B.T. Ballenger
Credit Cards Make You Fat and Dumb
B.T. 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
B.T. 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.
Do Unpaid Internships Exploit Young People?
B.T. Ballenger on June 12, 2013
Two former unpaid interns sued a Fox movie studio that they said made them do menial tasks instead of teaching them. A judge said they should have been paid.
Restaurant Asks Patrons Not to Tip Waiters
B.T. Ballenger on June 12, 2013
A New York sushi restaurant pays its waitstaff a salary — with benefits — and tells customers that tips are not allowed. Should other restaurants follow suit?
Jobs Are Available in All 50 States
B.T. Ballenger on June 11, 2013
For the second quarter in a row, businesses in every state are planning to hire more people.
De Beers Class-Action Checks Are in the Mail
B.T. Ballenger on June 11, 2013
Did you file a claim against the diamond seller in 2008? Your portion of the $295 million settlement should be arriving soon in the mail.
U.S. Income Inequality Has Gotten Even Worse
B.T. Ballenger on June 11, 2013
The difference in income between the wealthy and the rest of us is much more vast than it is in 25 other developed nations.
The Worst Airline Is Among the Most Profitable
B.T. Ballenger on June 10, 2013
Spirit Airlines’ fee-for-all approach seems to be paying off, despite consumer complaints.
Costco Shows You Can Have Low Prices and Decent Pay
B.T. Ballenger on June 10, 2013
Does the generous way Costco treats its workers affect your decision to shop there?
Study: 19 Percent of Americans Spend More Than They Earn
B.T. Ballenger on June 10, 2013
Most U.S. adults don’t do well on a short multiple-choice quiz about basic financial literacy.
Study Suggests Online Dating Produces Stronger Marriages
B.T. Ballenger on June 7, 2013
Researchers say couples who first meet online are a bit more likely to stay married and have happier marriages. Can that be right?
Apple Wants to Buy Your Used Phones, Report says
B.T. Ballenger on June 7, 2013
Apple may soon have an in-store trade-in program for iPhones.
The Big Screen Gets Bigger
B.T. Ballenger on June 7, 2013
Movie screens as much as 40 percent larger than usual may be coming to a theater near you. Are you willing to pay more for the experience?
Rakuten.com Customers Reporting Credit Card Fraud
B.T. Ballenger on June 6, 2013
People who purchased something through Rakuten.com, formerly known as Buy.com, say they’ve seen thousands in unauthorized purchases show up on their accounts.
Free Calling, Texting and Data — What’s the Catch?
B.T. Ballenger on June 6, 2013
You’ll have to bring a compatible smartphone or buy one, and there are some limitations.
Study: Health Savings Accounts Aren’t Working
B.T. Ballenger on May 20, 2020
They’re leading to more emergency room visits, fewer screenings for cancer and fewer prescriptions.
Amazon Snatches Up SpongeBob and Other Popular Kids’ Shows
B.T. Ballenger on June 5, 2013
Thousands of streaming episodes will be available for Amazon Prime customers at no additional cost.
The Rich Get Even Richer in Post-Recession Recovery
B.T. Ballenger on June 5, 2013
Many Americans are far from regaining the wealth they lost when the economy tanked.
Some Go Into Debt to Attend Weddings, Rather Than Say No
B.T. Ballenger on June 5, 2013
A quarter of adults have skipped a wedding in the past year because it would cost them too much. Have you?
Fit Fatties May Outlive Thin Couch Potatoes
B.T. Ballenger on June 4, 2013
A fitness expert tackles some common misconceptions about health and fitness.
721 - 740 of 1,928
