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.
What Investors Are Most Worried About, According to Financial Advisers
Brandon Ballenger on June 24, 2022
Money managers say these are their clients’ top concerns.
This Paint Color Can Rob Your Home Value of $6,500
Brandon Ballenger on June 24, 2022
First impressions may be more important than you realize.
How Scammers Now Target Streaming TV Customers
Brandon Ballenger on June 20, 2022
Don’t be too eager to watch your favorite shows — check for this threat first.
9 States Where Quality of Life Is Improving for Seniors
Brandon Ballenger on June 17, 2022
Over the past decade, these places have become better for older Americans in factors ranging from finances to health.
4 Social Security Payment Quirks That No One Warns You About
Brandon Ballenger on June 16, 2022
These details may not affect how much you get, but they’re still important to know.
If You Put $10K in These Stocks 10 Years Ago, Here’s How Much You’d Have Now
Brandon Ballenger on June 10, 2022
Find out how much investing in big tech firms — and America’s other largest companies — in 2012 could have gotten you.
The Social Security COLA the Year You Were Born
Brandon Ballenger on June 9, 2022
Social Security benefits have been adjusted for inflation since the 1970s. Here’s a look at how benefits have changed in good times and leaner ones.
Here’s What a Gallon of Gas Cost the Year You Were Born
Brandon Ballenger on June 8, 2022
We didn’t know how good we had it. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.
9 States With the Lowest Property Tax Rates
Brandon Ballenger on June 2, 2022
With one exception, typical homeowners in these places beat the national average on their property tax bill.
15 Cities With the Most Unhealthy Air in America
Brandon Ballenger on May 25, 2022
Millions more Americans are living in areas with unhealthy air, according to experts.
This Is the No. 1 Financial Priority for Retirees
Brandon Ballenger on May 20, 2022
What current retirees are prioritizing in retirement may help with your own financial planning.
7 Perks of Having a Social Security Account Online
Brandon Ballenger on May 18, 2022
There’s no point in delaying this simple process, and there are many great reasons to do it right now.
The 15 Cleanest Big Cities in America
Brandon Ballenger on May 11, 2022
For big cities, these places aren’t as dirty or polluted as you might think.
10 of America’s Largest Companies That Paid Barely Any Taxes in 2021
Brandon Ballenger on May 11, 2022
Some of these companies even got tax refunds.
Easy Ways to Free Up Space in Gmail and Save Money
Brandon Ballenger on May 9, 2022
You can get rid of thousands of forgotten and useless messages in a few quick steps with these power tools.
How Baby Boomers Could Have Made an Extra $186K for Retirement
Brandon Ballenger on May 6, 2022
An unusual study calculated the costs of an expensive habit for four generations.
The Best Ways to Save on Phone Apps
Brandon Ballenger on April 28, 2022
Phone apps can be a drag on your budget, but here’s how you can save.
Here’s How Much a Home Cost the Year You Were Born
Brandon Ballenger on April 27, 2022
Take a look at how much homes have been worth over the past several decades, adjusted for inflation.
The 25 Best Cities to Retire in Florida
Brandon Ballenger on April 22, 2022
With excellent activities, health care and quality of life, these places are a retirement dream come true for many.
9 Words Every Taxpayer Needs to Know
Miranda Marquit and Brandon Ballenger on April 19, 2022
Terms like “AGI” and “refundable credit” aren’t just jargon. They directly affect how much you owe Uncle Sam.
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