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.

Chelsea Clinton: Living Large in Manhattan
Chelsea Clinton: Living Large in Manhattan

on March 18, 2013

It has six and a half bathrooms and cost more than $10 million.

The Vatican Deficit-Spends Too
The Vatican Deficit-Spends Too

on March 18, 2013

In 2011, the Holy See saw a $19 million budget gap. Will the Pope of the poor fix it and other financial problems?

12 Ways Skimping Now Can Blow Up in Your Face Later
12 Ways Skimping Now Can Blow Up in Your Face Later

on March 18, 2013

Smart spending is obviously a good idea. But can there be too much of a good thing?

Consumer Watchdog Eyeing Student Loan Business
Consumer Watchdog Eyeing Student Loan Business

on March 15, 2013

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to take a role in overseeing student loan companies to make sure borrowers are treated fairly.

Chinese Firm Investing Big In U.S. Natural Gas
Chinese Firm Investing Big In U.S. Natural Gas

on March 15, 2013

ENN Group is muscling into the American energy market with $50 million for trucker gas stations this year. It already has a big investment in solar, too.

Think Before Paying Taxes With a Credit Card
Think Before Paying Taxes With a Credit Card

on March 15, 2013

The IRS doesn’t care how you pay, and the fees can be high.

Expert: The Economy Is Picking Up Steam
Expert: The Economy Is Picking Up Steam

on March 14, 2013

JP Morgan chief U.S. economist Michael Feroli says the second half of 2013 should bring more economic momentum.

Wind Energy is Blowing Away Nuclear
Wind Energy is Blowing Away Nuclear

on March 14, 2013

The nuclear industry provides 19 percent of American electricity. Wind provides just 3.4 percent, but gaining ground is proving to be a breeze.

FDA: Forcing Calorie Counts on Menus Will Take a While Longer
FDA: Forcing Calorie Counts on Menus Will Take a While Longer

on March 14, 2013

The government agency says creating a new menu-labeling law “has gotten extremely thorny.” Grocery and convenience stores are the thorns.

Celebrity Credit Reports Posted Online
Celebrity Credit Reports Posted Online

on March 13, 2013

Hackers now probably know the credit scores of everybody from Michelle Obama to Beyonce and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Despite Job Cuts and Losses, Bankers Are Paying Themselves More
Despite Job Cuts and Losses, Bankers Are Paying Themselves More

on March 13, 2013

A new report says despite 93,000 job cuts, top banks spent billions more on their people last year.

Return of the Twinkie
Return of the Twinkie

on March 13, 2013

Everyone’s favorite creamy sponge cake will return to shelves soon.

Shopping for a Loan or Savings Account? Beware Online Rate Searches
Shopping for a Loan or Savings Account? Beware Online Rate Searches

on March 13, 2013

A percentage point difference on a mortgage rate could mean tens of thousands. That’s why it’s important to use online rate searches – but not until you understand how they work.

2 Million People Quit Their Jobs Every Month
2 Million People Quit Their Jobs Every Month

on March 12, 2013

Even with unemployment near 8 percent, many people just can’t stand where they work.

How Companies Are Limiting Your Ability to Sue
How Companies Are Limiting Your Ability to Sue

on March 12, 2013

You probably haven’t noticed, but in the past couple of years, Sony, Microsoft and Netflix have all change the rules to keep you from joining a class-action lawsuit.

Do You Live in the Fattest State?
Do You Live in the Fattest State?

on March 12, 2013

More than 1.8 million people live in the state with the highest obesity rate. One out of every three adults there is seriously overweight.

Google Glass Already Being Banned In Some Places
Google Glass Already Being Banned In Some Places

on March 11, 2013

The tech company’s eye-catching eyewear isn’t even for sale yet, but that isn’t stopping at least one business from rejecting it.

Scammers Now Accept Prepaid Cards
Scammers Now Accept Prepaid Cards

on March 11, 2013

The ripoffs are the same old deal, but now MoneyPak is an acceptable method to part you from your money.

Will We Soon Be Able to Resell E-Books and Digital Music?
Will We Soon Be Able to Resell E-Books and Digital Music?

on March 11, 2013

Apple and Amazon appear to be building systems for selling used e-books, as well as digital music, movies and software. Publishers and media companies aren’t thrilled.

Apple, Google and Microsoft Hoarding More Cash Offshore
Apple, Google and Microsoft Hoarding More Cash Offshore

on March 8, 2013

In the past two years, the tech companies have more than doubled the amount of cash they’ve tucked away out of Uncle Sam’s reach. Between the three it’s now $134.5 billion.

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