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.
App Lets You Visualize New Furniture
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
If you want to test-drive some IKEA furniture from home – or wherever else you care to – there’s an app for that.
Are You Being Watched Online?
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
Did you know most Americans can be identified by just their birthday, gender, and zip code?
Mortgage Relief for Struggling Sandy Victims
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
Hit by the superstorm? Have a mortgage with Freddie Mac? You may get a little relief…
Halloween Candy Can Kill Pets
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
Vets warn candy wrappers and chocolate are dangerous for your furry friends.
Hurricane Victims At ID Theft Risk
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
Identity theft experts are warning disasters like Superstorm Sandy are a beacon to scammers. Get tips and a free guide to protect yourself.
When to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Brandon Ballenger on October 31, 2012
There are situations where filing a claim could result in higher rates or even dropped coverage. Here’s how to know when to file.
More Banks Waive Fees After Hurricane
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2012
Your bank may excuse out-of-network ATM fees and late fees if you were affected by Sandy.
Money Secrets Are Rare
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2012
Think your spouse is hiding money? A new study says it’s not likely, but more common among the young.
Teens With Smartphones Have More Sex
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2012
A new research study finds high school students who own smartphones are more sexually active, and some use the Internet to arrange trysts.
Who’s Postponing Halloween for Sandy
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2012
Halloween parades, parties, and trick-or-treating are being postponed or cancelled in many storm-swept towns, especially in New Jersey. Check on yours before heading out.
Quick Hurricane Resources
Brandon Ballenger on October 30, 2012
Looking for hurricane coverage, where to find shelter, or how to check in with loved ones? Here are some helpful links.
Lessons from a 10-Year Con Artist
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2012
Ever wondered how a scammer’s mind works, and what makes them successful? Here’s a compelling inside story from someone who worked on 30 different scam operations.
Chase Waives Fees for Hurricane Victims
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2012
Chase customers in the Northeast may avoid some fees incurred because of the storm.
Some .Gov Links Lead to Scams
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2012
Even links that seem to link to official government sites may not be safe. Here’s why.
Theater Thief Stole $70,000 a Week
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2012
When you see a movie, keep one hand in the popcorn and the other on your wallet.
Ford Reliability Keeps Dropping
Brandon Ballenger on October 29, 2012
According to Consumer Reports readers, Ford vehicles have had an increasing number of major problems in the past few years.
iPad-Only Retail Stores?
Brandon Ballenger on October 26, 2012
A clothing store chain has started swapping out cash registers. Payment methods won’t change, but some logistical changes might be weird…
Intimate Sales Fall
Brandon Ballenger on October 26, 2012
A research group looks at the data and says women are buying less lingerie than a year ago.
Fight for Your Legal Rights Against PayPal
Brandon Ballenger on October 26, 2012
PayPal and eBay are trying to limit your ability to sue, but you don’t have to accept that. Here’s how to keep your legal rights.
Craigslist Mob Strips Home Bare
Brandon Ballenger on October 26, 2012
When you list something on Craigslist, avoid words like “everything to go.”
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