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.
Goodwill Probably Doesn’t Want Your Old TV
Brandon Ballenger on July 11, 2013
Getting rid of your old television is getting more difficult in some areas.
Consumer Bureau to Banks: Be Nice When Collecting Debts
Brandon Ballenger on July 11, 2013
The federal government is warning banks they face penalties for mistreating consumers who owe money. It’s also giving consumers ways to challenge debts and debt collection practices.
Consumer Reports: Those Who Haggle Save Major Money
Brandon Ballenger on July 10, 2013
Most people don’t try to negotiate discounts, but those who do save hundreds of dollars with very simple techniques.
Will Insurers Help With Gun Safety Where Lawmakers Wouldn’t?
Brandon Ballenger on July 10, 2013
A new Kansas law could let teachers carry concealed guns on campus. Insurers, and some local governments, aren’t enthusiastic about it.
Whoops! Florida Accidentally Bans Computers and Smartphones
Brandon Ballenger on July 10, 2013
An effort to ban illegal gambling may have hit the mark, but also a lot more than it intended.
Shrink Ray’s Latest Target: Peanut Butter
Brandon Ballenger on July 9, 2013
From time to time, packages at the grocery store mysteriously shrink, yet prices usually don’t. Which ones have you noticed lately?
The 10 Happiest States in the US
Brandon Ballenger on July 9, 2013
Do you live in one of the happiest parts of the country, or one of the least happy? Find out where states rank and why.
Protect Your Privacy From Facebook’s New Feature
Brandon Ballenger on July 9, 2013
A search feature Facebook has been testing the past few months is now publicly available. It may make it easier for people to find you or expose old posts and photos, depending on your privacy settings.
Is Amazon Raising Book Prices On the Sly?
Brandon Ballenger on July 8, 2013
Writers and publishers have complained that discounts on their books have evaporated in the past couple of years.
French Group: Fake Reviews Will Not Be Tolerated
Brandon Ballenger on July 8, 2013
A standards organization in France wants people to prove they really did stay at that hotel in May and thought it was the best thing ever. Is this a good idea, or an obnoxious one?
How to Stop AT&T From Sharing Your Private Data with Advertisers
Brandon Ballenger on July 8, 2013
The company says the data are anonymous, but researchers have proven many times that anonymity measures fail. Here’s how to opt out.
Will We Soon Have to Rent Computer Software?
Brandon Ballenger on July 5, 2013
Adobe’s Photoshop software now requires a monthly rental subscription, rather than a flat fee to purchase. Microsoft Office also has a subscription option. What’s next?
Free College Now, Pay for It Later?
Brandon Ballenger on July 5, 2013
Oregon lawmakers have passed an measure that would allow students to attend college at no upfront cost for tuition, with an agreement to contribute a percentage of their future income to repay the state.
Feds Order Bank to Refund Fees to Military Members
Brandon Ballenger on July 5, 2013
U.S. Bank and Dealers’ Financial Service will return $6.5 million to service members who used the MILES program to finance car purchases.
Prepaid Cards Are Replacing Paychecks at More Companies
Brandon Ballenger on July 5, 2013
Prepaid payroll cards can make money for banks, and save money for the employers who use them, but they come with heavy fees for employees, many of whom are already earning low wages.
How to Spy On Your Own Emails
Brandon Ballenger on July 4, 2013
What would your Gmail history look like to a stranger? Here’s how to find out.
Sunburned? Don’t Get Burned Again with Worthless ‘Cures’
Brandon Ballenger on July 3, 2013
If you get a little too much sun on the Fourth of July or later this summer, here are some things you definitely don’t want to apply, along with some cheap alternatives.
Attorneys General to Google: Stop Promoting Illegal Drug Sales
Brandon Ballenger on July 3, 2013
Authorities in 3 states say Google allows ads on YouTube that promote illegal activities. Google says it’s already trying to pull such ads.
Jailed Seniors Cost Americans $16 Billion Per Year
Brandon Ballenger on July 3, 2013
By 2030, inmates over the age of 50 are expected to make up almost a third of the total projected prison population.
A Ticket for Driving Too Slow? Fines for School Bullies?
Brandon Ballenger on July 2, 2013
Across the country, a slew of frustrating new fines and taxes is taking effect. Here are some highlights.
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