Author: Brandon Ballenger

10 Tips for Negotiating a Better Price on Anything

Brandon Ballenger on September 5, 2018

Forget the latest shopping app or extreme couponing: The best way to get a deal on anything is older than you think.

8 Tips to Slash the Cost of Hotel Stays

Brandon Ballenger on July 23, 2018

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

4 Ways to Make Your Home Sparkle on July 4

Brandon Ballenger 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.

6 Ways to Pile Up Money Before You Retire

Brandon Ballenger on May 29, 2018

Falling behind on your retirement savings? These simple habits can thicken your wallet in no time.

7 Crucial Money Mistakes You Must Avoid

Brandon Ballenger on May 28, 2018

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

8 Cheap Ways to Keep Your Car Running Cool in the Summer Heat

Brandon Ballenger on May 11, 2018

Summer is around the corner. Here are some smart ways to prevent your car — and wallet — from overheating.

Robocalls Skyrocketed in April: Here Are 7 Ways to Stop Them

Brandon Ballenger 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.

15 Tips for a Super-Profitable Yard Sale

Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2018

Use some marketing and merchandising tricks to make more money with less sweat.

5 Smart Money Moves to Make in 2018

Brandon Ballenger 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.

11 Ways to Save on Braces

Brandon Ballenger on October 5, 2017

Braces can be costly and painful, but the payoff comes in better oral health and confidence. And there are ways to take a bite out of the orthodontist’s bill.

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

Brandon Ballenger on September 12, 2017

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

How to Insure Your College Student

Brandon Ballenger on August 28, 2017

As students embark on the academic year, here’s how to make sure they have the coverage they need at the best possible price.

Have Too Much Stuff? 10 Ways to Cut the Cost of Self-Storage

Brandon Ballenger on July 27, 2017

There are times when storage space may be necessary, but don’t spend thousands to keep stuff you don’t really care about.

10 Top Tips for Saving on Your Vacation Cruise

Brandon Ballenger on July 12, 2017

Cruise travel can be a grand adventure — but the price tag can get out of hand if you’re not careful. We’ve got advice from a cruise expert on sailing, and saving, on the high seas.

Buying a House? Get the Right Pros on Your Team

Brandon Ballenger on June 6, 2017

Real estate pros can make homebuying easier and, ultimately, cheaper — if you pick the right ones. We talk to two experts to see who they’d look for if they weren’t experts themselves.

11 Ways to Save Big on College Textbooks

Brandon Ballenger 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

Brandon Ballenger 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

Brandon Ballenger 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?

Brandon Ballenger 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.