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.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at a lectern
Biden’s $740 Billion Spending Bill Advancing in Congress: What’s in It?

on August 10, 2022

Consumers could benefit on their taxes, investments, health care costs and more.

Man shopping for a new TV
Is Your TV Good Enough? You May Be Missing Free 4K Video and Audio Upgrades

on August 1, 2022

A new broadcasting standard is bringing higher quality video, sound and new features, but many TVs aren’t built to take advantage of it yet.

Family at a grocery store
5 States That Just Lowered Sales Taxes — and 1 That Raised Them

on July 15, 2022

Some states are softening the blows that inflation keeps dealing us.

Frustrated man worried about money and finances for retirement while looking at his laptop
9 Ways Americans Want the Government to Fix Retirement

on July 14, 2022

Large numbers of workers think these problems need to be top priorities.

Man driver in car upset or worried about gas prices or insurance
7 States That Just Raised Their Gas Taxes

on July 14, 2022

As if fueling up wasn’t painful enough right now, these states made it worse.

senior man retiree
This Is the No. 1 Financial Priority for Retirees

on July 7, 2022

What current retirees are prioritizing in retirement may help with your own financial planning.

A couple speaking with a financial adviser about investing
What Investors Are Most Worried About, According to Financial Advisers

on June 24, 2022

Money managers say these are their clients’ top concerns.

How Scammers Now Target Streaming TV Customers
How Scammers Now Target Streaming TV Customers

on June 20, 2022

Don’t be too eager to watch your favorite shows — check for this threat first.

retirees retirement
9 States Where Quality of Life Is Improving for Seniors

on June 17, 2022

Over the past decade, these places have become better for older Americans in factors ranging from finances to health.

happy woman with cash
If You Put $10K in These Stocks 10 Years Ago, Here’s How Much You’d Have Now

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.

woman at laptop
7 Perks of Having a Social Security Account Online

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
The 15 Cleanest Big Cities in America

on May 11, 2022

For big cities, these places aren’t as dirty or polluted as you might think.

sneaky greedy business person
10 of America’s Largest Companies That Paid Barely Any Taxes in 2021

on May 11, 2022

Some of these companies even got tax refunds.

Man checking his Gmail account on his phone and laptop
Easy Ways to Free Up Space in Gmail and Save Money

on May 9, 2022

You can get rid of thousands of forgotten and useless messages in a few quick steps with these power tools.

Senior woman playing on her tablet
How Baby Boomers Could Have Made an Extra $186K for Retirement

on May 6, 2022

An unusual study calculated the costs of an expensive habit for four generations.

Woman using an app on her phone.
The Best Ways to Save on Phone Apps

on April 28, 2022

Phone apps can be a drag on your budget, but here’s how you can save.

Happy retirees in Florida
The 25 Best Cities to Retire in Florida

on April 22, 2022

With excellent activities, health care and quality of life, these places are a retirement dream come true for many.

doctor and patient in masks
How to Find Free COVID-19 Medication

on April 16, 2022

Locations nationwide are making antiviral pills available for free as part of a new federal program.

Reading bad news online
The 7 Biggest Problems With America Today

on April 14, 2022

According to Americans, these are the most important issues facing the nation right now.

Woman unlocking home security system and disabling alarm
5 Home Security Systems Vulnerable to Hackers

on March 25, 2022

It was shockingly easy for researchers to bypass these DIY systems and enter homes undetected.

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