CONSUMER NEWS
What you need to know about K-beauty sunscreens
Read full article: What you need to know about K-beauty sunscreensKorean sunscreens, also called K-Beauty sunscreens, are all the rage, promising a lighter feel and better protection than many other sunscreens. But do they actually live up to the hype? Consumer Reports went beyond the comments section to put them to the test.
Rising food prices prompt shoppers to trade down, cutting Publix sales in ‘difficult’ economy
Read full article: Rising food prices prompt shoppers to trade down, cutting Publix sales in ‘difficult’ economyPublix’s second-quarter results put a spotlight on food inflation and its effect on grocery shopping, as the grocery chain posted only modest sales growth and a decline in comparable-store sales amid what it called economic conditions that have weighed on consumer spending.
Which store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best? Putting 10 to the test for taste & nutrition
Read full article: Which store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best? Putting 10 to the test for taste & nutritionConsumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens for taste and nutrition from 10 retailers, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and several other regional grocery stores.
Lunchbox Challenge: We crunched the numbers on how much it really costs to pack school lunches
Read full article: Lunchbox Challenge: We crunched the numbers on how much it really costs to pack school lunchesNews4JAX reporter Caleb Yauger went shopping at Winn-Dixie to find out exactly how much it costs to feed two teenagers lunch every day of the school week (5 days) — and how much money you can save if you’re smart about it.
Back-to-school sticker shock: How to cope with higher prices for supplies
Read full article: Back-to-school sticker shock: How to cope with higher prices for suppliesAngela Hanks, Chief of Policy Programs at The Century Foundation, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss the back-to-school affordability issue for parents and how they can better cope and offset these higher costs without going into debt.
Buying a home is 332% more expensive than it was in the ’90s. But household incomes have only risen 174%
Read full article: Buying a home is 332% more expensive than it was in the ’90s. But household incomes have only risen 174%A Realtor.com analysis found the median age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40, up from 30 in 1990, as rising home prices, larger down payments and higher costs of living make homeownership more difficult for younger Americans.
How much do ‘swipe fees’ cost credit card users & businesses every year? More than you probably think
Read full article: How much do ‘swipe fees’ cost credit card users & businesses every year? More than you probably thinkUsing your credit card to pay for purchases is quick and easy. But that simple swipe can come with a lot of hidden fees, like “swipe fees” that keep going up. And they’re costing businesses and consumers more money every year.
Home warranty warning: Plans might not offer protection you’re expecting. What to ask before you buy a policy
Read full article: Home warranty warning: Plans might not offer protection you’re expecting. What to ask before you buy a policyA home warranty may help cover repair costs, but Consumer Reports says these plans may not protect as much as many homeowners expect.
Federal Reserve likely to leave interest rates unchanged; How will that affect average Americans?
Read full article: Federal Reserve likely to leave interest rates unchanged; How will that affect average Americans?Gerson Gibbs, the Senior Managing Partner of Belite Capital, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss the Fed’s moves and the impact on average Americans.
Should you trust AI to answer your health questions?
Read full article: Should you trust AI to answer your health questions?More people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for health questions. The answers are fast, and they often sound reassuring and trustworthy, but, as Consumer Reports says, they aren’t always accurate.
JEA offers tips to conserve energy, water to lower bills amid extreme heat
Read full article: JEA offers tips to conserve energy, water to lower bills amid extreme heatWith heat index values forecast to reach as high as 113 degrees today, JEA is urging customers to conserve energy and water and offering tips and programs to help lower summer bills.
Grocery stock‑up trip costs nearly $80 more than 2020, Jacksonville firm finds
Read full article: Grocery stock‑up trip costs nearly $80 more than 2020, Jacksonville firm findsA report from a Jacksonville firm found that grocery affordability has improved since its low point in 2023, but many consumers continue to shop with a heightened focus on value, promotions and price comparisons.
Looking for some retail therapy but tired of the big bill? Try this new trend out of South Korea
Read full article: Looking for some retail therapy but tired of the big bill? Try this new trend out of South KoreaA new trend out of South Korea is trying to give people that “shopping buzz” without the bill.
Local gas prices back on the rise as Iran conflict disrupts global supply
Read full article: Local gas prices back on the rise as Iran conflict disrupts global supplyAs we head into the weekend, we are checking on our local averages compared to the national average, which hit $4.11 a gallon on Friday morning.
