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.
Are Concierge Doctors Worth the Price?
Brandon Ballenger on December 14, 2011
Some people are VIPs – very important patients, who get more attention from their doctor with less waiting. As you might imagine, there’s a price to pay. Is it worth it?
6 Money Mistakes Couples Make
Brandon Ballenger on December 12, 2011
Money and marriage may go together like a horse and carriage, but don’t put the cart before the horse. Or buy one without talking to your spouse.
Beware Paperless Event Tickets
Brandon Ballenger on December 12, 2011
It’s called paperless ticketing – you gain entrance to the concert or show by swiping the credit card you used to buy the tickets. The problem? Since only the card that bought the tickets can use them, that destroys your ability to sell your tickets, or buy them on the secondary market. What does Ticketmaster call this? Why, “convenient,” of course.
Can a Photograph Boost Your Retirement Plan?
Brandon Ballenger on December 9, 2011
Half of baby boomers won’t have enough money to live out their lives comfortably. Some researchers have an idea to fix that in the future – and it sounds a little like science fiction.
Betting on the Elections – Why Do Gamblers Beat Polls?
Brandon Ballenger on December 7, 2011
Forget fantasy football – try fantasy politics. Not only do people gamble on who will win the elections, they’re more accurate than the pollsters.
Want to Manage Your Money Without a Bank? Try Walmart
Brandon Ballenger on December 1, 2011
People who either don’t trust or can’t afford to rely on a bank have traditionally used pay-day lenders and check-cashing stores instead. Now some of them are using one of few companies with revenues that surpass even Bank of America: Walmart.
5 Gift Ideas to Teach Kids About Money
Brandon Ballenger on November 28, 2011
While children get more holiday presents than most of us, sometimes they lose interest before the batteries die. Why not give a gift that earns interest, or lasts a lifetime?
How Smartphones Help Find the Best Black Friday Deals
Brandon Ballenger on November 24, 2011
You’ll probably be fiddling with your smartphone while waiting in line this Black Friday. Make use of that time by using your phone to find deals.
7 Hot Holiday Toys Under $10
Brandon Ballenger on November 23, 2011
The shopping season has begun – already feeling short on cash? Here are some cheap toys retailers say are popular this year.
5 Reasons to Shop on Small Business Saturday
Brandon Ballenger on November 21, 2011
We haven’t quite reached “The 12 Days of Christmas,” but we’re getting closer. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Free Shipping Day, and now Small Business Saturday. Is yet another designated shopping day worth it? Yes.
4 Tips to Find the Right Charity
Brandon Ballenger on November 16, 2011
Americans donate billions of dollars to more than a million charities each year. But they’re not all created equal. Learn how to tell a fake charity from a real one, and a good charity from one that’s great.
18 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping
Brandon Ballenger on November 14, 2011
With less than two weeks until the biggest shopping day of the year, how’s your gift list looking? If you need ideas for presents and tips to save some money, we have lots.
Holiday Jobs: 6 Tips to Get and Keep Them
Brandon Ballenger on November 14, 2011
Many companies hire extra help for the holidays. While this typically starts before Halloween and peaks shortly after, a survey from CareerBuilder shows this year’s different: Employers are hiring later and paying more.
6 Great Ways to Save on Holiday Travel
Brandon Ballenger on November 11, 2011
Holiday flights can be expensive and a major cheer-kill. Find out how to lower the stress and the cost of getting to your friends and family for the holidays.
Credit Scores: 9 Things That Don’t Matter, 5 That Do
Brandon Ballenger on November 9, 2011
There are a lot of misconceptions about credit scores. Some people believe everything from where they live to the color of their skin affects their score. Here’s what influences scores, what doesn’t, and what you can do to improve yours.
The 10 Cheapest Colleges in the United States
Brandon Ballenger on November 8, 2011
Student loan debt is becoming an enormous burden for many college graduates, many of whom can’t find jobs. How do you avoid it? Attend a cheaper college, and use loans as a last resort.
How to Score Cheap Tickets and Avoid Rip-offs
Brandon Ballenger on November 7, 2011
A night out at a steep discount: That’s the ticket. But with all the scalpers and scammers out there, make sure you know how to pick it.
5 Tips for Finding Outlet Store Deals
Brandon Ballenger on November 4, 2011
Most people know about outlet store savings – cheaper prices on off-season and refurbished goods. But you may not be getting the deal you expect.
5 Ways to Avoid Debit Card Fees
Brandon Ballenger on November 2, 2011
America, land of the fee. Because the Dodd-Frank Act is costing big banks swipe fee revenue, they’re trying to pin the loss on consumers. But public outcry, and these tips, might save you from new fees on debit cards.
How Popular Is Your Boss?
Brandon Ballenger on October 27, 2011
Office bosses as a group tend to get a bad rap – but recent research shows most people have nothing but nice things to say about the folks in charge.
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