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.
5 Ways to Dramatically Reduce the Cost of College
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 5, 2013
The digital currency still faces a lot of hurdles, but it’s becoming increasingly popular online and on smartphones.
Here’s Who Gives and Gets the Best Tips
Brandon Ballenger on December 5, 2013
How do your tips stack up — both the ones you give and those you receive?
Big Banks Fined Billions for Rigging Interest Rates
Brandon Ballenger on December 5, 2013
For the first time, American banks are fined too — but not much, in comparison with the European ones.
Will New Mortgage Rules Mean Fewer Lenders?
Brandon Ballenger on December 4, 2013
Banking industry representatives say smaller lenders may not be able to handle new rules designed to make mortgages safer for consumers, which could hurt potential homebuyers. Are they right?
Job Growth Points to Strengthening Economy
Brandon Ballenger on December 4, 2013
Job growth is improving, and President Obama is calling again for an increase in the federal minimum wage.
Path Cleared to Slash Pensions in Detroit
Brandon Ballenger on December 4, 2013
The retirement of thousands of former Detroit city employees may be a casualty of the city’s bankruptcy.
Soon You May Be Able to Lick Your Screen and Taste Things
Brandon Ballenger on December 3, 2013
Unfortunately, it won’t work on the ice cream pictured here — yet.
Here’s Who Made Consumer Reports’ Nice and Naughty List
Brandon Ballenger on December 3, 2013
Which store penalizes you for too many returns? And which one will let you retroactively apply coupons? Find out.
Where Was That Cow Born? New Meat Labels Tell You
Brandon Ballenger on December 3, 2013
New labels will make it easy to learn where your meat was born, raised and slaughtered.
Amazon Explores Super-Fast Drone Delivery
Brandon Ballenger on December 2, 2013
In a few years, you may be able to get a package within half an hour of ordering online from Amazon. Hopefully it doesn’t land on your head.
Older Workers Turning to Fast-Food Jobs
Brandon Ballenger on December 2, 2013
The average fast-food worker isn’t a teenager saving for college. Many are older, college-educated and raising a family.
12 Days of Christmas Will Set You Back $114,651
Brandon Ballenger on December 2, 2013
Who knew maids-a-milking were so cheap?
Black Friday Wrapup: Shootings, Fights and Multiple Arrests
Brandon Ballenger on November 29, 2013
The Black Friday shopping frenzy, which began for millions of Americans on Thanksgiving this year, produced more than its fair share of mayhem.
Survey: 1 in 4 Employees Will Spend Half Their Workday Shopping on Cyber Monday
Brandon Ballenger on November 29, 2013
How long do you plan to spend shopping online while at work on Dec. 2?
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