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.
Report: Private Student Loans No Better Than a Credit Card
Brandon Ballenger on November 21, 2013
People who use private student loans tend to have more debt, and many of them could have taken out cheaper and less complicated federal loans.
Walmart Employees Holding Food Drive — For Walmart Employees
Brandon Ballenger on November 20, 2013
Is it proof employees look out for each other, or proof that Walmart only looks out for Walmart?
Military May Get Pay Cut, Fewer Benefits
Brandon Ballenger on November 20, 2013
The Pentagon is proposing cuts to pay and benefits for service members to cope with ongoing federal budget cuts. Unfortunately, the Pentagon is not very good at tracking its expenses.
CFPB to Investigate Credit Card Reward Programs
Brandon Ballenger on November 20, 2013
Do you understand how your credit card rewards work, and do you think they’re fair? The federal government is studying reward programs.
6 Money-Saving Shopping Apps
Brandon Ballenger on November 19, 2013
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of shopping apps. These are some of the best. They include a shopping social network and a quick way to browse hundreds of sale catalogs.
If an Investment Ad Makes These Promises, Run the Other Way
Brandon Ballenger on November 19, 2013
One out of every 10 Americans loses a lot of money because of these claims. Have you fallen for them before?
Here’s How California Saved Residents $100 Billion on Car Insurance
Brandon Ballenger on November 19, 2013
A 1988 California law saves driving households an average of $345 a year. Why hasn’t every other state done this?
The Student Loan System is a Mess
Brandon Ballenger on November 16, 2013
If you have student debt, or know someone who does, you probably know the system isn’t ideal. Consumers Union has some ideas about how to fix it.
To Ride Moscow Subway, It’s 30 Rubles or 30 Squats
Brandon Ballenger on November 16, 2013
To get people into the spirit of the Olympic Games, Russia’s making subway riders struggle to exercise in public.
Most Couples Fight Over Holiday Gift Budget
Brandon Ballenger on November 16, 2013
What to do when you don’t see eye-to-eye on gift-giving? Some try to hide their purchases.
If You’re Overweight or Smoke, It’s Going to Cost You
Brandon Ballenger on November 15, 2013
The Affordable Care Act allows employers to penalize people who don’t participate in voluntary wellness programs or meet certain fitness goals.
Average 401(k) Balance Reaches Record High
Brandon Ballenger on November 15, 2013
According to Fidelity Investments, the average 401(k) balance is up more than 11 percent from a year ago, which was also a record.
Poll: Americans Prefer Male Bosses to Female Ones
Brandon Ballenger on November 15, 2013
Who makes a better boss, men or women? Many people have no preference — but among those who do, more say men.
US Airways, American Merger Probably Means Higher Prices
Brandon Ballenger on November 14, 2013
The Justice Department is clearing the way for the largest airline in the world. It’s probably not great news for you.
In Europe, Bicycles Outsell Cars
Brandon Ballenger on November 14, 2013
Many Europeans would rather use bike pedals than a gas pedal. Can you imagine that happening in America? As it turns out, it’s true here as well.
What Happens If Healthcare.gov Isn’t Fixed by Nov. 30?
Brandon Ballenger on November 14, 2013
It’s supposed to be, but the government had plenty of time to get it right the first time and failed. So what’s Plan B?
Amazon Will Offer Free Sunday Delivery
Brandon Ballenger on November 13, 2013
If you live in the Los Angeles or New York metropolitan areas, you may already be able to get Sunday delivery. Others will get it next year.
That Car You’re About to Buy Online May Not Exist
Brandon Ballenger on November 13, 2013
It’s incredibly risky to purchase a car you can’t see and test drive — especially because there aren’t many consumer protections in place.
Why Retailers Are No Longer Freaked Out About “Showrooming”
Brandon Ballenger on November 13, 2013
Retailers aren’t as scared of online shoppers as they were a year ago, thanks to revamped price-match policies and other improvements.
World’s Biggest Online Shopping Site Isn’t Amazon
Brandon Ballenger on November 11, 2013
Amazon doesn’t even come close. On the Chinese version of Black Friday, consumers spend more at this site than Americans spend anywhere online for Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.
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