Turn your fall finances into festive funds and plan ahead for holiday shopping
Read full article: Turn your fall finances into festive funds and plan ahead for holiday shoppingIt might feel too early to start holiday shopping, but actually, this is the perfect time to get your finances in order, and we've got some advice from the experts that could help you save big!
No, the CFPB is not handing out cash to people scammed on Zelle or Cash App, Consumer Reports warns
Read full article: No, the CFPB is not handing out cash to people scammed on Zelle or Cash App, Consumer Reports warnsFree money from Zelle or Cash App—just for filling out a government form? That’s what some TikTok videos claim. But Consumer Reports has a warning: it’s not a windfall—it’s simply not true.
How to spot a scam as you apply for scholarships, financial aid
Read full article: How to spot a scam as you apply for scholarships, financial aidThe start of a new school year means thinking ahead to college for many high schoolers. If you’re applying for scholarships, some of those deadlines are quickly approaching. Scholarship scams are on the rise. How to spot a scammer
Americans would save $100B if credit card rates were capped as Trump proposed, researchers say
Read full article: Americans would save $100B if credit card rates were capped as Trump proposed, researchers sayA new paper from Vanderbilt University suggests Americans could save about $100 billion annually if credit card interest rates were capped at 10%, as proposed by President Donald Trump.
E-bike 101: Consumer Reports reveals top picks that won’t put the brakes on your budget
Read full article: E-bike 101: Consumer Reports reveals top picks that won’t put the brakes on your budgetElectric bikes—or e-bikes— can make riding a bike a breeze. But buying a new e-bike might not be so easy on your budget -- with some models costing over $10,000! Consumer Reports is here to help, breaking down the options and revealing top picks from its latest tests.
Experts say 30% of reviews are fake: How to tell the real from the phony
Read full article: Experts say 30% of reviews are fake: How to tell the real from the phonyIn an era where 92% of consumers read reviews before buying, that little star rating can make or break a purchase. But experts say 30% of reviews may be fake. Knowing all that, how can you spot a legit review?
FTC recovers $6.7M for victims of deceptive job listing
Read full article: FTC recovers $6.7M for victims of deceptive job listingThe FTC says the gig working company “Arise Virtual Solutions” targeted people looking for work-from-home side hustles and promised pay of up to $18 an hour. In reality, the FTC says, the jobs paid far less.
MORE CONSUMER HEADLINES
New Uber feature focuses on making women feel safe using app
Read full article: New Uber feature focuses on making women feel safe using appUber's "Women Preferences" allows women to request female drivers. The new option comes as Uber has long grappled with preventing sexual assault on its platform.
Ready to try sleep supplements? Read this first
Read full article: Ready to try sleep supplements? Read this firstIf you’re having trouble sleeping, you are not alone. According to a nationally representative Consumer Reports survey, only 43% of us would describe our sleep quality as good or very good.
Politics & Power: Are the Trump administration’s DOGE efforts truly improving efficiency or is it all an illusion?
Read full article: Politics & Power: Are the Trump administration’s DOGE efforts truly improving efficiency or is it all an illusion?Attorney Max Stier, who is president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, joins News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton as they ask whether DOGE’s actions are indeed ill-conceived and chaotic, if there is “efficiency” in DOGE, and what will the cost of DOGE cuts be for the American economy and everyday Americans.
What the cluck? Want to learn how to start your own chicken farm? Here’s how
Read full article: What the cluck? Want to learn how to start your own chicken farm? Here’s howFrom scrambled eggs to Sunday roasts, more families are trading fluorescent aisles and rising food costs for fresh, homegrown alternatives—starting with chickens.
What you need to know now that interest on student loans has started again
Read full article: What you need to know now that interest on student loans has started againInterest has started up again for millions of borrowers, and for many, the first step is figuring out where their loans stand. Consumer Reports breaks down what to do and how to stay on track.
