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.
Another Casualty of the Shutdown: The Monthly Jobs Report
Brandon Ballenger on October 3, 2013
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ three remaining employees weren’t able to manage an on-time comprehensive jobs report this month.
3 Ways to Make Totally Free Long-Distance Calls
Brandon Ballenger on October 3, 2013
Stop paying by the minute to make your calls. Where there’s Internet, there’s a better way.
Furloughed by the Shutdown? Banks and Credit Unions Offer Help
Brandon Ballenger on October 3, 2013
Financial institutions are giving special consideration to furloughed federal employees — offering loans and delayed payments and waiving fees.
Worst Things to Eat at the Airport
Brandon Ballenger on October 2, 2013
Aside from the nutritional value, some airport foods contribute to problems you definitely don’t want in the air — like heartburn and bloating.
Most and Least Honest Cities in the World
Brandon Ballenger on October 2, 2013
If you lose your wallet in many of these places, you just might get it back. Just don’t lose it in Lisbon.
Store-Brand Foods Eating National Brands for Lunch
Brandon Ballenger on October 2, 2013
Store-brand sales are growing twice as fast as name-brand sales, and the quality of store-brand products is improving.
Do New iPhones Break More Easily?
Brandon Ballenger on October 1, 2013
Apple has 2 new versions of the iPhone, called the 5s and the 5c. Both are less durable than the iPhone 5, according to one company’s tests.
Poverty Rises Sharply Among Older Single Women
Brandon Ballenger on October 1, 2013
The number of single senior women living in extreme poverty jumped between 2011 and 2012. It’s not clear why.
Government Shutdown: Are You Affected?
Brandon Ballenger on October 1, 2013
Yes, you are. But how much depends on where you work and what you’re doing in the next few weeks.
Please Don’t Do These Things in the Airplane Bathroom
Brandon Ballenger on September 30, 2013
Here’s a bit of etiquette for that little loo in the sky.
Sick of Your Bank? 4 Alternatives to Megabanks
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2013
If you’re sick of the fees and other efforts by big banks to make more money at your expense, you have options.
Report Calls for Changes at Consumer Watchdog
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2013
The Bipartisan Policy Center says there are several things the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could do better. What do you think?
Visit National Parks for Free on Saturday
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2013
Ready to explore? There’s no entrance fee at national parks this weekend.
Can Target Take On Netflix With Streaming Service?
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2013
There’s a new site to access digital movies and TV — Target Ticket. How do the prices compare?
CEO: Anger Over AIG Bonuses Was ‘Just As Bad’ As Lynchings
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2013
The CEO of AIG comes under intense criticism for comparing the public outrage over AIG bonuses to the lynching of blacks in the South.
How Bad Have SAT Scores Gotten?
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2013
A new report from the association behind the SAT says scores are stagnant, showing a lack of preparation for college. Do you agree?
Where to Find Answers About Obamacare
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2013
Confused about the details of health care reform and how it affects your life? Here’s where to get help.
Study: With Age Comes Financial Wisdom
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2013
New research suggests experience often trumps a quick mind.
Go To a Museum Free This Saturday
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2013
No weekend plans yet? Here’s how to get free tickets for two to 1,500 museums across the country.
Retailers Filling 700,000 Holiday Season Jobs
Brandon Ballenger on September 24, 2013
Looking for seasonal work? Here’s a quick look at how many people retailers are planning to hire for the holiday shopping spree.
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