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.

Happy couple walking through new home under construction
10 States Where Building a Home Beats Buying One

on March 3, 2023

Right now, in more than a third of the country, you can save money by building instead of buying.

Senior at Crater Lake in Oregon
7 Great Places to Retire in the Pacific Northwest

on February 23, 2023

This region has a few urban centers with a lot of breathtaking beaches, mountains and forests in between.

woman frustrated with slow internet connection
6 Ways to Improve Your Home Wi-Fi Connection

on February 21, 2023

Don’t settle for lousy internet.

Shocked couple looking at bills
9 Things Unlikely to Get Cheaper Anytime Soon

on February 21, 2023

Some prices — like that of gasoline — can change daily. But these things, not so much.

Woman speaking to her phone or a voice assistant such as Siri
7 Siri Commands Every iPhone User Should Know

on February 20, 2023

It can do a lot more than call people and answer trivia questions.

Friends watching a football game on TV
4 Super Bowl Groceries That Are Cheaper This Year — and 2 That Cost More

on February 7, 2023

Game day food may be a little less harsh on your budget this year, depending on what you like.

Family preparing for natural disaster
6 Free Tools That Help You Prepare for Natural Disasters

on January 28, 2023

There are many federal government and nonprofit websites to help homebuyers and others trying to understand the risks where they live.

Grinning child holding a hammer ready to smash and destroy a smartphone
5 Steps You Should Take Before Getting Rid of a Phone

on January 24, 2023

Forgetting crucial steps could get you locked out of accounts or lead to your identity being stolen.

Grocery store checkout counter asks shoppers for charity donations
4 Reasons to Stop Donating in the Checkout Line

on January 10, 2023

Would you like to round up your total and donate the change for a good cause? Maybe not.

Siberian kitten
The Dog and Cat Breeds With the Highest Vet Bills

on January 5, 2023

Insurance claims data shows these sweet furballs can sour the wallet.

Senior man talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist about mental health
2 Ways a New Law Expands Medicare Coverage

on December 28, 2022

Seniors will be getting some new mental health coverage in their Medicare plans.

Worker on a laptop in an office
10 Ways the New Retirement Law Helps Savers of All Ages

and on December 23, 2022

This will help millions of workers and retirees boost or conserve their retirement savings.

Suspicious hiring manager or businessman interviewing a lying job candidate with lies on his resume
The 8 Most Common Lies That People Put on Resumes

on December 23, 2022

The number of liars — and what they’re lying about — might surprise you.

Happy male car driver
6 Tricks to Make Driving a Car Better

on December 16, 2022

Here are simple, cheap DIY solutions to some of the most obnoxious little things about your car.

Stressed woman discussing financial fears over coffee
Why Only 12% of Adults — and 29% of Millionaires — Feel Wealthy

on December 13, 2022

No matter how much you make or have tucked away, you probably share this fear.

Woman looking at her phone skeptical or sad while holding credit card
Costco Credit Cardholders Are Losing This Benefit

on December 12, 2022

In late January, a popular perk will be vanishing.

Excited woman carrying moving boxes to her new home
Coming Soon: $1 Million Mortgages With 3% Down

on December 7, 2022

Next year’s federal loan limits are a reflection of the significant increase in home prices.

Police car lights
5 Things You Should Never Do in America, According to Reddit

on November 24, 2022

These mistakes might seem obvious — if you’re from here. But do you know what happens if you do these things?

Frustrated female driver stuck in traffic screaming and honking horn
The 10 Worst U.S. Cities for Drivers

on November 23, 2022

You’re more likely to get stuck in traffic and to sit there for longer in these places.

Skeptical confused man looking at a suspicious text message on his phone
7 Text Message Scams to Avoid and Report Immediately

on November 21, 2022

Watch out. These are some recent and ongoing tactics commonly used to rip us off.

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