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.
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.
Here’s How to Help Typhoon Survivors
Brandon Ballenger on November 11, 2013
Make sure your donations end up with the people who need them most right now.
Some Banks Now Offering Free, Genuine FICO Scores
Brandon Ballenger on November 11, 2013
Yes, it’s a real score, and updated every month. Why isn’t every bank doing this?
Report: President Obama Wants to Raise Minimum Wage to $10
Brandon Ballenger on November 8, 2013
Democrats in Congress have introduced a bill to increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 over two years. Apparently it has the president’s support.
Mental Health Will Get Same Co-Pays and Deductibles As Other Treatments
Brandon Ballenger on November 8, 2013
Insurers warn that the new federal rule could push premiums up, but for those with mental illness it may mean greater access and better treatment.
Credit Reports Now Show More Details About Your Spending Habits
Brandon Ballenger on November 8, 2013
The change won’t affect your credit scores, but it will reveal to lenders whether you carry a balance or pay off your credit card bills each month.
FDA: Even a Tiny Bit of Trans Fat is Dangerous
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
Trans fat may soon be banned from processed foods altogether.
Consumer Reports: These Popular Cars Aren’t Safe Enough
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
The site no longer recommends four models based on recent safety tests. Do you drive one of these?
Child Care: More Costly Than College?
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
A new report finds that in many states, a year of college at a public school is cheaper than a year of infant child care.
Median Wage Hovering Near 15-Year Low
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
Last year, half of American workers made less than $27,519, about what they made in 1998. Meanwhile, the number of workers making at least $5 million grew nearly 27 percent.
Herbal Supplements? Some Are Just Rice and Weeds
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
DNA testing showed that many herbal supplements don’t contain even a hint of the herbs they claim to.
The Countries Where Men Do More Around the House
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2013
Data show that households in several European countries divide housework up more fairly than those in the U.S. do.
Spirit Airlines Is Considering a New Kind of Checked-Bag Fee
Brandon Ballenger on November 5, 2013
The airline may end up charging more or less for bags depending on how full the flight is. It hasn’t made a decision, or said how much rates could vary.
Some Amazon Reviewers Don’t Pay for the Stuff They Review
Brandon Ballenger on November 5, 2013
Amazon organizes getting a bunch of free stuff for its top reviewers in exchange for their opinions about products. Does that affect how you look at the site’s reviews?
Facebook May Start Tracking Your Cursor
Brandon Ballenger on November 5, 2013
The company is testing technology that could literally monitor and record your every move on its website. And at least one other company already does.
Which Loyalty Programs Are Worth It?
Brandon Ballenger on November 4, 2013
Not all rewards programs have worthwhile perks. Here are a few Consumer Reports considers good. Which ones do you think are worth it?
Tax the Well-to-Do More for Social Security, Many Older Americans Say
Brandon Ballenger on November 4, 2013
There’s a lot of support to raise the cap on how much income can be taxed for Social Security. What do you think?
Most Americans Must Now Pay Sales Tax on Amazon Purchases
Brandon Ballenger on November 4, 2013
Consumers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Wisconsin are the latest to be hit with an Amazon sales tax. Other states will be affected next year. Does it make you want to shop there less?
Like Chicken Nuggets? Don’t Read This
Brandon Ballenger on November 1, 2013
Researchers put chicken nuggets from 2 fast-food chains under the microscope and found some interesting stuff.
Need an Excuse to Eat That Halloween Candy? We Can Help
Brandon Ballenger on November 1, 2013
Some candies are less bad for you than others. Honest.
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