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.

Credit Bureaus Checking Facebook Posts for Fraud
Credit Bureaus Checking Facebook Posts for Fraud

on May 30, 2013

Public social media posts could be used to verify identities and assess your income level.

Why Do Men Stop Buying Clothes After 50?
Why Do Men Stop Buying Clothes After 50?

on May 30, 2013

Census data show a sharp decline in clothing purchases by men once they hit their early 50s. Is it that they already have everything, dislike their appearance, or something else?

Payday Lenders Evading Regulation With Longer Loans?
Payday Lenders Evading Regulation With Longer Loans?

on May 30, 2013

Some payday lenders plan to offer longer-term loans, hoping they can evade rules designed to protect consumers.

What You Wear at Work Still Affects Promotion Chances
What You Wear at Work Still Affects Promotion Chances

on May 29, 2013

Managers place less emphasis on dress codes than they did 6 years ago, but what you wear still matters. Especially if it’s a chicken suit.

More Moms Than Ever Are the Breadwinners
More Moms Than Ever Are the Breadwinners

on May 29, 2013

In 40 percent of homes with children, Mom is the primary source of income for the family. Is that a good thing?

Do You Need Treatment for Low Testosterone?
Do You Need Treatment for Low Testosterone?

on May 29, 2013

Experts say testosterone replacement poses health risks and that safer — and far cheaper — solutions may be available.

Milestones That Affect Used Car Prices
Milestones That Affect Used Car Prices

on May 28, 2013

The odometer can play an important role in the price of a car. Whether you’re buying or selling, here are the marks to pay attention to.

Researchers Have Tips to Minimize Jet Lag
Researchers Have Tips to Minimize Jet Lag

on May 28, 2013

Planning a little time (zone) travel soon? Here’s a summary of current research on how to get your body’s internal clock synchronized.

New Labels Reveal Where Your Meat Was Born, Raised and Killed
New Labels Reveal Where Your Meat Was Born, Raised and Killed

on May 28, 2013

New U.S. Department of Agriculture rules require more specific information on certain cuts of meat.

A Tax Break for Burning Chicken Poop?
A Tax Break for Burning Chicken Poop?

on May 27, 2013

The IRS has some bizarre tax incentives on the books. Here are the ones experts consider the worst.

Teen Invents Tiny Device That Can Instantly Charge Phones
Teen Invents Tiny Device That Can Instantly Charge Phones

on May 27, 2013

Eesha Khare’s science fair entry beat nearly 1,600 other inventions from around the world and won her $50,000.

Used Computer Sells for $671,400
Used Computer Sells for $671,400

on May 27, 2013

One of the original Apple computers, hand-built by co-founder Steve Wozniak, just sold at auction for a record price.

Walmart’s Plan to Fill Empty Shelves: Green Dots
Walmart’s Plan to Fill Empty Shelves: Green Dots

on May 24, 2013

The company may also tie executive pay to how well its stores are kept stocked, if shareholders support the idea.

Half of College Grads Surprised by Their High Debt
Half of College Grads Surprised by Their High Debt

on May 24, 2013

Nearly three-quarters of this year’s college grads have college-related debt — averaging $35,200. Shocked? So are the grads.

That Green Tea Drink May Not Be As Healthy As You Think
That Green Tea Drink May Not Be As Healthy As You Think

on May 24, 2013

A new study examining what’s in green tea beverages and tea bags found some surprising things.

You Can Get Paid to Write Fan Fiction
You Can Get Paid to Write Fan Fiction

on May 23, 2013

Amazon’s opening up popular copyrighted worlds for fans to write about — and you can make money doing it.

Feds Are Sending $700,000 to Victims of Insurance Scheme
Feds Are Sending $700,000 to Victims of Insurance Scheme

on May 23, 2013

Some people who received nearly worthless medical discounts when they expected health insurance will get a refund, the FTC says. Here’s how to avoid making the same mistake they did.

Offshore Profits Actually Stashed in New York?
Offshore Profits Actually Stashed in New York?

on May 23, 2013

Apple’s $102 billion in “offshore” profits is actually sitting in Manhattan — but the IRS can’t touch it.

Small-Business Owners: How Not to Behave on the Internet
Small-Business Owners: How Not to Behave on the Internet

on May 22, 2013

Lashing back at dissatisfied customers online is not the proper way to deal with critics, experts say.

Many Americans Spend on Birthday Parties, Funerals for Pets
Many Americans Spend on Birthday Parties, Funerals for Pets

on May 22, 2013

A new survey by CouponCabin shows we’re very generous with our pets, particularly the canine kind.

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