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.
Facebook Wants Even More Personal Information
Brandon Ballenger on April 10, 2013
They’re partnering with more companies that collect information about you so they can target ads.
Airline Now Bases Fares on Your Weight
Brandon Ballenger on April 9, 2013
If you fly here, you’ll be stepping on the scale with your luggage. Will other airlines follow suit?
New Obama Budget Proposes Social Security Cuts
Brandon Ballenger on April 9, 2013
President Obama’s vision for government spending in the next year includes slowing the growth of entitlement benefits and eliminating tax breaks for the rich.
Get Free Movies and TV by Watching Ads
Brandon Ballenger on April 8, 2013
Pick the ads you want to subject your eyeballs to and score free films and TV episodes.
We’ll Work an Extra Five Days to Pay Taxes This Year
Brandon Ballenger on April 6, 2013
Americans will spend one more work week paying off all our taxes in 2013 compared to last year. But historically, that’s not bad.
Is Your Job Killing You?
Brandon Ballenger on April 6, 2013
New research says job stress might cause more heart problems than smoking.
American Taxpayers About to Lose Nearly $1 Billion
Brandon Ballenger on April 6, 2013
And most of it belongs to the people who could use it most. See if you’re owed hundreds from Uncle Sam, before it’s too late.
Retailers Keep Databases of Thieving Employees
Brandon Ballenger on April 5, 2013
Robbing your workplace may get you blacklisted and make it hard to find another job in the retail industry.
Walmart Considering Customer-Driven Delivery Service
Brandon Ballenger on April 5, 2013
If Walmart offered to pay you to drop off some stuff to your neighbors on the way home, would you?
Credit Card Delinquency At 18-Year Low
Brandon Ballenger on April 5, 2013
People are staying on top of many types of loans better than they have in a long while, which is good news for consumers and the economy.
For Rent Signs Reach a 12-Year Low
Brandon Ballenger on April 4, 2013
Meanwhile, the average apartment now rents for $1,102.
How the Great Recession Changed Our Habits
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2013
Five years later, people feel more prepared for retirement and are making bigger contributions to their 401Ks. Most have less debt, too.
Foreclosure Victims Eligible to Try Again
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2013
A second chance is possible after just a few years, if you play your cards right.
Do We Need Voice Mail Anymore?
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2013
Younger people who drive technology trends think voice mail takes too long to get to the point, and favor text messages or email instead. Phone companies notice.
Amazon’s Got a Secret
Brandon Ballenger on April 3, 2013
Is the company making a smartphone? A recent hire suggests it might be.
Supreme Court Decision Could Mean Faster Generic Drugs
Brandon Ballenger on April 2, 2013
While the case isn’t getting as much attention as gay marriage, the financial impact could be measured in billions.
TurboTax Wants to Keep Your Taxes Complex
Brandon Ballenger on April 2, 2013
In some countries, taxes are virtually automatic: No need to hire anybody or spend hours with forms and receipts. But not here, and the company behind TurboTax is spending millions to keep it that way.
Hotels Still Packing on Hidden Resort Fees
Brandon Ballenger on April 2, 2013
Despite a government warning that hotels may be breaking the law by hiding fees, many are still tacking on $30-a-night extra charges.
Social Security Benefits Protected In Bankruptcy
Brandon Ballenger on April 2, 2013
A federal appeals court ruled creditors can’t demand Social Security benefits be used to repay debts in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
IRS Working With Police to Crack Down on Identity Theft
Brandon Ballenger on March 31, 2013
The government just expanded its refund fraud-targeting program to all 50 states.
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