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.

Smiling businesswoman welcomes new employee to a bright open office setting
10 Countries Attracting the World’s Smartest Workers

on November 27, 2023

The brightest minds in the global workforce are drawn to jobs and economic opportunity in these places, according to one organization.

Happy woman smiling and laying on the bed with her smartphone taking pictures or browsing the internet
The Best Home Internet Provider in Every Region of the U.S.

on November 22, 2023

Do you use the least-frustrating internet service company in your neck of the woods?

Electrical worker wearing a hard hat and safety vest reading an electrical meter outside the house to determine electric cost
15 States Where People Pay the Most for Electricity

on November 21, 2023

The going rate for electricity in these places tops the national average — on the high end, more than doubling it.

iPhone with a low battery message displayed
6 Mistakes That Destroy Your Phone and Laptop Batteries

on November 20, 2023

Maintaining batteries isn’t rocket science, but the best way to do it isn’t always obvious.

Woman relaxing outside her home
10 States That Have Lowered Property Taxes in 2023

and on November 17, 2023

Homeowners, rejoice: Property tax relief is already underway in these states.

Frustrated or confused woman at home looking at her phone in frustration and annoyance
6 Ways to Fight Spam Text Messages

on November 17, 2023

The scams and garbage messages never seem to stop coming. Here’s how to minimize this annoyance.

Porsche 911 GT3 sports car
11 Cars That Hold Fast to Their Resale Value

on November 9, 2023

After five years, these models stand out for holding on to 75% of their original value — or even more.

Middle-aged woman with a planner for retirement planning
11 Retirement Milestones Everyone Should Know

on November 8, 2023

How many of these retirement-related ages and deadlines have you prepared for?

Confused or frustrated man lying in bed looking at weird message on his phone
Have These Phone Numbers Texted You? Don’t Reply

on November 7, 2023

These are among the most common numbers of known scams, according to a recent report.

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19 Countries With the Best Pensions in the World

on October 25, 2023

A recent analysis examines the commonalities among the most generous and reliable retirement plans.

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Answers to 5 Common Social Security Questions

on October 24, 2023

Most of us will run into these questions at some point. Here’s what you need to know.

Senior couple sharing a laptop and happily listening to music with headphones on the couch
7 Social Security Rules That Married Couples Need To Know

on October 23, 2023

Know what you might be eligible for, now or in the future, so you can properly plan your retirement finances.

Girl eating cereal
15 Breakfast Cereals With More Sugar Than a Doughnut

on October 20, 2023

Many popular cereals don’t advertise their added sugar content nearly as much as they do vitamins and fiber.

Couple looking at bills calculating Social Security
What Happens to Your Social Security When You Die?

on October 19, 2023

Surviving family may be eligible for benefits of varying amounts, depending on their relationship to you and the circumstances. Here’s how it works.

Happy woman in car
The 23 Cars Most Likely to Last 250,000 Miles

on October 16, 2023

According to an analysis of a decade of car sales, these models keep on trucking better than any other.

Pregnant woman sitting on a bench in a park at the playground watching children and reading an e-reader or tablet
8 Small Splurges That Can Make a Big Difference in Your Life

on October 14, 2023

Some purchases are hard to justify — but others make so much sense you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Man charging an electric vehicle in a parking lot at sunset
9 States Charging Electric Vehicle Owners the Highest Fees

on October 11, 2023

Electric vehicle owners are increasingly trading one tax for another — and it’s relatively expensive in these states.

Stressed senior or worried older woman looking at laptop and feeling frustrated, anxious or upset
5 Scary Signs Your Email Account Is Compromised

on October 10, 2023

Hacked accounts can be hard to detect, and thieves can do a lot of damage to your finances and reputation. Here’s how to catch them in the act and retake control.

Friends excited and watching a sports game with a soccer ball and cheering in front of the TV
The Best Streaming Service for Live TV in 2023, According to Viewers

on October 5, 2023

This service — and several others — are more affordable and rank higher in customer satisfaction than traditional cable companies.

Boss pointing and scolding or reprimanding employee
Free New App Fights for Your Digital Privacy

on October 4, 2023

You can tell dozens of major companies to mind their own business with just a few taps.

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