Packed parking lots, early doorbusters and shoppers hunting for the best deals — that was the scene at St. Johns Town Center on Black Friday.

Remember when Black Friday meant lining up outside your favorite store at midnight? Those days are gone. Now, as Consumer Reports shows, the best deals are often online, and the sales have already started.

Essential workers in St. Johns County can’t afford to live there -- even if they’re combining incomes. But county leaders want to change that.

Justin Begley, an economic analyst for Moody’s, joined News4JAX Anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show. They discussed the things that have people keeping a tighter grip on their wallets and focusing on affording necessities rather than buying gifts.

A recent state audit revealed hundreds of millions of dollars meant for students have not always been going where they should. However, a new bill hopes to help fix that by tightening rules on Florida’s school voucher system.

Last year, the National Retail Federation reported that 197 million people shopped during that five-day stretch, spending an average of $235 on gifts. But with budgets tightening this year, some people are looking to save that extra cash.

Florida is holding onto more than $2 billion in unclaimed property and some of that money might have your name on it. To show just how easy it is to check, we took our Holiday Money Hunt to the Riverside Arts Market, where shoppers walked away not with gift but with their own forgotten dollars.

City officials will meet Monday afternoon to review Mayor Donna Deegan’s budget.

A growing number of Florida homeowners say their mortgage payments jumped by hundreds, even more than a thousand dollars, within their first year of owning a new construction home, and many believe they were never warned it could happen.

The Clay County School Board recently approved teacher salary increases for the 2025-2026 school year, but nearly half of the district’s teachers won’t receive a raise. However, the announcement is sparking bigger questions of why teacher pay varies so widely depending on the school district, as some educators make thousands of dollars more just by crossing county lines.

Dozens of Northeast Florida families say they were blindsided by steep increases in their monthly mortgage payments after buying new construction homes from D.R. Horton, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders.

The Clay County school board held an impasse hearing with the Clay County Education Association to decide teacher raises for next year. The board ultimately accepted a proposal that would give teachers with 10 years or more experience raises ranging from $400 to $800.

Clay County teachers and school district officials will make presentations to the School Board next week in hopes of resolving an impasse over pay raises.

As the population of Brunswick and the Golden Isles continues to climb, community leaders say the demand for affordable homes is outpacing construction, and the gap is widening.

State elections officials on Monday sent a proposed recreational-marijuana constitutional amendment to Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, effectively putting an end to a lawsuit that backers of the measure filed to try to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the proposal.

According to messages sent to multiple customers that were shared with News4JAX, Kroger will no longer be offering delivery service in the Jacksonville area, beginning in January.

An 11.86-acre parcel of land in St. Johns County is now slated to be the future home of the Dark Horse fitness facility after commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to rezone four acres of the property for development.

A woman accused of stealing more than half a million dollars from a Nassau County church will be in court Tuesday morning for a pretrial hearing.

Tired of spending a fortune on products that promise to make kitchen cleanup a breeze—only to be disappointed again? With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Consumer Reports tips for saving money on cleaning products that really work couldn’t come at a better time!

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and a lot of us are turning to online stores because it’s quick and convenient. But Consumer Reports says there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting a good deal and a safe product. Here’s what to watch for when you shop.

Clay County teachers and school district officials will make presentations to the School Board next week in hopes of resolving an impasse over pay raises.

A state database could hold the key to a little extra cash for your wallet, during the holiday season.

Bobby Fultz, a detective with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, investigates scams and sees far too many senior citizens victimized by them.

We all chase success — financial security, career milestones, bigger goals. But for many, the higher they climb, the less satisfied they feel. One report shows 73 percent of professionals set sky-high expectations for themselves, and more than half admit they rarely meet them, taking a toll on their happiness.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many families are already feeling the pinch at the grocery store. From turkey to pie, experts say the cost of putting a holiday meal on the table has climbed steadily over the past few years.

It’s not pleasant to think about death or a medical emergency, but one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is being prepared for those situations. You might be familiar with traditional estate planning, but there’s also what’s called digital estate planning. Consumer Reports has five things to do right now to make things easier in a crisis.

Funerals are often one of life’s biggest... and last expenses. Planning ahead can be uncomfortable, but it can save money and help ease the burden on your loved ones. Consumer Reports has practical advice on how to navigate the process and what to watch out for.