Jacksonville seafood company recalls frozen raw shrimp over possible radioactive contamination
Read full article: Jacksonville seafood company recalls frozen raw shrimp over possible radioactive contaminationA Jacksonville seafood company voluntarily recalled a frozen raw shrimp product over possible radioactive contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In Jacksonville, new construction is emerging as the more affordable path to homeownership
Read full article: In Jacksonville, new construction is emerging as the more affordable path to homeownershipA new report from Realtor.com shows the price gap between new construction and existing homes has fallen to a record low, and Jacksonville is among the metro areas seeing some of the steepest declines in new-home list prices.
More people are tapping their phones instead of swiping cards to pay. Here’s how to protect your digital wallet
Read full article: More people are tapping their phones instead of swiping cards to pay. Here’s how to protect your digital walletFrom groceries to gas, more people are tapping their phones instead of swiping cards to pay. But what happens if that phone goes missing or falls into the wrong hands? Consumer Reports tells you how to protect your money when using a digital wallet.
The cost of daycare is surging in Florida and parents are faced with a difficult decision: work or stay home?
Read full article: The cost of daycare is surging in Florida and parents are faced with a difficult decision: work or stay home?As some parents take their children back to school, others are sending their younger children to daycare — and it is expensive.
New data signals higher prices are on the way for consumers amid tariffs
Read full article: New data signals higher prices are on the way for consumers amid tariffsNew data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that consumers could be staring down higher prices in the future. The latest Producer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices paid to producers, jumped 0.9% from June, bringing the annual rate to 3.3%.
Freshmen move in Friday at UNF amid growing demand for housing
Read full article: Freshmen move in Friday at UNF amid growing demand for housingThe need for more student housing in Jacksonville is hitting the University of North Florida hard, but the school is spotlighting part of the solution on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Osprey Ridge dorm hall.
The condo flood was bad. What happened after their insurance got involved was worse, Jacksonville newlyweds say
Read full article: The condo flood was bad. What happened after their insurance got involved was worse, Jacksonville newlyweds sayMonths after a burst pipe flooded their condo, a Jacksonville couple is still out of their home, and they blame their insurance company for the delays.
12-year-old avid thrifter shows off ‘thrill of the deal’ as she prepares for new school year
Read full article: 12-year-old avid thrifter shows off ‘thrill of the deal’ as she prepares for new school yearEmerson Smith loves thrifting and took her frugal shopping sense to Goodwill of North Florida’s Lakeside store on St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville.
Economist explains how Fed hopes to get interest rate recipe ‘just right’
Read full article: Economist explains how Fed hopes to get interest rate recipe ‘just right’Justin Begley, an economist with Moody’s Analytics, joined us on The Morning Show to share his insights into the Fed's decision not to change interest rates, despite pressure from the president.
Jacksonville store shows how to take advantage of deals as Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starts Aug. 1
Read full article: Jacksonville store shows how to take advantage of deals as Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starts Aug. 1Each week in August, Goodwill is offering certain items at 40% off. Goodwill is also offering 50% off on all books and media to customers who are a part of the store’s free loyalty program between Aug. 8-10.
Why you should wash new clothing before you wear it
Read full article: Why you should wash new clothing before you wear itBefore you slip on that new shirt or cozy sweater or dress your baby in that fresh off the rack purchase, you should wash it first. Consumer Reports explains why that matters and how to do it without damaging your new find.
How to lower your AC costs during record-high summer heat
Read full article: How to lower your AC costs during record-high summer heatSummer cooling costs can make up as much as 60% of energy bills, according to Florida Power & Light. And with temperatures pushing 100 degrees in Northeast Florida, air conditioning systems are likely working around the clock.
Back-to-School: We’re comparing prices to help you save money on school supplies
Read full article: Back-to-School: We’re comparing prices to help you save money on school suppliesNews4JAX Consumer Investigator Tiffany Salameh hit the aisles -- and the internet -- comparing prices at Walmart, Amazon and Target to find out which store really gives you the best deal this year on back-to-school supplies.