 2013 - The owner of a small business in Australia is sick of people asking for help and never buying anything, so she made a new rule: You stay, you pay.

Does Your Neighborhood Make You Fat?

Mar 28, 2013 - Research suggests it can – but the right neighborhood layout can also encourage weight loss.

It’s Automakers’ Turn to Bail Out a Government

Mar 28, 2013 - They're chipping in to an $8 million fund to help the city of Detroit get ambulances and police cars.

Home Values Jumping At Fastest Rate Since 2006

Mar 28, 2013 - Thinking of buying a home? They're not getting any cheaper. .

Teen Tech Millionaire: Just Do It

Mar 28, 2013 - 17-year-old Nick D'Aloisio, who just sold an app to Yahoo for a rumored $30 million, says you're never too young for success.

Bill Gates Wants More Pleasurable Condoms

Mar 27, 2013 - His philanthropic foundation will pay $100,000 for the best designs.

Government May Soon Allow Electronics on Planes

Mar 26, 2013 - We're always told to shut off our devices for takeoff, but the Federal Aviation Administration seems ready to change the rules.

Young Adults Are Avoiding Credit Cards

Mar 26, 2013 - The number of college kids using credit cards dropped 10 percentage points between 2010 and 2012.

Congress May Fight Overdraft Fees

Mar 26, 2013 - A new bill could place more restrictions on the way overdraft fees are charged and how much they cost consumers.

Who Has the Worst Retail Customer Service?

Mar 25, 2013 - The American Consumer Satisfaction Index says who treats customers most poorly.

Is Basketball Betting Legal?

Mar 25, 2013 - Office betting pools can get you fired, and in some states possibly arrested.

Sugary Drinks Linked to Thousands of Deaths Every Year

Mar 25, 2013 - New research shows the U.S. has the third-largest death rate from sugar-sweetened drinks.