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.
Cheapest New Cars to Own for 5 Years
Brandon Ballenger on February 13, 2013
Kelley Blue Book’s annual study of cheap-to-own cars shows you can spend less than $40,000 over five years on several new vehicles.
Tax Tattlers Snag $125 Million
Brandon Ballenger on February 13, 2013
Want a big check from the government? Snitch on rich tax cheaters. The IRS awards up to a third of the money it reclaims from tax cheaters through its whistleblower program.
Another Use for Silica Gel Packets
Brandon Ballenger on February 13, 2013
You know those little throwaway packets in new products that feel like they have beads inside? You can keep and reuse them.
Will Basketball Stars Soon Be Walking Ads?
Brandon Ballenger on February 12, 2013
The people who run the NBA think they can make $100 million a year off ads on jerseys.
American Express Users Get Discounts on Twitter
Brandon Ballenger on February 12, 2013
Got an Amex card and a Twitter account? You can get exclusive deals, like a $25 gift card for $15.
Your Credit Report Likely Has Costly Mistakes
Brandon Ballenger on February 12, 2013
There’s a better than 25 percent chance somebody (besides you) messed up your credit report. If so, it’s costing you money – but it’s free to fix!
Apple Patenting Solar-Powered Phone, Working on Wrist Devices
Brandon Ballenger on February 11, 2013
While these projects may or may not ever see the light of day, there’s plenty of evidence Apple is still thinking and experimenting outside the box.
Sometimes Debt Collectors Say Crazy Things
Brandon Ballenger on February 11, 2013
Like, “Pay us or we’re going to take your children” and “we’ll eat your dog.”
Identity Thieves Used 6-Year-Old’s Social Security Number
Brandon Ballenger on February 11, 2013
Between that and many other schemes they bought luxury cars and millions of dollars’ worth of gold.
Consumer Group To Investigate Products Banks Market to College Students
Brandon Ballenger on February 8, 2013
Concerned about how college kids get or spend money? The government wants your opinion, which could shape new regulations.
The Best City for Online Dating?
Brandon Ballenger on February 8, 2013
Men’s Health magazine ranked the cities with the most online dating members. Here’s what they found, and what we did.
AOL Still Makes $500 Million a Year on Dial-Up Internet
Brandon Ballenger on February 8, 2013
Despite more than a decade of faster and sometimes free alternatives, dial-up still makes a lot of money.
Beware of These 6 Tax Scams
Brandon Ballenger on February 8, 2013
If you don’t want to spend five years in prison and pay quarter-million-dollar fines, these are things you should consider not doing.
American and US Airways Merger Looks Like Done Deal
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2013
While some things are still being worked out and court approval is necessary, the merger looks increasingly likely.
Women’s Most Common Job Hasn’t Changed in 60 Years
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2013
The role is expected to grow 12 percent more by 2020.
British Bank Fined for Manipulating Interest Rates
Brandon Ballenger on February 7, 2013
This is the third bank to pay big for its alleged role in the LIBOR scandal: $612 million. With embarrassing messages like this, you can see why.
Take a $5 Online Course, Save up to 15 Percent on Car Insurance
Brandon Ballenger on February 6, 2013
You can get AARP’s safety course 80 percent off right now, which in most states means a guaranteed insurance discount.
40 Public Universities Will Offer Free Online Classes for Credit
Brandon Ballenger on February 6, 2013
You can take an introductory class taught by real professors in several subjects with no strings attached. The hope is you’ll pay to continue for a degree.
Postal Service Will Stop Saturday Letter Delivery
Brandon Ballenger on February 6, 2013
Last year, USPS lost $16 billion. This year, it’ll lose weekends.
9 Tips to Pick a Tax Pro – If You Need One
Brandon Ballenger on February 6, 2013
Just because taxes are complicated doesn’t mean simple software can’t do the job. Here’s how to determine if you need a pro, and if you do, how to find the right one.
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