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.

A man plans his finances on his laptop and with notes
5 Financial Changes Americans Made Due to Coronavirus

on August 8, 2020

The pandemic is changing our approach to money — mostly for the better.

Older woman working on laptop and stressed
The Top 7 Retirement Concerns for Americans in 2020

on August 3, 2020

These are the most common worries we have about our golden years amid the pandemic.

A stressed couple discusses family finances at the dinner table
Top 5 Money Matters Discussed at Dinner Tables During the Pandemic

on July 28, 2020

A new survey reveals what worries are occupying our dinner table discussions due to the coronavirus.

A mother and daughter eat homemade ice cream
How I Made Homemade Ice Cream That’s Better Than Store-Bought

on July 13, 2020

Here’s a quick way to make custom flavors without an ice cream machine.

A young man sitting in a coffee shop and using his laptop to browse shopping sites like Craigslist
The 10 Best Craigslist Alternatives for Buying and Selling Stuff

on June 18, 2020

There are many classified sites like Craigslist — and using more than one might help everyone find what they need faster.

Benjamin Franklin smiles on a $100 bill because he is providing passive income
7 Creative Passive Income Ideas That Don’t Involve Investing

on June 13, 2020

Even with more time than money, you can still start building passive income.

A young woman in a work-from-home chat job uses a webcam and headset to help customers
Looking for Work-From-Home Chat Jobs? Check Out These 7 Companies

on June 10, 2020

You can get paid to provide customer service and technical support from home, sometimes on a flexible schedule.

Older woman sitting at her desk comparing the best cell phone plans to save money
5 Places to Check for the Best Cell Phone Plans

on June 10, 2020

If you think you’re overpaying for your cell phone, you’re probably right.

Man in a car
8 Affordable Ways to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

and on June 10, 2020

Here are some smart ways to prevent your car — and wallet — from overheating this time of year.

A young woman opens a package she received quickly with overnight shipping
What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages?

on June 9, 2020

The best way to mail stuff depends on multiple factors, including where you want to ship, how fast, the size and weight of the package, and more.

A 15-year-old girl working at a coffee shop prepares morning brew for customers
What Kind of Companies Offer Jobs for 15-Year-Olds and 16-Year-Olds?

on June 9, 2020

Most teens aren’t too young to learn the value of a dollar, and federal law recognizes that.

Young man working job from home at his desk
9 Jobs From Home You Can Get and Keep

on June 8, 2020

If you want to work from home permanently, look into some of these jobs.

grandfather and grandson watching tv
The 8 Best Money-Saving Cable Alternatives

on June 4, 2020

Here’s a handy list, whether you’re ready to ditch cable or looking for more streaming options.

A young woman at her desktop computer searching for the best insurance companies for her car
4 Ways to Find the Best Insurance Companies for Your Cars

on June 3, 2020

Finding good auto insurance for drivers like you with vehicles like yours shouldn’t be a time-consuming chore.

Money mistake
7 Crucial Money Mistakes You Must Avoid

on May 25, 2020

Here are seven boneheaded money moves nearly everyone makes — and how you can avoid them.

retired couple reviewing tax documents
An Easy Way to Avoid a Tax Day Bill on Your Social Security Income

on May 14, 2020

Even if your Social Security retirement benefits are taxable, you can avoid owing money at tax time.

A woman holding a pair of scissors
7 Ways to Cut Your Costs During the Coronavirus Crisis

on April 18, 2020

We’re all feeling the pandemic’s squeeze. Here’s how to save money on many of your recurring costs.

A mother and daughter meditating on a couch
7 Easy Ways to Save Money and Limit Exposure to Coronavirus

on April 8, 2020

You may remember the belt-tightening of the Great Recession — but there are lots of new ways to save we didn’t have then.

Yard sale
15 Tips for a Super Profitable Yard Sale

on April 7, 2020

Start preparing for your yard sale now, so you’ll be ready to go when the lockdown ends.

Woman with cellphone
2 New Ways to Slash Your Cellphone Bill

on April 4, 2020

You could be paying $5 a month for basic service, with your current phone and no contract.

281 - 300 of 1,920