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.

4 Ways to Save When Buying a Mac
4 Ways to Save When Buying a Mac

on May 10, 2012

Apple fans: New research shows that waiting even a few days for the newest model can save you money. Find out what else can too.

5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Car Ownership
5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Car Ownership

on May 3, 2012

Buying a car is expensive, but so is keeping one running. Check out these quick tips to spend less money fueling and maintaining your vehicle.

5 Ways to Score Scholarship Money
5 Ways to Score Scholarship Money

on April 20, 2012

College-bound? Here’s how to win a slice of the billions up for grabs every year in scholarships.

A Simple System to Destroy Debt
A Simple System to Destroy Debt

on April 13, 2012

It’s possible to pay off every debt you have in months, rather than years. It’s not easy, but it is simple. Here’s a five-step process that will work, if you work it.

Your Child Might Be an Identity Theft Victim
Your Child Might Be an Identity Theft Victim

on April 12, 2012

Even 5-year-olds can have their identities stolen. It can wreck their credit as adults and cost their parents now. Here’s how to prevent it.

Buying a Boat? Tips to Staying Afloat
Buying a Boat? Tips to Staying Afloat

on April 11, 2012

The sticker price of a boat is just the beginning. Learn about the total cost of ownership or you’ll quickly sink your savings.

Are Expensive HDMI Cables a Rip-off?
Are Expensive HDMI Cables a Rip-off?

on April 6, 2012

There are few products that look the same, do the same thing, but range in price from 1 cent to $300. Despite years of expert testimony, some consumers can still be talked into paying more for a cable than a TV.

5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make
5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make

on March 28, 2012

Selling your home? Getting it right the first time can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Unemployment No Longer the Stigma It Once Was
Unemployment No Longer the Stigma It Once Was

on March 27, 2012

If you’re trying to claw your way back into the job market after being unemployed or underemployed, there’s finally some good news for you.

7 Tips to Pay Less for Health Insurance
7 Tips to Pay Less for Health Insurance

on March 26, 2012

Health insurance policies – and their premiums – vary widely. But you have more control over your costs and coverage than you might think.

What Happened When My Identity Was Stolen
What Happened When My Identity Was Stolen

on March 26, 2012

Somebody in China stole my debit card number and ripped me off for $474.01. I got my money back – and I have tips to help you keep yours.

Beating the Banks: Microloans
Beating the Banks: Microloans

on March 21, 2012

What’s better than earning a higher interest rate on your savings? Helping a worthy entrepreneur while you do it. Microloans offer the opportunity to beat the banks while you save the world.

Tips on Collecting From Some of the World’s Best
Tips on Collecting From Some of the World’s Best

on March 16, 2012

Looking for an interesting alternative to low-paying savings accounts? Start a collection with tips from two guys who just made $38 million selling theirs.

5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent
5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

on March 14, 2012

Tired of spending frustrating hours online booking flights with no certainty you’ll end up with the best deal? Maybe it’s time for a blast from the past.

4 Things to Know About Peer Lending
4 Things to Know About Peer Lending

on March 14, 2012

Tired of earning next to nothing on your savings? Meet someone making 13 percent by simply doing what the bank does.

Can the Tooth Fairy Predict the Economy?
Can the Tooth Fairy Predict the Economy?

on March 13, 2012

A dental insurer believes “the value of a lost tooth is closely related to the U.S. economy.” But the going rate for lost baby teeth dropped 42 cents in the past year. Maybe the tooth fairy expects another recession?

5 Tips for Finding Work When You’re Over 50
5 Tips for Finding Work When You’re Over 50

on March 12, 2012

Feel like your age and experience disqualify you from jobs? Maybe the problem is your perspective, or at least the employer’s – learn to take the qualities that come with age and turn them into work-finding assets.

7 Things to Know Before You Join a Clinical Trial
7 Things to Know Before You Join a Clinical Trial

on March 9, 2012

Clinical trials can earn you hundreds or even thousands. But they aren’t necessarily easy to get into – or through. Here are some details from those in the industry.

6 Steps to Pay Less for Car Insurance
6 Steps to Pay Less for Car Insurance

on March 7, 2012

Since you’re paying more for gas, maybe it’s time to save on another expensive part of the driving experience: insurance.

7 Top Scams and How to Avoid Them
7 Top Scams and How to Avoid Them

on March 5, 2012

It’s National Consumer Protection Week: the perfect time to familiarize yourself with today’s most common scams so you can avoid becoming a victim.

1,661 - 1,680 of 1,931