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.
How to Lock Your Social Security Number — and Why You Should
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2023
You can put a “lock” on your Social Security record, somewhat similar to a credit freeze.
Here’s What Will Happen When Social Security and Medicare Funds Run Dry
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2023
And when it will happen.
Baby Boomers’ 9 Greatest Fears About Retirement
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2023
For many, having the goal in sight makes them less fearful than people of younger generations. In others, the fears may seem all too real.
Amazon to Warn Customers About Unsatisfying Products
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2023
The site is launching a new way to tell when other customers have been unhappy with a specific product and sent it back.
Using This Search Engine Is Riskier Now, Experts Warn
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2023
You’ll want to be extra careful or avoid using it until the problem is fixed, experts say.
Born in 1950? The IRS Has a New Deadline for You
Brandon Ballenger on March 24, 2023
This may be a challenging tax year, especially if you’re unprepared.
These Apps Stop You From Throwing Away Money
Brandon Ballenger on March 16, 2023
Do you shop or invest on your phone more than you think you should? There’s help.
A 5-Minute Fix for People Who Sit All Day
Brandon Ballenger on March 6, 2023
This prescription isn’t too hard to swallow.
Google Wants to Be Your Personal Shopping Assistant
Brandon Ballenger on March 3, 2023
New and improved tools help you find what you want to buy online — down to the size, color and shipping cost.
10 States Where Building a Home Beats Buying One
Brandon Ballenger on March 3, 2023
Right now, in more than a third of the country, you can save money by building instead of buying.
7 Great Places to Retire in the Pacific Northwest
Brandon Ballenger on February 23, 2023
This region has a few urban centers with a lot of breathtaking beaches, mountains and forests in between.
6 Ways to Improve Your Home Wi-Fi Connection
Brandon Ballenger on February 21, 2023
Don’t settle for lousy internet.
9 Things Unlikely to Get Cheaper Anytime Soon
Brandon Ballenger on February 21, 2023
Some prices — like that of gasoline — can change daily. But these things, not so much.
7 Siri Commands Every iPhone User Should Know
Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2023
It can do a lot more than call people and answer trivia questions.
4 Super Bowl Groceries That Are Cheaper This Year — and 2 That Cost More
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2023
Game day food may be a little less harsh on your budget this year, depending on what you like.
6 Free Tools That Help You Prepare for Natural Disasters
Brandon Ballenger on January 28, 2023
There are many federal government and nonprofit websites to help homebuyers and others trying to understand the risks where they live.
5 Steps You Should Take Before Getting Rid of a Phone
Brandon Ballenger on January 24, 2023
Forgetting crucial steps could get you locked out of accounts or lead to your identity being stolen.
4 Reasons to Stop Donating in the Checkout Line
Brandon Ballenger on January 10, 2023
Would you like to round up your total and donate the change for a good cause? Maybe not.
The Dog and Cat Breeds With the Highest Vet Bills
Brandon Ballenger on January 5, 2023
Insurance claims data shows these sweet furballs can sour the wallet.
2 Ways a New Law Expands Medicare Coverage
Brandon Ballenger on December 28, 2022
Seniors will be getting some new mental health coverage in their Medicare plans.
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