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.
4 Reasons Mortgage Costs Are Going up
Brandon Ballenger on April 29, 2011
Mortgage rates are still near historic lows, but the cost of getting a mortgage is on the rise. Here’s why, and how you can get the best possible loan.
5 Better Ideas Than Skipping a Loan Payment
Brandon Ballenger on April 27, 2011
Maybe you’ve gotten an offer from your lender: Pay a small fee, skip a monthly payment. It may sound enticing, but you should always pay if you can. Here’s a better idea.
Monday’s Money Deals: Food, Clothes, and a Free e-Book
Brandon Ballenger on April 25, 2011
Start off this week with discounts from Old Navy, Hollister, Juicy Couture, and many other clothing retailers. Plus, get coupons for subs and Chinese.
Monday’s Money Deals: Washers, Memory Cards, and Lots of Free Stuff
Brandon Ballenger on April 18, 2011
Taxes are due, it’s National Park Week, and there are lots of freebies out there today. Here’s where to find them, along with savings on a kiddie pool, swimwear, jewelry and more.
25 Bizarre Scholarships
Brandon Ballenger on April 18, 2011
Many students go into debt for college, even though philanthropists give away billions every year. Think there aren’t any scholarships for you? Think again – even making a peanut butter sandwich could be worth 25 grand.
Avoid the Top 5 College Application Mistakes
Brandon Ballenger on April 13, 2011
Where you go to college can influence the rest of your life. So as you embark on the application process, use every trick in the book and avoid common mistakes. We talk to an expert who offers some great advice.
Monday’s Money Deals: Kitchenware, TVs, and Free Ice Cream
Brandon Ballenger on April 11, 2011
Looking to save on a new office chair, exercise equipment, dishes or home decor? Check out this week’s top deals on all of the above and more…including free ice cream!
Can’t Pay Your Taxes? File Anyway
Brandon Ballenger on April 11, 2011
The tax deadline this year is April 18. But if you find that you owe and can’t pay, don’t bury your head in the sand by not filing. File your return on time, then check out these options for dealing with the debt.
How to Steal a House – 4 Steps to Buying an REO
Brandon Ballenger on April 8, 2011
Money Talks visits a city where houses that used to cost $250,000 are now selling for $70,000. But if you want a bargain, forget the home-buying process you learned from your parents.
Follow These 3 Steps to Save Thousands on Your Next Mortgage
Brandon Ballenger on April 6, 2011
There’s no shopping trip you’ll ever undertake more important than mortgage shopping. Getting the best deal could mean $50,000 or more in your pocket: Here’s how to do it right.
Monday’s Money Deals: Makeup, Outdoors Gear, and Free Waffles
Brandon Ballenger on April 4, 2011
This week’s deals include camping gear, cheap pens, pearl necklaces, and car audio equipment. No foolin’.
5 Tech Tips That Will Help You Land Your Next Job
Brandon Ballenger on April 1, 2011
These days, getting an edge over the competition means combining traditional techniques with tech-savvy creativity.
Health Care Credit Cards: A Healthy Choice?
Brandon Ballenger on March 30, 2011
Health care credit cards put a pretty face on the price of plastic surgery and other elective medical procedures – but they come with risks, and they aren’t your only option.
Monday’s Money Deals: Electronics, Football Gear, and Free Shampoo
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2011
This week in deals: subwoofers, Vans shoes, drills, magazines, and Food Network merchandise. Don’t miss out on a free full-sized bottle of shampoo either.
5 Tips to Pick the Right Hospital
Brandon Ballenger on March 28, 2011
Sick of researching the best hospital in your area, or scared to death of how much it might cost? We’ve got advice to help you make a healthy choice for your care.
10 Tips to Trim the Cost of Haircuts
Brandon Ballenger on March 25, 2011
There are ways to save money on just about everything — including something as simple as haircuts. Check out our alternatives to pricey salons and ways to go longer without a professional trim.
5 Money Tips for Women
Brandon Ballenger on March 23, 2011
Continuing our series of stories for Women’s History Month, we’ve got some money advice tailored for female figures.
Monday’s Money Deals: Dresses, Pillows, and Free Business Cards
Brandon Ballenger on March 21, 2011
This week in deals: coupons for JCPenney and Advance Auto Parts, discounted swimwear and dresses, stuff for the home and the office, and weird deals on combat knives and wiper blades.
Tips to Avoid the Top 10 Consumer Problems
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2011
More than 1.3 million Americans complained to the Federal Trade Commission last year. Here’s the list of top problems, with advice on avoiding each.
Women in Business: A Complicated Picture, Studies Show
Brandon Ballenger on March 18, 2011
In a follow-up to Stacy’s story on the gender pay gap, two new studies raise more questions: Does having more women on a board of directors make a female CEO more likely? And why do men get jobs abroad four times as often as women do?
1,821 - 1,840 of 1,933