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.

7 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft and 7 Steps to Recover
7 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft and 7 Steps to Recover

on March 16, 2011

According to the FTC, Identity theft is by far the number one consumer problem in the U.S. Here’s how it happens, how to prevent it and how to recover if it happens to you.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 16, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 16, 2011

on March 16, 2011

In today’s news: The working class worries about retirement, the rich worry about being rich enough, the glass-half-full version of the earthquake’s economic impact is “net positive,” tax rules are confusing people, and rental rates are up.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 15, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 15, 2011

on March 15, 2011

In today’s news: Stocks are down, fundraising scams are up, Bank of America is accused of sketchy foreclosure activity by hackers, Hewlett-Packard is branching out with new services, and Japan’s going to need more energy imports.

26 Tips to Save on Spring Break 2011
26 Tips to Save on Spring Break 2011

on March 14, 2011

Finish those exams and pack your bags: It’s time for Spring Break! Haven’t planned yours yet? We’ve got lots of ways to save.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 14, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 14, 2011

on March 14, 2011

In today’s news: Japan’s central bank is stepping in to keep markets calm after quake, Kia’s recalling 2006-2008 Optimas; milk futures may be down 15 percent by year end; and Ohioans are disappointed about not getting their promised $200 million tax refunds.

Monday’s Money Deals: Electronics, Groceries, and Free Baggage
Monday’s Money Deals: Electronics, Groceries, and Free Baggage

on March 14, 2011

This week in deals: savings for frequent flyers, gadget lovers, office guys, and people with a big sweet tooth — and we mean really big.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 11, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 11, 2011

on March 11, 2011

In today’s news: You may start paying more to spend less with your debit card, stocks took the biggest one-day hit in months, e-book sharing is on the rise, an NPR controversy may mean the loss of its federal funding, and flying cars are almost here.

Shattering 5 Myths About Women and Money
Shattering 5 Myths About Women and Money

on March 11, 2011

When it comes to money, our society fosters a lot of silly stereotypes. One successful businesswoman helps us dismantle some of them.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 10, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 10, 2011

on March 10, 2011

In today’s news: North Dakota’s got more oil, a Google exec may be the next secretary of Commerce, credit cards could have LCD screens soon, Tesla’s rolling out an electric sedan next year, and Microsoft’s hands-free controller broke a world record.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 9, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 9, 2011

on March 9, 2011

In today’s news: Target’s beating Wal-Mart on prices, discount sites are targeting high-end luxuries, Sprint might merge with T-Mobile, auto recalls abound, and you can watch movies on Facebook now.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 8, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 8, 2011

on March 8, 2011

Today in the news: The government wants higher security fees added to plane ticket prices, and hopes to work out new foreclosure procedures with banks soon; oil’s up to $105 as Libya’s brewing; Google gets flak for lax security on Android apps; and Subway is the new king of fast food.

Monday’s Money Deals: Cereal, iPads, and Free Pizza
Monday’s Money Deals: Cereal, iPads, and Free Pizza

on March 7, 2011

This week’s bargains include magazine subscriptions, Home Depot discounts, an iPad price drop, free pizza, free breadsticks, and more.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 7, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 7, 2011

on March 7, 2011

In today’s news: Private sector job growth is up, people make crazy tax deductions that the IRS might have a harder time finding this year, spider webs spurred a Mazda recall, and Apple’s making nice with recent buyers of the original iPad.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 4, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 4, 2011

on March 4, 2011

In today’s news: Food prices and airfares are on the rise, but gas prices might drop soon. Ford wants some trucks back before they catch on fire, and Microsoft will compete with the iPad – next year.

5 Things to Know Before Franchising – and the Top 5 Franchises to Buy
5 Things to Know Before Franchising – and the Top 5 Franchises to Buy

on March 4, 2011

Do you have what it takes to buy and run a franchise? Here’s a list of the most popular franchises and some words of wisdom from someone who owns 11 stores of the nation’s top-ranked.

SUVs Are Still Popular, Despite Rising Oil Prices and Alternatives
SUVs Are Still Popular, Despite Rising Oil Prices and Alternatives

on March 1, 2011

Even though oil and gas prices continue to rise, drivers love their SUVs – half the people looking for a vehicle online are seeking them out. Plus, a new study explains why the electric car market still has some kinks to work out.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 1, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for March 1, 2011

on March 1, 2011

Today in the news: Reports show the Dow was up 2.8 percent in February and Americans were saving more in January, Honda and Subaru are ranked best automakers, Noble Energy gets the first deep-water drilling permit since the BP spill, and IHOP’s offering free pancakes for all.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for Feb. 28, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for Feb. 28, 2011

on February 28, 2011

In today’s headlines: Warren Buffett is positive about the recovery even as a new government report announces budgets cuts are slowing it down; Google changed its search rankings and Geither wants to change the tax code; and GM makes its first annual profit in 7 years.

Monday’s Money Deals: Faucets, Tech, and Free Food
Monday’s Money Deals: Faucets, Tech, and Free Food

on February 28, 2011

This week, we found discounts of at least 40 percent on MP3 players, iPhone accessories, candles, wallets, sticky notes, and more.

Money in a Minute: Headlines for Feb. 25, 2011
Money in a Minute: Headlines for Feb. 25, 2011

on February 25, 2011

In today’s news: The sky’s the limit for airfare and oil prices, Toyota’s recalling another 2 million cars, widespread foreclosures are still a bargain, and Brits are trying out breast milk ice cream.

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