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.
Could Batman Budget Better?
Brandon Ballenger on August 27, 2013
Holy inflation, Batman! Check out the difference between the caped crusader’s spending in 1939 and today.
Walmart Will Offer Benefits to Same-Sex Partners
Brandon Ballenger on August 27, 2013
Starting next year, full-time Walmart employees can acquire health coverage for their same-sex partners.
New York Sues Donald Trump Over Real Estate ‘University’
Brandon Ballenger on August 26, 2013
Students paid anywhere from $1,495 to $35,000 for lessons, and didn’t get what they expected, the New York Attorney General’s Office claims.
$106,000 in Unpaid Parking Tickets Settled for $4,500
Brandon Ballenger on August 26, 2013
An abandoned car was reportedly ticketed 678 times over 3 years without ever being towed.
Our Genes Reward Self-Sacrificing Behavior
Brandon Ballenger on August 26, 2013
Research suggests our genes don’t work as effectively to protect us from disease when we derive our happiness from consuming things.
Are Pets Ready for Apps of Their Own?
Brandon Ballenger on August 23, 2013
Can dogs and cats enjoy iPads? Some people think so.
The Advertised Price for Gas May Not Be What You Pay
Brandon Ballenger on August 23, 2013
Some gas stations are advertising prices based on a cash discount — something that’s not obvious to credit card users.
Wages Haven’t Grown Much in More Than a Decade
Brandon Ballenger on August 23, 2013
As a group, only people with advanced degrees have seen any wage growth in the past 5 years, a new study says.
Here’s the Best Frozen Pizza
Brandon Ballenger on August 22, 2013
Consumer Reports dishes on the best taste, best price and best nutrition among frozen pizzas.
Google Plans Live Video Help-With-Anything Service
Brandon Ballenger on August 22, 2013
You’re probably familiar with Google Hangout, the Google+ video chat service. What about Helpouts?
Beware Marijuana Investment Scams
Brandon Ballenger on August 22, 2013
Legal use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is becoming more common, but that doesn’t mean it’s an amazing investment opportunity.
Beware CVS ExtraCare for Prescription Drugs
Brandon Ballenger on August 21, 2013
The CVS ExtraCare rewards program is expanding for prescription drugs, but signing up means signing away some privacy.
UPS Drops Health Care for Some Spouses, Blames Obamacare
Brandon Ballenger on August 21, 2013
Spouses of UPS employees who can get health care through their own jobs will no longer be eligible for health insurance through UPS in 2014. What do you think?
Bank Fee? Asking For a Waiver Often Works
Brandon Ballenger on August 21, 2013
A majority of adults aged 35-44, among other groups, have successfully requested that bank fees be waived.
Can Debt Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Brandon Ballenger on August 20, 2013
A new study suggests large debt hurts not just financial health, but also physical and mental health.
More Than 70 Percent of Undergraduates Get Financial Aid
Brandon Ballenger on August 20, 2013
Meanwhile, states and schools haven’t offered more aid to help families keep pace with rising college costs.
Head Start Forced to Cut 57,000 Spots for Low-Income Kids
Brandon Ballenger on August 20, 2013
The program that provides preschool education and health screenings for kids from low-income families has been affected by sequestration.
Could Seattle Make Its Minimum Wage $15?
Brandon Ballenger on August 19, 2013
There’s a push to make it happen, and some local politicians seem to be on board.
About Half of 401(k) Holders Find Them Confusing
Brandon Ballenger on August 19, 2013
Slightly more than half of workers who have 401(k)’s think they’re more difficult to understand than health insurance benefits.
Do You Drink Too Much Coffee?
Brandon Ballenger on August 19, 2013
A new study suggests that too much coffee increases your risk of death from all causes.
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