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.

6 Ways to Succeed at Your Damn Job
6 Ways to Succeed at Your Damn Job

on August 1, 2012

Want a raise or promotion? Stand out for all the right reasons, and not the wrong ones – like having a potty mouth.

The 4 Funniest Surveys of the Month
The 4 Funniest Surveys of the Month

on July 31, 2012

How much do friends cost? Curious which country loves lingerie the most? How about the proper spacing between strangers’ beach towels? Survey says…

Payday Loans: Still Popular, Still a Raw Deal
Payday Loans: Still Popular, Still a Raw Deal

on July 30, 2012

Don’t get stuck in a cycle of debt – avoid loans with interest rates as high as 500 percent.

How to Watch the Olympics Online Free
How to Watch the Olympics Online Free

on July 27, 2012

You might be able to watch all the Olympic events for free – if you’re lucky. Here’s how.

U.S. Judge Says Airlines Have to Stop Lying to Us
U.S. Judge Says Airlines Have to Stop Lying to Us

on July 26, 2012

Soon airlines will have to show real prices and stop hiding taxes and mandatory fees from the fares you see online. But optional fees like baggage can still nail you.

How to Automatically Update Your Software
How to Automatically Update Your Software

on July 26, 2012

Tired of always updating your Windows computer or Mac? Even more tired of getting reminders to do it? Automate the process and dump this tech chore.

How Much Water Are You REALLY Supposed to Drink?
How Much Water Are You REALLY Supposed to Drink?

on July 25, 2012

The only thing scientists and doctors seem to agree on is that you should drink if you’re thirsty.

6 New Ways Elvis Makes Money 35 Years Later
6 New Ways Elvis Makes Money 35 Years Later

on July 24, 2012

Good news for Elvis fans: There’s a lot more crazy memorabilia being licensed – from slot machines to Hello Kitty dolls.

Job Hunters: 4 Tips on Using Social Media
Job Hunters: 4 Tips on Using Social Media

on July 20, 2012

You’re missing career opportunities if you’re not on the major social networks – and using them the way employers want.

The Most Expensive Places for Car Repairs – and Why
The Most Expensive Places for Car Repairs – and Why

on July 19, 2012

Learn how to avoid a common $400 repair with a $20 do-it-yourself job. And as for tools – if you’ve got a butter knife, you’re ready.

How to Get Half-Off Restaurant Meals While Traveling
How to Get Half-Off Restaurant Meals While Traveling

on July 19, 2012

Try new restaurants and save money at the same time – just check the fine print first.

12 Totally Ridiculous Resume Mistakes
12 Totally Ridiculous Resume Mistakes

on July 18, 2012

Is your resume clever or dumb? Find out what 2,300 hiring managers think of common resume tactics.

Will a $7 Billion Deal Make Credit Cards Cost More?
Will a $7 Billion Deal Make Credit Cards Cost More?

on July 17, 2012

Visa and MasterCard agree to lower the fees they charge merchants to accept credit card payments – but they also let merchants charge cardholders more.

6 Tricks to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
6 Tricks to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

on July 17, 2012

Want to avoid spending up to $500 on school supplies this fall? Start shopping smart now.

4 Easy Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi
4 Easy Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi

on July 16, 2012

Gotta get online in a hurry? If you know where to look, there’s no need to pay.

5 Cheap Alternatives to Cell Phone Insurance
5 Cheap Alternatives to Cell Phone Insurance

on July 13, 2012

Would you rather pay $7 a month for insurance with a $100 deductible, or spend $20 on a screen/case combo and a free app?

Good Signs for Job Seekers: More Hiring Expected
Good Signs for Job Seekers: More Hiring Expected

on July 6, 2012

Looking for work? Despite this morning’s disappointing jobs report, we’ve got good news about hiring and advice to help land your next job.

Want to Get Richer? Here’s Step 1
Want to Get Richer? Here’s Step 1

on July 5, 2012

If you’re one of the 42 percent of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it’s time to break out. Here’s how.

Crowd Funding: More Money for Small Business
Crowd Funding: More Money for Small Business

on July 4, 2012

Want to raise a million dollars for your small business, or possibly get in on the ground floor of the next Facebook? Learn JOBS Act and next year’s big thing: crowd funding.

Barbecue Tips for Independence Day
Barbecue Tips for Independence Day

on July 3, 2012

Try some great barbecue recipes this holiday – by learning about what the Top 500 restaurants are doing.

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