Brandon Ballenger
Having more than $10,000 in student loan debt has a way of piquing your interest in personal finance. And because my degree was in English and public communication, I get to share that interest with you. My wide-ranging stories on money and business have run on Business Insider, the Christian Science Monitor, Reader’s Digest, the front pages of MSN.com and Yahoo! Finance, Money Talks News, and the South Florida Business Journal. In my free time, I like to jump off skyscrapers and play video games.
How Well Does Your State Manage Money?
July 20, 2017
A close look at state balance sheets shows that “fiscally conservative” doesn’t mean financially healthy — but neither does “lots of taxes.”
Thanks to the CFPB, We Can Sue Banks Again
July 13, 2017
For years, credit card companies and banks have avoided class-action lawsuits by writing rules prohibiting them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau just snapped those rules.
Is It the CFPB Versus the Education Department?
July 6, 2017
Looks like Richard Cordray and Betsy DeVos are going to fight over student loan forgiveness.
Why Do Trump Voters Have Worse Credit Than Democrats?
June 29, 2017
States that voted for Trump have fewer credit cards, lower balances, and a worse understanding of money.
Time’s Up on Trump’s Undo Button
June 22, 2017
the law he used to cancel last-minute Obama regulations won’t prevent changes to prepaid cards and other improvements.
Neil Gorsuch Sides with Debt Collectors in His First Ruling
June 15, 2017
That sucks in the short-term, but it’s good for consumers in the long-term.
Where Does Trump Stand on Financial Reform?
June 8, 2017
He wants the CFPB gutted, but also is “looking at” busting up big banks.
Student Loans: Too Big to Fail? Or Too Much to Succeed?
June 1, 2017
The “student loan crisis” is so massive, we can’t even comprehend it anymore.
Donald Trump’s Student Loan Circus
May 25, 2017
He wants to ditch almost everything that helps students save money and manage debt in order to “prioritize students” and “empower parents.”
Is Neil Gorsuch Good or Bad for Your Wallet?
May 11, 2017
One month into his new job, here’s a quick look at how Trump’s Justice weighs in. It’s way too early for a verdict.
Who Is Going to Get a Big Trump Tax Cut?
May 4, 2017
Hint: His name starts with T and ends with rump. But at least it’s not Paul Ryan’s plan, and maybe if he gets a big break he’ll leave us all alone.
Trump Can’t Ruin America
April 27, 2017
No matter what you think about Donald Trump, there are hard limits to how much he can reshape politics and the economy. Look no further than the crisis in Venezuela.
Want to Collect Debts for the IRS? The Bar Is Pretty Low
April 21, 2017
The IRS will use private debt collectors who have failed before, including one the federal government is already suing for ripping consumers off.
Trump Is Stealing Your Internet Privacy
April 20, 2017
Deregulating for its own sake is incredibly stupid — but potentially profitable for internet companies and identity thieves.
Could Donald Trump Snatch Away Student Loan Forgiveness?
April 13, 2017
Everybody wants their debt forgiven, but the people actually promised it could be screwed.
Waiting Until Tax Day to File Is How You Get Ripped Off
April 13, 2017
Tax-related identity theft is increasing, and experts say we ignore easy ways to protect ourselves by stressing about filing.
Are Immigrants Actually Stealing Our Jobs?
April 6, 2017
Trump thinks so, but research shows they do far more good than harm.
Interest Rates Are Going Up. Should You Be Worried?
March 30, 2017
It depends on whether you have debt, and what kind. If you’re rich, it’s strictly good news.
Can Trump Keep His Promise To Leave Social Security Alone?
March 23, 2017
He campaigned on not cutting entitlements, but conservatives think he has to.
Why the CFPB Still Has a Fighting Chance
March 16, 2017
Republicans may hate it, but the courts — and even Mike Pence’s economist — don’t.
God’s Gift to Jobs? Time to Prove It
March 9, 2017
Here’s a quick look at employment stats to put the first jobs numbers of the Trump administration into context — and what we can expect.
State of the Dystopia
March 2, 2017
Donald Trump’s first speech to Congress Tuesday night was a nice change of pace. But actually doing stuff would be better.
5 Smart Pieces of State Debt Legislation
February 23, 2017
If Congress needs help helping people, it should look to these state legislators.
