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.
Debt Relief Firms Preying on Student Loan Borrowers
Brandon Ballenger on June 21, 2013
A new study says some companies charge up to $1,600 up front and $50 a month, although the services they provide are unclear or can be done yourself for free.
Supreme Court: Big Business Can Strip You of Right to Sue
Brandon Ballenger on June 20, 2013
In a decision handed down yesterday, the high court gave corporations a stack of get-out-of-court-free cards.
6 Pet Food Brands Recalled for Salmonella Risk
Brandon Ballenger on June 20, 2013
The FDA found salmonella in one of Natura’s dry food products. The company recalled six brands, including food and treats for dogs, cats and ferrets.
Charge Your Phone Free with Public Charging Stations
Brandon Ballenger on June 20, 2013
A pilot program will provide New York City with about two dozen free solar-powered charging stations this summer. If successful, it could expand to other cities.
Which Prices Jumped the Most in the Past 10 Years
Brandon Ballenger on June 19, 2013
You won’t be surprised to hear that the cost of gasoline has doubled since 2003. Where else have you seen price increases far greater than average?
Internet From Balloons? Google’s Working On It
Brandon Ballenger on June 19, 2013
It’s called Project Loon, and involves solar-powered helium balloons beaming Internet signals across the sky.
Lottery Tickets Sold at ATMs, Gas Pumps
Brandon Ballenger on June 19, 2013
You can get lottery tickets just about anywhere these days, although often at extra cost.
Do You Want Your TV to Watch You?
Brandon Ballenger on June 18, 2013
Cable companies are thinking about putting cameras and microphones in our cable boxes. Members of Congress are already moving to limit their use. What do you think?
Supreme Court to Drug Makers: No More ‘Pay to Delay’
Brandon Ballenger on June 18, 2013
A brand-name company that tries to pay its generic competition to go away can now be sued for violating antitrust laws.
McDonald’s Worker Sues Over Being Paid by Prepaid Card
Brandon Ballenger on June 18, 2013
When it was time for her first paycheck, she was given a prepaid debit card that came with a host of fees instead.
Banks Reportedly Make Money Helping Crooks
Brandon Ballenger on June 17, 2013
The government says banks big and small may be ignoring warning signs of fraud perpetrated against their customers.
Do Retailers Track You More Than the Government Does?
Brandon Ballenger on June 17, 2013
We’re watched through our computers, through our smartphones, and in stores — all to make businesses more money. Does it bother you?
Watch for Credit Card Class-Action Checks
Brandon Ballenger on June 17, 2013
What may look like American Express junk mail could actually be a check from a class-action lawsuit settlement related to foreign transaction fees.
You Win a Lawsuit. Do You Owe Taxes?
Brandon Ballenger on June 14, 2013
Here are some situations where you would owe taxes, and some where you wouldn’t.
New College Grads Aren’t Ready for Work, Survey Says
Brandon Ballenger on June 14, 2013
Many human resource professionals think this group of grads is unprofessional and can’t write well. Are they wrong?
Health Insurance May Become Unaffordable for Low-Wage Workers
Brandon Ballenger on June 14, 2013
Many low-wage earners will be offered health insurance through their workplace next year, but it might be more than many can reasonably afford.
850,000 Fewer Homeowners Underwater, 10M More to Go
Brandon Ballenger on June 13, 2013
Home values are recovering, but nearly 20 percent of mortgaged homes still have negative equity.
Study: Nursing Grads Have Lowest Unemployment Rate
Brandon Ballenger on June 13, 2013
Other majors also quickly lead to jobs, while some still have unemployment rates above 10 percent.
Credit Cards Make You Fat and Dumb
Brandon Ballenger on June 13, 2013
Research repeatedly shows that credit cards make us spend more — especially on unhealthy things — and pay less attention to our finances than we otherwise would.
Despite New Rules, Banks Make More in Overdraft Fees
Brandon Ballenger on June 12, 2013
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau studied the impact of new regulations on how much people pay in overdraft fees. It’s still a lot.
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