Deputies share warning about scammers claiming to be family members needing money for bail
Read full article: Deputies share warning about scammers claiming to be family members needing money for bailIf you get a call from someone claiming to be a family member or friend who needs money right away to get out of jail, it’s likely a scam, Brantley County deputies warn.
What you need to know about K-beauty sunscreens
Read full article: What you need to know about K-beauty sunscreensKorean sunscreens, also called K-Beauty sunscreens, are all the rage, promising a lighter feel and better protection than many other sunscreens. But do they actually live up to the hype? Consumer Reports went beyond the comments section to put them to the test.
Which store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best? Putting 10 to the test for taste & nutrition
Read full article: Which store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best? Putting 10 to the test for taste & nutritionConsumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens for taste and nutrition from 10 retailers, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and several other regional grocery stores.
MORE CONSUMER HEADLINES
Consumer Alert: Feds warn customers after more than 200 fires sparked by immersion water heaters
Read full article: Consumer Alert: Feds warn customers after more than 200 fires sparked by immersion water heatersThe Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on Wednesday about Lakkzoom immersion water heaters after the devices reportedly sparked more than 200 fires.
How you can get a back-to-school haircut for your child for less than $10 at Great Clips
Read full article: How you can get a back-to-school haircut for your child for less than $10 at Great ClipsFrom July 20 through Aug. 14, Great Clips salons in Jacksonville are offering a special $9.99 back-to-school promotion.
Consumer Alert: How to tell a legit class action settlement notice from a scam
Read full article: Consumer Alert: How to tell a legit class action settlement notice from a scamA letter. An email. A message promising money. Millions of Americans receive class action settlement notices every year. It sounds great until you start wondering, is this legit? And it’s a question you should definitely be asking because real class action settlements do exist, but so do scams designed to look like them.
Picking the safest used car for your teen driver doesn’t have to break the bank
Read full article: Picking the safest used car for your teen driver doesn’t have to break the bankConsumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety teamed up to identify the safest used cars for teen drivers at different prices.
Entering adulthood already in debt? How to avoid (or dig out of) the Gen Z credit trap
Read full article: Entering adulthood already in debt? How to avoid (or dig out of) the Gen Z credit trapNearly half of Gen Z admits they don’t fully understand how credit scores work, even though the average Gen Z credit card balance is about $3,500. That can be costly because one bad money move can get expensive fast.
Dish soap isn’t just for dishes — but there are some places in your home you should never use it
Read full article: Dish soap isn’t just for dishes — but there are some places in your home you should never use itDish soap isn’t just for dishes. This kitchen staple can be a surprisingly handy household helper for everything from stained hands to clogged drains. Consumer Reports breaks down the surprising do's and don'ts of dish soap.
How one woman paid off $9K in credit card debt — and the steps experts say can help you break the cycle
Read full article: How one woman paid off $9K in credit card debt — and the steps experts say can help you break the cycleCertified financial planner George Pakounis with Burns Estate Planning and Wealth Advisors said inflation is only part of the reason Americans are falling deeper into debt.
Florida’s back-to-school tax ‘holiday’ begins Monday: Here’s how you can save
Read full article: Florida’s back-to-school tax ‘holiday’ begins Monday: Here’s how you can saveDuring Florida's sales tax "holiday" from July 20 through Aug. 20, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.
Florida voters split on phasing out property taxes until budget effects are explained, UNF poll finds
Read full article: Florida voters split on phasing out property taxes until budget effects are explained, UNF poll findsA University of North Florida poll of likely Florida midterm voters found that most supported the idea of phasing out property taxes until they learned of potential effects to local budgets.
Don’t skip a beat this summer — Consumer Reports ranks the best portable speakers to keep the hits bumping
Read full article: Don’t skip a beat this summer — Consumer Reports ranks the best portable speakers to keep the hits bumpingWhether it’s music, podcasts, or your favorite beach-day mix, Consumer Reports says the best portable speakers combine good sound with durability and easy portability.
Target recalls Cat & Jack children’s sandals over choking hazard from loose pearls
Read full article: Target recalls Cat & Jack children’s sandals over choking hazard from loose pearlsTarget is recalling about 211,000 pairs of Cat & Jack children’s sandals after decorative pearls on the shoes can come off and pose a choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.
