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 studies financial data at his computer
How Dividend Stocks Can Help You Beat the Bank

on March 6, 2019

Some stocks pay dividends that beat the pants off bank savings accounts. Find out if these investments are right for you.

Young people riding in car with open windows
20 Top Tips to Save on Spring Break 2019

on February 7, 2019

Finish those exams and pack your bags: It’s time for spring break! We’ve got a lot of ways to save.

11 Tips to Prepare for a Natural Disaster
11 Tips to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

on September 14, 2018

Plan ahead to keep your family, food and possessions safer. These tips will make life after a disaster easier.

Happy hotel couple
8 Tips to Slash the Cost of Hotel Stays

on July 23, 2018

Looking for a cheaper rate on a room this summer? We’ve got advice that will save you money everywhere.

House with U.S. flag
4 Ways to Make Your Home Sparkle on July 4

on July 4, 2018

Before you check out the fireworks, use today’s free time to make your home shimmer. Here are a few summer chores you should consider tackling today.

Angry woman on phone
Robocalls Skyrocketed in April: Here Are 7 Ways to Stop Them

on May 7, 2018

Robocalls exploded to a staggering 3.4 billion in April. Here’s how you can fight back and silence your phone.

money
5 Smart Money Moves to Make in 2018

on December 27, 2017

A new year begins on Monday, making it the perfect time to start becoming a new, more organized you. Follow these tips to start on the right foot.

8 Foolish and Costly Financial Fouls — and How to Avoid Them
8 Foolish and Costly Financial Fouls — and How to Avoid Them

on September 12, 2017

These common money mistakes can cost you thousands. But you can sidestep them if you follow these simple tips.

11 Ways to Save Big on College Textbooks
11 Ways to Save Big on College Textbooks

on July 29, 2016

Students at public four-year colleges spent an average of $1,298 on books and supplies during the 2015-16 school year. Here are ideas for slashing those costs.

14 Ways to Get Awesome Freebies
14 Ways to Get Awesome Freebies

on January 28, 2016

Our needs don’t stop just because our desire to spend stops after the holidays. But there are some great ways to get things for free — definitely worth trying before pulling out your tired credit card!

Want to Live Forever? What It Costs to Get a Shot at It
Want to Live Forever? What It Costs to Get a Shot at It

on November 20, 2015

Suspended animation is an expensive roll of the dice. But if you’ve got an extra $30,000-$200,000 that you’re dying to spend, you might consider trying cryonics.

Should You Pay the Price for a Concierge Doctor?
Should You Pay the Price for a Concierge Doctor?

on October 1, 2015

Concierge medicine lets you see the doc when you want to in exchange for a regular, ongoing fee. Here’s how to figure out if the costs make sense for you.

Spend Less on Vitamins and Boost Your Nutrition
Spend Less on Vitamins and Boost Your Nutrition

on August 7, 2015

Getting the nutrients you need does not mean paying more — not even when it comes to buying vitamins — but it does mean paying attention.

5 Ways to Dramatically Reduce the Cost of College
5 Ways to Dramatically Reduce the Cost of College

on July 13, 2015

Don’t let the sticker price of college scare you away from getting your degree. Few students pay the asking price. Here’s how to reduce your net cost.

Not for Fido: Thanksgiving Food That Could Be Dangerous for Dogs
Not for Fido: Thanksgiving Food That Could Be Dangerous for Dogs

on November 27, 2014

Here are eight things that could give your pet a holiday trip to the hospital. Be careful.

American Express App Lets Cardholders Use Reward Points on Almost Anything
American Express App Lets Cardholders Use Reward Points on Almost Anything

on December 10, 2013

Instead of saving up points for big-ticket items like airfare, American Express is encouraging you to use them on everyday purchases. Sound good?

The Super-Exclusive Gift Card You Probably Missed Out On
The Super-Exclusive Gift Card You Probably Missed Out On

on December 6, 2013

Only 1,000 of them were available and they sold out in seconds.

Fast-Food Workers Aren’t the Only Ones Costing Taxpayers Money
Fast-Food Workers Aren’t the Only Ones Costing Taxpayers Money

on December 6, 2013

About a third of bank tellers nationwide receive some kind of public assistance to make up for their low wages.

The TSA Has $531,000 in Our Loose Change It Doesn’t Know What to Do With
The TSA Has $531,000 in Our Loose Change It Doesn’t Know What to Do With

on December 6, 2013

People leave tens of thousands of dollars in change at major airports every year. The TSA collects it, but hasn’t spent much.

Virtual Currency Bitcoin Takes Off on Mobile Apps
Virtual Currency Bitcoin Takes Off on Mobile Apps

on December 5, 2013

The digital currency still faces a lot of hurdles, but it’s becoming increasingly popular online and on smartphones.

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