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.
6 Breakfast Cereals With More Sugar Than a Doughnut
Brandon Ballenger on March 23, 2023
Many popular cereals don’t advertise their added sugar content nearly as much as they do vitamins and fiber.
10 Cities With the Worst Tax Procrastinators
Brandon Ballenger on March 23, 2023
A new study finds people here are the most likely to be frantically web-searching “penalty for late taxes,” “file tax extension” and similar phrases.
14 Countries With the Best Pensions in the World
Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2023
A new report examines the commonalities among the most generous and reliable retirement plans.
11 Services You Didn’t Know Social Security Offers
Brandon Ballenger on March 20, 2023
There’s more to the Social Security Administration than just dishing out retirement benefits.
The 10 Most Affordable States for Retirees in 2023
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2023
If living expenses are the most important factor for retirement, a new study says these are the best places to live.
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.
The 15 Worst States for Retirees in 2023
Brandon Ballenger on March 15, 2023
Based on such categories as affordability, quality of life and health care, these are not ideal places to spend retirement.
The 15 Most Expensive States for Retirees in 2023
Brandon Ballenger on March 14, 2023
While these places all have good things going for them, being affordable is not one of them.
The 9 Biggest Union Strikes of 2022
Brandon Ballenger on March 11, 2023
There were more strikes than normal last year, and these were the biggest.
4 of the Worst Things to Do With Your Tax Refund
Brandon Ballenger on March 9, 2023
For some reason, a big pile of money can make people reckless.
11 Retirement Milestones Everyone Should Know
Brandon Ballenger on March 9, 2023
How many of these retirement-related ages and deadlines have you prepared for?
7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Become Richer
Brandon Ballenger on March 9, 2023
They say it takes money to make money. Here’s how to leverage a tax refund into more cash.
A 5-Minute Fix for People Who Sit All Day
Brandon Ballenger on March 6, 2023
This prescription isn’t too hard to swallow.
Try This to Replace Cable for $25 Per Month
Brandon Ballenger on March 6, 2023
The world of a la carte streaming can be overwhelming and expensive. This makes it simple and affordable.
6 Income Tax Breaks That Retirees Often Overlook
Brandon Ballenger on March 4, 2023
Did you realize all these tax credits and deductions exist — or that they apply to retirees?
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.
12 Types of Retirement Income That Are Not Taxable
Brandon Ballenger on March 3, 2023
There are lots of things Uncle Sam can’t touch — so long as you play by the rules.
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 Small Splurges That Can Make a Big Difference in Your Life
Brandon Ballenger on March 1, 2023
Some purchases are hard to justify — but others make so much sense you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
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.
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