New bipartisan national housing law aims to close gap on 10 million home shortage
Read full article: New bipartisan national housing law aims to close gap on 10 million home shortageA bill to help make housing more affordable has become law. CNN Consumer Watch reporter Jenn Sullivan explains how it will help ease the housing crisis.
Does your car remind you of a sweaty gym sock? The musty smell might not be what you think. Here’s how to clear the air
Read full article: Does your car remind you of a sweaty gym sock? The musty smell might not be what you think. Here’s how to clear the airIf the odor in your car reminds you of a damp basement or a sweaty gym sock, the experts at Consumer Reports say there’s a good chance the problem is hiding inside your vehicle’s climate-control system, and lucky for you, there’s an easy fix!
Florida gas prices jump 12 cents overnight as oil rises amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Read full article: Florida gas prices jump 12 cents overnight as oil rises amid U.S.-Iran tensionsFlorida drivers woke up to higher prices at the pump, with AAA reporting the state average for regular unleaded jumped 12 cents overnight.
You’re fired! Now what? How to come back after a layoff
Read full article: You’re fired! Now what? How to come back after a layoffWhile some of the biggest companies in the country are cutting jobs, experts say losing a position doesn’t have to derail a career. So, what should you do if that shocking moment happens to you?
Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights: What new HOA law means for homeowners
Read full article: Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights: What new HOA law means for homeownersGeorgia homeowners living under homeowners association rules will have new legal protections starting in 2027 after Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 406 into law.
Bills overwhelming you? How to negotiate monthly expenses to save you money
Read full article: Bills overwhelming you? How to negotiate monthly expenses to save you moneyIf your bills feel like they’re piling up faster than you can pay them off, you’re not alone—and you may have more options than you think.
Fraud investigation targets Massey Contracting as customers, employees, subcontractors say they are owed nearly $1M
Read full article: Fraud investigation targets Massey Contracting as customers, employees, subcontractors say they are owed nearly $1MA Jacksonville roofing company once known for giving away free roofs on social media is now under investigation by the State Bureau of Insurance Fraud, as customers, employees and subcontractors say they are owed a combined total of nearly $1 million.
Consumer Reports finds concerning levels of arsenic in 52 rice products
Read full article: Consumer Reports finds concerning levels of arsenic in 52 rice productsConsumer Reports’ latest food safety investigation found some rice products contain concerning levels of inorganic arsenic, a dangerous form of a heavy metal and known carcinogen.
Report: Debt is outpacing income growth for Florida families, driving more to seek help
Read full article: Report: Debt is outpacing income growth for Florida families, driving more to seek helpMore Floridians are turning to nonprofit credit counselors for help as household expenses rise and debt grows faster than income, according to new data from Money Management International.
Subscription Detox: How forgotten monthly charges could be draining your budget
Read full article: Subscription Detox: How forgotten monthly charges could be draining your budgetIf your monthly budget feels tighter than it used to, the culprit may not be one big expense. It could be a handful of small ones you forgot about.
Best home-gym equipment for every budget: adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, workout headphones
Read full article: Best home-gym equipment for every budget: adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, workout headphonesIf you’re looking to get fit without paying for a pricey gym membership, creating a simple home gym can save you money. But what do you really need for a workout, and how much do you have to spend? Consumer Reports tested home gym equipment to reveal the versatile essentials for at-home fitness.
High summer energy bills? These cool savings tips will have you — and your wallet — breathing a sigh of relief
Read full article: High summer energy bills? These cool savings tips will have you — and your wallet — breathing a sigh of reliefDid you know JEA offers a FREE program that will send experts to your home to look at how much energy you’re using and how to save you money?
Fernandina Beach Publix reopens after more than a year with upgraded amenities
Read full article: Fernandina Beach Publix reopens after more than a year with upgraded amenitiesA newly renovated Publix opened its doors to welcome customers back after residents were left with limited grocery options for more than a year.
The questions to ask before opting for an EV rental to save gas money on your road trip
Read full article: The questions to ask before opting for an EV rental to save gas money on your road tripAre you planning a summer road trip? With gas prices taking a bit out of travel budgets, you might be wondering if it’s cheaper to rent an electric vehicle. The experts at Consumer Reports can help you decide.