Financial Issues Real Americans Want Trump to Solve
February 16, 2017
These desperate White House petitions aren’t getting much attention. Some of them deserve it.
25 Things I Learned About Betsy DeVos By Reading Her Own Words
February 9, 2017
Secretary of Education responded (sort of) to more than 140 Congressional questions beyond her confirmation hearing. But nobody talked about it.
What Trump’s Supreme Court Pick Could Mean for Your Finances
February 2, 2017
Neil M. Gorsuch is a lot like Justice Antonin Scalia — except for one big thing.
Will Trump Wreck the Greatest Federal Agency?
January 26, 2017
He’s hiring people that hate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and pledged to tear up post-recession banking regulations
Trump Could Be Great for Your Student Loan Debt
January 19, 2017
Or he could be horrible. That’s why I just applied for a new repayment plan while I still can.
3 Weird Markets Trump Has Already Changed
January 12, 2017
The Donald’s business ties, Twitter tantrums and fickle personality will shake up a lot of markets — but I bet you didn’t expect these
We’re Getting Squeezed By Credit Card Debt — But Acting Smarter
December 15, 2016
Our expenses keep going up, but our credit card debt is lower than it was a decade ago
What will President Trump do to our finances?
November 9, 2016
It’s finally over. But what now? Here’s a quick look at some of the things Trump has promised to achieve that’ll change your bottom line — if they get past Congress.
All these election polls show a clear loser — Americans
November 8, 2016
They’re not about who becomes president, they’re about everything else.
Presidential Politics Might Scare People Into Buying More Insurance
November 7, 2016
Political decisions impact most businesses, but here’s a surprising one getting a boost: life insurance.
Still Haven’t Got A Costume? Try These Popular Picks
October 26, 2016
This year’s Halloween spending is expected to top a ghastly $8.4 billion, the highest figure since the National Retail Federation began surveying consumers about their holiday spending. The biggest chunk of that is on costumes: $1.5 billion on costumes for adults — $1.17 billion for kids, and even $420 million on pet costumes. Candy is […]
What About the Financial Issues the Candidates Aren’t Debating?
October 19, 2016
Americans, like always, care most about the economy and how it helps or hurts them. Why aren’t we hearing more about it?
What Would It Cost to Forgive Everybody’s Debt?
August 17, 2016
Here are 10 ways American could come up with the money to pay off everybody’s debt in collections… not that we recommend doing that.
When Your State Has A Sales Tax Holiday in 2016
August 5, 2016
Find out when your state has a back-to-school sales tax holiday this year!
Campaign debt can outlast a presidency
May 11, 2016
Would you believe that President Obama’s campaign committee is still in debt? If a president can’t pay off his debts in a timely fashion, what about all the other could-have-beens?
A New Way to Figure Out How To Pay Less on Your Student Loans?
May 10, 2016
The federal government tries something novel: clarity.
Trump’s supporters have better credit than Clinton’s
May 6, 2016
Give credit where it’s due. Two surveys show people voting for Trump aren’t stupid — at least when it comes to money.
Where you should move when Trump wins
April 13, 2016
We’re not saying it will happen. We’re just saying you should be ready.
Obamacare sucks and nobody wants to fix it
April 6, 2016
If you were fine before Obamacare, you’re probably fine now. If not, you may be even worse off.
How will the first 100 days of the next presidency affect you?
March 5, 2016
Using things the candidates have actually said or promised, we can peer into the future of domestic policy and how it could affect your wallet.
On financial issues, your party matters less
February 2, 2016
The top issue for voter of all stripes is putting the “me” back in economy
Which candidate will improve your finances the most?
January 29, 2016
Which presidential candidate has the best policy ideas for your bottom line? Here’s who Americans think will benefit their personal economy in 2016.
Mapping America’s personal debt
January 22, 2016
Here’s an in-depth, interactive look at the personal debt loads of every state — plus how it tends to vote in state and national elections. How does your state compare?
10 Reasons You Never Get Anything Done at Work
June 16, 2015
A new study highlights the most popular ways to slack — and we’ve got the remedies.
Forget Your Kids’ College, Save For Retirement
March 24, 2015
Parents are making sure their kids don’t learn the best lesson college can teach — financial independence.
6 ways to beat dumb banking fees
March 17, 2015
Why pay a bank to use your money? Avoiding fees involves some simple tech and even simpler questions.