Author: Brandon Ballenger | Page 2

26 Top Tips to Save on Spring Break 2017

Brandon Ballenger on February 17, 2017

Finish those exams and pack your bags: It’s time for spring break! Haven’t planned yours yet? We’ve got lots of ways to save.

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.

Spend Less on Vitamins and Boost Your Nutrition

Brandon Ballenger 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

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?