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.
$45 Million Stolen in Hours With Prepaid Cards
Brandon Ballenger on May 15, 2013
One of the most sophisticated cybercrime attacks ever was pulled off with the help of ‘cashing crews’ that accessed massive numbers of ATMs.
Got a Klout Score Higher Than 55? American Airlines Will Buy You Drinks
Brandon Ballenger on May 15, 2013
Popular on Twitter or Facebook? You may be eligible for free Wi-Fi, alcohol, and snacks.
A Simple Way to Save 30 Percent on Detergent and Get Cleaner Clothes
Brandon Ballenger on May 15, 2013
A new study from Consumer Reports evaluates the cleaning power of single-use laundry detergent packets.
J.C. Penney Goes Back to Having Fake Sales
Brandon Ballenger on May 14, 2013
They’re caught in the act: Examples show prices are being marked up so they seem a bargain when put on sale.
Cell Phones: Is a No-Contract Deal Cheaper?
Brandon Ballenger on May 14, 2013
Skipping a contract can save you hundreds of dollars, but it requires some planning.
One A Day Vitamins Prevent Disease: Or Do They?
Brandon Ballenger on May 14, 2013
A nonprofit is suing Bayer over claims its multivitamins prevents disease.
Ads Hide Secret Messages That Only Kids Can See
Brandon Ballenger on May 13, 2013
A clever printing technique allows advertisers to create optical illusions — or different messages for kids and adults on the same image.
Need a Window Air Conditioner? Read This First
Brandon Ballenger on May 13, 2013
Consumer Reports evaluated window air-conditioning units for performance, noise and other factors. Here’s what they found.
When Microsoft Calls, Don’t Answer
Brandon Ballenger on May 13, 2013
Scammers posing as Microsoft techs may try to gain access to your system or sign you up for services you don’t need.
Man Wrongly Told He Would Die Wins Lawsuit
Brandon Ballenger on May 10, 2013
A Montanan was told he had brain cancer and less than 6 months to live. A judge awarded him nearly $60,000 for his anguish. Is that good enough?
What Mom Needs: Financial Advice
Brandon Ballenger on May 10, 2013
Moms are less prepared for retirement than fathers or women without children, a new study says.
Study: People With Shorter Names Earn More
Brandon Ballenger on May 10, 2013
For Mother’s Day, researchers examined the financial importance of what Mom decided to call you.
Wildly Different Hospital Prices Revealed
Brandon Ballenger on May 9, 2013
The federal government just dropped a data bomb on the health care industry. Now consumers can look at hospital-specific charges across the country for the top 100 patient procedures.
Debt Settlement Company Charged With Fraud
Brandon Ballenger on May 9, 2013
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is ready to play hardball with the largely unregulated industry, and for the first time has referred a case for criminal prosecution.
Study: People Don’t Understand Mortgage Basics
Brandon Ballenger on May 9, 2013
A survey by Zillow reveals that many potential and actual homebuyers have misconceptions about everything from interest rates to refinancing.
Spirit Airlines Ditches Toll-Free Line
Brandon Ballenger on May 8, 2013
The airline known for its many fees got rid of its toll-free number for customers, so calling to ask for help or advice might cost you.
Federal Health Care Spending May Be $770B Less Than Expected
Brandon Ballenger on May 8, 2013
A new study shows that the federal government’s spending on health care is growing at a much slower pace than previously predicted.
Would You Rather Have Overtime Pay or Time Off?
Brandon Ballenger on May 8, 2013
The U.S. House favors a bill that would allow employees who work overtime to bank the extra hours to take off later in the year.
Wine Shortage Is Pushing Prices Up
Brandon Ballenger on May 7, 2013
The price of a glass of wine in a restaurant has risen as much as 8 percent in the past six months, a study says.
New York AG: Big Banks Are Violating $26B Mortgage Settlement
Brandon Ballenger on May 7, 2013
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says he’s preparing to sue Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
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