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.
Watching TV Is Becoming Obsolete
Brandon Ballenger on November 29, 2013
The number of people paying for TV and Internet is shrinking — but that doesn’t mean people are giving up their favorite shows.
Here’s One Reason Men Make More Than Women
Brandon Ballenger on November 28, 2013
Men are more likely to take on a longer workweek, a recent study says, and they get rewarded for it.
Oops! Someone Let a $16 Million Lottery Ticket Expire
Brandon Ballenger on November 28, 2013
A Powerball winner failed to claim his or her winnings within six months, rendering the ticket worthless.
Latest Trend in Housing: ‘Snore Rooms’
Brandon Ballenger on November 28, 2013
Can’t sleep with all that wood-sawing racket? One solution is to move the offender to a specially designed sleeping room.
No More $99 DNA Tests?
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
A company that sells DNA tests for less than 100 bucks is under fire from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Pizza Hut Manager Says He Was Fired for Refusing to Open on Thanksgiving
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
Bucking the trend to open for business on the traditional family holiday apparently can have severe consequences. Is this right?
The 5 Most-Shoplifted Products
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
What do people like to steal? Things that are easily hidden, or things they want to hide.
Getting a Store Credit Card? Beware Deferred Interest
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
An interest rate that suddenly applies to the entire balance, including what you already paid back? Who does that? As it turns out, some of the largest retailers in America.
How to Outsmart Airlines at the Fee Game
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
If you’re determined to avoid ridiculous fees, here’s how to pull it off.
Could Banks Start Charging You Interest Just to Hold Your Savings?
Brandon Ballenger on November 27, 2013
It could happen if the Federal Reserve reduces an interest rate it pays banks on their reserves.
How to Find Free or Cheap Wi-Fi When Traveling
Brandon Ballenger on November 26, 2013
There are literally thousands of options for getting free Internet on the go. Of course, a lot of them also sell burgers or coffee.
The Most Loved Car is the Tesla. The Most Hated Is…
Brandon Ballenger on November 26, 2013
Most people who owned this car told Consumer Reports they weren’t sure they’d buy it again.
10 Stores You Won’t Find Open on Thanksgiving
Brandon Ballenger on November 26, 2013
While many of the biggest retailers will be open Thanksgiving Day, some are sticking to tradition.
How Your Medical Debt May One Day Magically Disappear
Brandon Ballenger on November 23, 2013
Remember those angry college kids sleeping in Zuccotti Park to protest against Wall Street? They want to own your debt.
Why You Should Eat Bugs, Goats and Other Weird Stuff
Brandon Ballenger on November 23, 2013
Come on, just try it. A little, creepy-crawly bite. It’s good for you.
Walmart Thanksgiving Pay: Sounds Good, But…
Brandon Ballenger on November 23, 2013
The company cuts hours for the holidays, and then bases bonuses on those reduced hours. Is it fair?
Survey: Only 39 Percent of Workers Feel Fulfilled at Their Jobs
Brandon Ballenger on November 22, 2013
A lot of people have had just about all they can stand at their current jobs. How about you?
The Marlboro Man’s About to Go Electronic
Brandon Ballenger on November 22, 2013
Cigarette maker Philip Morris is betting big on e-cigs and launching a line of “Reduced-Risk” products next year. Would you use them?
Love Electronics? You’re Entering Hog Heaven
Brandon Ballenger on November 22, 2013
Best Buy and Walmart have both said making sales is more important than making money right now. Get ready for the 2013 electronics price war.
Kmart Enters Rent-to-Own Business, Charges 100 Percent Interest
Brandon Ballenger on November 21, 2013
Can’t afford all the things you want? Kmart’s here to help, by charging you even more for them.
361 - 380 of 1,927