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.
A New Google Feature Could End Waiting on Hold Forever
Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2024
Save time with a free new feature from Google — even if you have an iPhone.
The 15 Worst States for Retirees in 2024
Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2024
Based on such categories as affordability, quality of life and health care, these are not the most ideal places to spend your retirement.
The 10 Most Expensive States for Retirees in 2024
Brandon Ballenger on February 20, 2024
While these places all have good things going for them, affordability is not one of them.
3 Helpful Things You May Not Realize Your Phone Can Do
Brandon Ballenger on February 19, 2024
Regardless of how you use your phone, these settings might make it a more pleasant experience.
9 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Will Cost You
Brandon Ballenger on February 19, 2024
Shop smarter and turn your grocery receipts into something to smile about.
10 Countries We Import From the Most (China Isn’t No. 1 Anymore)
Brandon Ballenger on February 16, 2024
Federal data reveals the biggest trade partners for the U.S. last year — and there’s been a major shake-up.
7 Ways to Get Your Taxes Done for Free
Brandon Ballenger on February 15, 2024
Don’t fork over hundreds of dollars to a tax professional to prepare your taxes.
13 Fees That You Should Never Pay
Brandon Ballenger on February 14, 2024
They shouldn’t exist to start with, but at least they’re avoidable.
4 Pitfalls for New Medicare Enrollees
Brandon Ballenger and Marilyn Lewis on February 14, 2024
Medicare’s rules are exacting, and penalties can be stiff and sometimes permanent.
9 Words Every Taxpayer Needs to Know
Miranda Marquit and Brandon Ballenger on February 13, 2024
Terms like “AGI” and “refundable credit” aren’t just jargon. They directly affect how much you owe Uncle Sam.
8 Countries That Offer Retirement Visas to Americans
Brandon Ballenger on February 13, 2024
It may be easier and more affordable than you think to retire near an exotic foreign beach.
Update Your iPhone for This Key New Security Feature
Brandon Ballenger on February 10, 2024
You can protect your personal and financial data from thieves, even if they nab your phone and passcode.
4 Positive Signs More People Are Conquering Debt
Brandon Ballenger on February 9, 2024
Despite all the financial setbacks of the past few years, Americans are getting better at paying off debt and keeping their finances steady.
4 Ways to Tax-Proof Your Investment Portfolio
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2024
Here are some simple strategies for keeping Uncle Sam as far away from your investments as is legally possible.
7 Types of Personal Assets That Are Growing — and 3 That Are Shrinking
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2024
Despite years of rampant inflation, American finances are still mostly trending upward.
Here’s How Fast Americans’ Net Worth Is Growing at Every Age
Brandon Ballenger on February 5, 2024
The latest data from the Federal Reserve shows most generations are seeing rising incomes, but even those who aren’t are growing their net worth.
Bill Aims to Make Social Security Benefits Tax-Free
Brandon Ballenger on February 3, 2024
If passed, nobody would owe taxes on Social Security benefits starting in 2025.
8 Math Mistakes the IRS Finds on Tax Returns
Brandon Ballenger on February 2, 2024
Just because you’re not doing taxes by hand doesn’t mean you won’t make a costly mistake.
15 Places To Find E-Books for Free
Karla Bowsher and Brandon Ballenger on February 1, 2024
Don’t buy an e-book when you can find more than 1 million free titles on these websites.
The Average Payment for 9 Types of Social Security Recipients
Brandon Ballenger on January 31, 2024
Who receives what? Have a look at Social Security statistics.
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