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.
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.
Coming Soon: You Can Leave Your Electronics on During Takeoff and Landing
Brandon Ballenger on November 1, 2013
Each airline will implement the change separately, but by next year you should be able to use your electronics during takeoff. Finally!
Study: Millennials Need at Least $1.6 Million to Retire
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2013
If you’re part of the generation born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, this is depressing. But there are lessons to take heart from.
You Can Finally Keep Some of Your FSA Money
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2013
Employers may now allow up to $500 left over in a health flexible spending account to carry over into the following year.
The Biggest Wine Shortage in 40 Years?
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2013
Expect prices to rise, some experts predict. Don’t worry, others say.
Your Printer is Probably Wasting Much of Its Ink
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2013
If you’ve ever wondered why that expensive liquid runs out so fast, Consumer Reports has the answer.
Social Security Benefits Rising 1.5 Percent in 2014
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2013
In one of the smallest increases ever, the average recipient can expect to get $19 more per month.
Are Paper Menus on the Way Out?
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2013
More restaurants are adopting digital menus. There are pros and cons to the approach, but what do you think?
Why McDonald’s Dropped Heinz, and Why Heinz May Not Care
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2013
After 40 years of doing business together, McDonald’s will no longer offer Heinz ketchup at any of its restaurants.
Study Identifies the Most Extroverted, Introverted and Neurotic U.S. States
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2013
What are the most common personality traits in the state where you live? Find out — and see if you fit in.
Some States Want to Tax You Per Mile You Drive
Brandon Ballenger on October 28, 2013
Several state and local governments want to swap a gas tax for a pay-per-mile tax — using a little black box to track your car’s movements.
Congress May Push Milk Prices to $8 a Gallon
Brandon Ballenger on October 28, 2013
By failing to pass a farm bill that subsidizes agricultural activity and funds the food stamp program, Congress could effectively double the cost of milk.
The 5 Richest and Poorest U.S. Cities
Brandon Ballenger on October 28, 2013
Census data show the metropolitan areas with the highest and lowest median household incomes. Is your city on the list?
YouTube Will Begin Charging for More Content
Brandon Ballenger on October 25, 2013
A combination of new services could have users paying more than $10 a month for their favorite YouTube content. Will you pay?
Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Making TSA Checkpoints More Comfortable
Brandon Ballenger on October 25, 2013
Do you think airport security could ever be a pleasant experience? One company is giving it a shot.
Report: Top 1 Percent Own 46 Percent of Global Wealth
Brandon Ballenger on October 25, 2013
In 60 years, there will be nearly a dozen trillionaires, according to the best estimates of Credit Suisse.
States Deliberately Leave Millions of the Poor Uninsured
Brandon Ballenger on October 24, 2013
Even though the federal government would have picked up 90 percent of the bill for Medicaid expansion under Obamacare in future years, half the states have refused to expand the program.
Those 50 and Older Have a Tough Time Finding Work
Brandon Ballenger on October 24, 2013
Many of those polled said there were few available jobs, few that paid well, and few with adequate benefits. Many cited personal experience with age discrimination.
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