Shoppers, listen up: November is a great month for deals, as retailers compete for your holiday shopping dollars by offering lower prices. Experts from Consumer Reports test labs are here to help you find this month’s best bargains.

With the ongoing government shutdown leaving many military and federal workers uncertain about their paychecks, money is tight for families across the country. The good news — many companies offer special discounts for military members, veterans, and first responders.

A strong push to increase teacher pay took center stage at a Tuesday night Clay County school board meeting. Teachers, parents, and community members flooded the meeting to express their frustration after salary negotiations between the Clay County Education Association and the school district hit an impasse last week.

Much focus has been placed on how the government shutdown is affecting people who rely on food stamps, but there are also people who are not on food stamps who are finding it harder to purchase groceries because of the current higher costs of food.

Upcoming temperature swings could mean a lot of ups and downs on your thermostat, but local utilities warn against making big swings on that dial – because they could affect your wallet.

Affordable Housing 1st was created last year by co-founder Carlene McDuffie and president Kevin Harriman to address Nassau County’s growing affordability crisis.

Florida lawmakers are busy preparing for the next Legislative session, with hundreds of new bills already being filed.

If you have credit cards, loans, and a savings account, the recent cut by the Federal Reserve on short-term interest rates likely impacts you. Consumer Reports breaks down the changes you might see on your next statement.

Amid rising living costs, job uncertainty, and a government shutdown that recently crossed the one-month mark, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned about their finances. The question on many minds: What should I do with my money right now?

A lawsuit claims D.R. Horton and DHI Mortgage worked together to promote “affordable” monthly payments that didn’t include full property tax costs, alleging the companies duped first-time buyers and left homeowners paying hundreds more each month than expected.

In the midst of a federal government shutdown, the U.S. government’s gross national debt surpassed $38 trillion Wednesday, a record number that highlights the accelerating accumulation of debt on America’s balance sheet.

Wasted food is a financial and environmental bummer.

Alex Jaquez, an economist with the Groundwork Collaborative, joined News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show to discuss the things weighing heaviest on the economy.

A new report shows American workers are more burned out than ever. Sixty-six percent say they’re experiencing some form of it, and for many, it’s because they’re doing far more than their job description.

Consumer Reports says a few major sales are already creeping in! You’ve got Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Day sale on Oct. 7-8, and big sales from other major retailers.

Homelessness among Florida families has surged in the last three years as soaring rents and a shortage of affordable housing push more residents into shelters, motels and the streets, a new University of Florida report says.

The Federal Trade Commission says that Florida is one of the highest-ranking states for debt collection calls. At least 31,000 Floridians have filed complaints about these calls that are persistent and sometimes even aggressive.

Quiet hiring is when companies shift current employees into new roles, often without a formal job posting or promotion.

As we flip the calendar over to October, the countdown to Halloween begins. But this year, tariffs and inflation are having a terrifying effect on Halloween spending

The abrupt closure of Chez L’Amour in St. Augustine left couples who paid thousands to book rehearsal dinners at the restaurant scrambling for alternatives for their upcoming weddings.

If you’ve been thinking about getting solar panels, now might be the time to do it. There was a change in the law. And now, you only have a few months left to take advantage of the solar tax credit.

Consumer Reports is here to help with expert advice and exclusive data that empowers you to shop smarter and choose a car that fits your needs and budget.

News4JAX anchor/reporter John Asebes will be the first to admit, he's gotten some of the best assignments when it comes to our 4 Your Neighborhood visits. From tacos to the backwoods to pizza, he ate well in St. Augustine, so you can too!

The Camden County Board of Commissioners announced last week that it has tentatively agreed to adopt new millage rates for 2025 that would increase property taxes.

Life after college can be stressful, especially when it comes to money. But with the right tools, you can stay financially fit — even in a tough market. So, what can grads do to keep their finances afloat?

You spend hours perfecting your resume, days scrolling through job boards, and weeks waiting for a response. If you feel exhausted from job searching, you’re not alone.

Florida is ranked third in the nation with the most debt collection calls, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here are some ways to handle the calls and get help.

