Author: 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.
When to Buy and When to DIY
Brandon Ballenger on January 26, 2012
A new study shows people are taking greater interest in being more independent. That’s great news, but some stuff is best left to professionals.
More Help for Homeowners: HARP 2.0
Brandon Ballenger on January 23, 2012
When the government realized one of its mortgage refinance programs wasn’t helping enough people, it changed the rules. Find out if you qualify for the revamped Home Affordable Refinance Program, which could save you thousands.
Should You Pay for Credit Repair?
Brandon Ballenger on January 20, 2012
You’ve seen the ads – stuff like “We can erase your bad credit, guaranteed!” and “Create a new credit identity!” Are these people for real, and are they worth it?
Resolutions 2012: 4 Steps to Destroy Debt
Brandon Ballenger on January 18, 2012
2012 is when it all ends. No, not the world – your slavery to debt! If you’re ready to break free, we’re here to show you how.
Resolutions 2012 – 4 Steps to Saving More
Brandon Ballenger on January 16, 2012
Still haven’t made a New Year’s resolution? Well, the Chinese New Year is Jan. 23 – good enough. But instead of the Year of the Dragon, make it the Year of Savings.
Resolutions 2012 – Finding Help With Debt
Brandon Ballenger on January 13, 2012
Racked up some holiday debt you’ve sworn to tackle in the new year? A credit counseling agency can help, and the right one might not charge you.
6 Easy Ways to Save Energy
Brandon Ballenger on January 12, 2012
There are dozens of ways to lower your energy costs, and most require little in the way of effort or expense.
Resolutions 2012 – Budgeting Your Way to Happiness
Brandon Ballenger on January 11, 2012
Some people see budgets like diets, but starving yourself to meet your goals will never work. Here’s how to look at budgets and make them work for you.
Inflation Forecast 2012 – and How to Lower Your Personal Rate
Brandon Ballenger on January 6, 2012
If you’ve ever paid attention to the inflation rate, you probably noticed it doesn’t match your experience, and it won’t in 2012, either. Here’s why, and a few ways to fight rising costs.
What’s Your Dream Job? For Young People, Not Banking
Brandon Ballenger on January 5, 2012
Not sure what you want to be when you grow up? A new survey takes a look at what young people consider the ideal employer. Up high: tech. Down low: banks.
2012 Forecast: Stocks, Housing, and Oil Prices
Brandon Ballenger on January 4, 2012
It’s a new year, which means a new set of economic predictions from every pundit and blowhard in the business. We’ve collected several, and as usual, pit them against the opinion of average folks on the street. Let’s see who wins!
You Can Beat the Wall Street Pros
Brandon Ballenger on January 2, 2012
For nearly a decade, Money Talks News has collected market predictions from Wall Street pros and average Joes. Guess who’s usually more accurate?
9 Things to Buy in January
Brandon Ballenger on December 26, 2011
Did you overspend during the holidays, and vow to start the new year making smarter financial decisions? You’re not alone, which is why you should break out the wallet again.
Finding Unclaimed Cash
Brandon Ballenger on December 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 22, 2011
Internet scams happen all year long, but they’re especially common during the holiday shopping frenzy. Make sure you’re protected.
Beware Fake Charities: 4 Tips for Donating
Brandon Ballenger on December 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 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?
Brandon Ballenger on December 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 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.
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