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.

Doctor talking to a patient in a hospital bed
15 States Where the Most People Have Health Insurance

on September 22, 2023

These places have the smallest share of residents without health insurance coverage.

Woman using ATM shocked or surprised by her bank account balance
Beware These 10 Signs of Identity Theft

on September 18, 2023

These red flags signal that your financial data or other personal information may have been stolen.

Woman comparing over-the-counter medicine at the pharmacy
Key Ingredient in Popular Cold Medicines Does Nothing, Experts Say

on September 14, 2023

An advisory group for federal regulators now officially agrees with decades of research suggesting the ingredient is ineffective.

woman with broken down car calling for roadside assistance
7 Surprising Perks of AAA Membership

on September 12, 2023

Your local auto club may have a lot more to offer than fixing flats and towing you to a mechanic.

Smiling woman making a budget and planning to save money with good financial strategy represented by a smart piggy bank
The Final Stretch: 6 Ways To Boost Savings As Retirement Nears

on September 9, 2023

Falling behind on your retirement savings? These simple habits can thicken your wallet in no time.

Happy couple on couch
12 Types of Retirement Income That Are Not Taxable

on September 6, 2023

There are lots of things Uncle Sam can’t touch — so long as you play by the rules.

Angry frustrated man looking preppy and nerdy and upset with his cellphone bill or angry at something on his smartphone
Your Phone Plan Might Cost More Soon — Unless You Do This

on September 5, 2023

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all adopting this policy, according to a new report.

Excited man on phone looking at laptop in surprise
11 Services You Didn’t Know Social Security Offers

on September 4, 2023

There’s more to the Social Security Administration than just dishing out retirement benefits.

Angry woman doesn't understand her laptop
8 Streaming Services Raising Prices in 2023

on September 1, 2023

Many of these increases took effect in the summer, but a couple are yet to come.

Young mother paying at grocery checkout with baby in cart
9 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Will Cost You

on August 31, 2023

Shop smarter and turn your grocery receipts into something to smile about.

sad senior man outdoors
The 15 Worst States for Retirees in 2023

on August 30, 2023

Based on such categories as affordability, quality of life and health care, these are not ideal places to spend retirement.

Patient with diabetes injecting a prescription drug treatment
25 Medicare Drugs That Have Skyrocketed in Price

on August 29, 2023

An analysis finds this small handful of drugs accounts for more than a third of all Medicare prescription drug spending.

Harbor at sunset in Norwalk, Connecticut
10 Places With the Highest Homebuyer Demand in 2023

on August 29, 2023

Prospective buyers are very interested in these suburban communities for their affordability and larger homes.

Skeptical confused or doubtful man
5 Home Services You Should Not Pay For

on August 28, 2023

Some can be had for free, and others are of dubious value.

Happy senior working as a grocery cashier at a supermarket checkout
7 Unexpected Perks of Delaying Retirement

on August 23, 2023

Staying in the workplace longer can have overlooked advantages.

Woman relaxing outside her home
9 States That Have Lowered Property Taxes in 2023

and on August 21, 2023

Homeowners, rejoice: Property tax relief is already underway in these states.

Smart clever brilliant thinking genius with a great idea
5 Little-Known Tactics To Raise Your Credit Score

on August 15, 2023

Because there’s only so much you can take of being told to “pay your bills on time.”

Woman using printer scanner fax at the office frustrated with work and mad at printer
4 Alternatives to Owning a Printer

on August 14, 2023

The handful of times most people still need one no longer justify the cost. And it’s easy for the average person to go digital.

Woman on a private jet
The Rich Are Changing Their Spending Habits. Should You?

on August 14, 2023

There may be a misunderstanding about consumer spending among the top 1%. Here’s what experts think is happening.

Woman shopping Amazon online from laptop comfortable at home with many Amazon boxes and unopened packages
29 Amazon Brands To Shop Before They’re Gone for Good

on August 11, 2023

A new report says Amazon is in the process of shuttering several of its private labels.

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