Many workers report a drop in motivation as summer fades. Experts call it the “end-of-summer slump.” A dip in focus and drive that hits hard after time off. But the good news? It’s fixable, and a few simple changes can reboot your energy and efficiency.

The cost of living continues to rise, and that means you’ll need more money for retirement. But when should you start saving, and just how much do you need?

It 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!

Free 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.

Apple's latest iPhone release comes in the midst of tariff pressure and consumers growing more cost-conscious.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s net worth grew from $12.2 billion a year ago to $14.3 billion as of Sept. 1, Forbes said in a story posted on its website Sept. 9.

The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller are warning residents of a jury duty scam, which is circulating right now via email and/or text message.

The 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

While Labor Day holiday sales have come and gone, Consumer Reports says September is still a smart time to shop and save, just as stores switch gears for fall.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 2% of U.S. identity theft reports in 2025 so far have involved children under age 19.

A 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.

An estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults face a severe gambling problem every year, and another 5 million to 8 million more have mild or moderate issues, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Consumer Reports’ latest tests reveal which blenders can crush and purée your favorite fruits and veggies into a delicious breakfast you can take with you!

With only a few hours left to buy tickets for one of the largest Powerball jackpots in American history, News4JAX asked Jacksonville residents what they would do if they won the big prize on Monday night.

In 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?

From remote demands to frequent job changes, young workers are making bosses take notice. But the disconnect runs deep.

Labor Day weekend is here and as you can imagine many people, will hit the road or take flights to celebrate.

The 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.

Uber'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.

While the option of a "grace period" that allows you to pay a few days later than the due date without penalty might seem like a nice bonus from your property manager, it could also be a trap.

A Jacksonville renter says her “affordable” apartment turned into a legal and financial nightmare after she tried to pay rent and then learned days later that she’d been evicted, a case housing advocates say reflects a broader trend worsening the city’s affordability crisis.

JWB Real Estate Capital has invested more than $20 million to transform the former Town and Country Shopping Center off Arlington Expressway and University Boulevard.

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.

Are you looking for a new job? Switching industries can be overwhelming, but we have tips to navigate a career change and information on which industries are hiring.

From scrambled eggs to Sunday roasts, more families are trading fluorescent aisles and rising food costs for fresh, homegrown alternatives—starting with chickens.

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, News4JAX wants to recognize those in the Hispanic community locally who own businesses!

Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, has some advice to help save money on your grocery bill.

Financial freedom, more travel and less stress sound ideal. But experts warn: if you’re not prepared, early retirement can turn into a financial mistake.

Spotting what’s real and what’s a rip-off isn’t always easy—but Consumer Reports has tips to help you stay a step ahead.

A Goldman Sachs report predicts AI could displace 300 million jobs globally by 2030, less than five years from now. But some jobs are still safe, and you don’t need a four-year degree to land them. You can AI-proof your career.

A 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.

The FBI is sharing a warning about an ongoing fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate members of the bureau to con you out of money.

It’s not just your look that can use a refresh; your career might need one, too.

A survey from Nectar found that nearly 77% of employees have a close friend on the job, and 83% of workers feel work friendships help them feel more engaged.

As some parents take their children back to school, others are sending their younger children to daycare — and it is expensive.

New tariffs could mean higher prices on everything from gadgets to groceries. What’ll be the potential cost of tariffs this year to your family?

Families are flipping the script — growing fruits and veggies right in their own front yards. They’re fresh, they’re local and they never saw a truck or plastic bag!

A two-story retail and restaurant project could be coming to an uncleared 2-acre lot in Middleburg, according to our news partner, the Jacksonville Daily Record.

New 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%.

The 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.

Gen Z has digital savvy but lacks financial experience, which can make them a ripe target for scams.

If you are preparing to travel abroad and need to renew your passport, be careful. The Better Business Bureau is seeing a rise in online passport renewal scams.

College students often try to make ends meet on a small budget. The good news: There are a lot of student discounts out there, from streaming services and smartphones to snacks and takeout.

Heavy rain events are becoming more severe and more frequent. Many experts are now urging homeowners to consider flood insurance even if they’re not in a flood zone.

Renting a starter home continues to be more affordable than buying one, according to new data from Realtor.com.

Emerson Smith loves thrifting and took her frugal shopping sense to Goodwill of North Florida’s Lakeside store on St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville.