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.

Shocked older man looking at laptop finding private information leaked or identity theft or some other online mistake
New Google Feature Alerts You to Privacy Breaches

on August 4, 2023

Now you can be notified when your contact information is published and request to have it removed from search results.

Surprised and angry senior
The Average Payment for 9 Types of Social Security Recipients

on August 4, 2023

Who receives what? Have a look at Social Security statistics.

International world currency including U.S., European Union, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil
9 Countries That Now Have Better Credit Than the U.S.

on August 3, 2023

Uncover the nations with higher credit ratings than the U.S. — the answers may surprise you!

stressful travel
The 10 Rudest Things You Can Do on an Airplane Flight

on August 3, 2023

Since a majority of Americans agree these behaviors are annoying, we can all agree not to do them. Right?

Old gas station
Here’s What a Gallon of Gas Cost the Year You Were Born

on August 1, 2023

We didn’t know how good we had it. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Surprised father and sun watching TV or streaming a movie in shock on the couch
5 Hidden Helpful Features on Amazon Prime Video

on July 31, 2023

Get more out of your Amazon Prime subscription by learning a few new tricks. These can make your TV streaming experience more enjoyable.

Married driver driving at night on the highway in traffic with headlights on
10 Places With the Most Dangerous Drivers in America

on July 31, 2023

Watch out. These places have significant problems with speeding, drunk driving and hitting pedestrians.

Stressed senior worried and sitting on a couch feeling upset
6 Medicare Mistakes To Avoid for a Healthy Retirement

on July 28, 2023

Medicare health insurance can be confusing. Beware these missteps — which can hike your costs.

Young businesswoman in a car at night with neon urban lights
Here’s How Much It Takes To Be in the Top 1% in America

on July 28, 2023

Here’s a look at the highest earners in every state, based on IRS data.

Stressed woman looking at bills and tired with a headache
10 Places Where People Have the Most Student Loan Debt

on July 26, 2023

Graduates living in these places face expensive interest as student loan repayments resume this fall.

Woman with a calculator negotiating price with a haggling customer
10 Tips for Negotiating a Better Price on Anything

on July 25, 2023

The best tactic for getting a good deal is older than you think.

Young girl watching TV or movies on a homemade screen outdoors in the backyard at night
The 3 Most Popular Streaming Services This Summer

on July 22, 2023

One service is more popular than Netflix.

Group of friends smiling and drinking beer while eating at a restaurant
The 9 Most Satisfying Restaurant Chains in America

on July 18, 2023

Polling shows these fast food and full-service restaurants have the highest customer satisfaction among U.S. chains.

Senior man looking surprised at the time on his watch
Here’s How Retirees Actually Spend Their Time

on July 17, 2023

There’s so much to do — and to not do. Here are some of the things retirees spend the most time on.

Social Security checks, Social Security card, cash
The Social Security COLA the Year You Were Born

on July 7, 2023

Here’s a look at how benefits have changed in good times and leaner ones.

Automotive assembly line worker
The 9 Most American-Made Cars You Can Buy

on June 30, 2023

These vehicles have a greater share of parts made in America than any others, according to a recent study.

Confused or unsure man looking at an old Apple II computer
9 Apple Products That Failed Miserably

on June 28, 2023

Innovation often meant a lot of false starts in the wrong direction — and dreadful price tags.

Senior man uses his smartphone for banking
7 Ways to Guarantee Yourself a Steady Retirement Income

on June 28, 2023

Saving is just one part of the retirement equation. Check out these ways to guarantee income in your golden years.

Worker in a dangerous situation falling and sustaining a workplace injury
12 Companies Putting Workers at Risk

on June 27, 2023

An advocacy group is calling out major companies for everything from cancer risks to child labor.

Woman looking at tax paperwork or bills on a laptop
The 8 Best Internet Providers, According to Their Customers

on June 22, 2023

These providers received high marks for their internet service compared with the rest of the industry.

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