Angela 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.

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.

Using 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.

A home warranty may help cover repair costs, but Consumer Reports says these plans may not protect as much as many homeowners expect.

Be Pro Be Proud is bringing its mobile learning lab to Northeast Florida, giving middle- and high-school students a hands-on look at careers they might not have considered.

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.

With 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.

A single ticket sold in Florida just changed someone’s life — to the tune of $800 million, according to a report from News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.

A 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.

U.S. officials say most counterfeit goods seized at the border come from China and Hong Kong. Now, concerns are growing that some of these bargains may carry something else: Chemicals you didn’t pay for.

A new trend out of South Korea is trying to give people that “shopping buzz” without the bill.

As 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.

If 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.

The State Attorney’s Office of the Fourth Judicial Circuit has charged a senior living facility employee with exploitation of an aged adult after a criminal referral from the Office of Inspector General, officials said Thursday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on Wednesday about Lakkzoom immersion water heaters after the devices reportedly sparked more than 200 fires.

From July 20 through Aug. 14, Great Clips salons in Jacksonville are offering a special $9.99 back-to-school promotion.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.

A Jacksonville tattoo artist says scammers stole her videos, photos and tattoo portfolio to create fake TikTok accounts that tricked customers into sending deposits for appointments that didn’t exist.

A 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.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety teamed up to identify the safest used cars for teen drivers at different prices.

Nearly 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. 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.

VyStar financial educator Marc Streebel says a warning sign of “unmanageable debt” is when you’re only making minimum payments—or missing payments on multiple accounts.

Certified 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.

During 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.

A 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.

A report released Friday by the Department of Commerce shows the state’s jobless rate for June at 4.7 percent, a reduction from 4.8 percent the prior two months. The rate is still 0.5 percentage points higher than the national average.

Whether 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.

A Jacksonville Beach family trade business thrives amid a skilled worker shortage, highlighting how trades and smart financial habits can rapidly build wealth.

Target 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.

A 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.

Some experts call it: Post-AI career anxiety. The fear of shifting jobs, shifting skills, and not knowing where you fit.

If 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!

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Palm Coast man and said a Miami-area suspect later surrendered after a phone scam convinced an elderly Flagler Beach resident to leave his debit card in his mailbox, authorities said Wednesday.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said that Florida residents are among those being targeted by a phishing-as-a-service platform called Kali365 that is aimed at users of Microsoft 365 products.

A survey found 93% of Americans plan to travel this year, but for some, this year’s getaway isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about coming home with more than just souvenirs.

Florida drivers woke up to higher prices at the pump, with AAA reporting the state average for regular unleaded jumped 12 cents overnight.

While 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?

A Jacksonville Afghan restaurant owner says a single social media post turned his struggling business around — and may have saved his family in the process.

Millions of Americans are feeling financial pressure this summer, and for many, a side hustle has become about more than extra spending money.

If 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.

A 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’ latest food safety investigation found some rice products contain concerning levels of inorganic arsenic, a dangerous form of a heavy metal and known carcinogen.

Tens of millions of taxpayers may be entitled to refunds or reductions of penalties and interest the IRS assessed during the COVID-19 federal disaster period — but relief will not come automatically. For most, the window to act closes July 10, 2026.

More 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.

Consumer Reports shares a quick way to protect your digital privacy and security using a simple tool you may already have.

If 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.

If 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.

Did 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?

A newly renovated Publix opened its doors to welcome customers back after residents were left with limited grocery options for more than a year.

Are 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.

America turns 250 this month, and retailers are celebrating with some of the biggest sales of the summer.

Starting your first corporate job can feel like walking into a room where everyone else knows the rules, except you. But experts say this “hidden language” can be learned.

JEA customers in Jacksonville will soon see higher monthly bills. The utility’s Board of Directors approved proposed rate increases on Tuesday, affecting electric, water, and sewer services.

Before you put on that new sweater, shirt, or baby outfit straight from the store, Consumer Reports says you should wash it first because you’re not just wearing a new outfit, you’re wearing everything it picked up along the way.

Grocery prices are still stretching family budgets, and many shoppers are looking for new ways to save. One option starts right on your phone. The app is called Too Good To Go. It connects customers with local businesses that have unsold food at the end of the day — items that might otherwise be thrown away.

More than 24,000 Duval County homeowners who appear to potentially qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption have not filed for the tax-saving benefit, according to a News4JAX I-TEAM analysis.

Mayor Donna Deegan on Thursday unveiled the Childcare Solutions for Early Learning Task Force report and recommended a new initiative, River City Care, aimed at making child care more affordable and accessible while strengthening Jacksonville’s workforce.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment error rate data for fiscal year 2025, showing a national rate of 10.62% — well above the congressional threshold of 6%.

A new study shows that improvements to vehicle safety driven by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing have saved an estimated 48,352 lives and more than $500 billion since the program launched in 1995.

Customers and employees at a Jacksonville discount store have been dealing with uncomfortable — and potentially dangerous — conditions for months. The Roses Discount Store on Lem Turner Road on the city’s Northside has been without working air conditioning, and now the property owner is headed to court.

UNF is moving forward with higher costs for some students starting in Fall 2026, including a 5% increase in on-campus housing rental rates and a 15% increase in out-of-state tuition-related fees.

Over the past week, shoppers have been getting used to the new ALDI at Market and Union. At the same time, Jacksonville City Council members are preparing to take up an incentives proposal tied to Gateway Jax’s planned N7 development at 119 W. Beaver St., a mixed-use tower that would set aside space for a Publix-sized grocery store downtown.

A new Winn-Dixie has opened in Jacksonville’s Brentwood neighborhood, bringing fresh groceries closer to residents who worried the area could become a food desert after the closure of a nearby Harveys Supermarket.

Consumer Reports tests hundreds of car seats, bassinets, strollers, and more. Here are CR’s 2026 Top Picks for Baby.

Florida gas prices dropped 20 cents as about 4.6 million residents prepare to travel for Independence Day, AAA said, with the majority — about 4.08 million — expected to take road trips.

The Department of Education has announced a reduction in interest rates for federal student loans, describing it as part of a plan to make higher education more affordable.

Winn‑Dixie will celebrate the opening of its new Brentwood store Saturday, marking the final Harveys Supermarket to be converted to the Winn‑Dixie banner across Florida and southern Georgia, the company said.

Consumer Reports says choosing the wrong size unit or skipping basic maintenance can leave you uncomfortable and paying more than necessary on your energy bills.

Fleas may be tiny, but they can cause big problems, and for pet owners, few problems are more frustrating. Consumer Reports says acting quickly is the key to protecting both your pets and your household.

The fate of incentives for a Downtown Publix has yet to be decided, but developer Gateway Jax is moving ahead with plans to demolish the former First Baptist Church main auditorium to make way for it, according to our news partners at the Jacksonville Daily Record.

When kids go online, they’re not just watching videos or playing games - they’re navigating virtual worlds where they can talk to real people and spend real money! Consumer Reports offers advice and tips on setting parental controls to prevent unauthorized charges and protect kids online.

Are you financially stressed? A new study by Coinfully.com, which analyzed Google searches tied to money worries, found Florida and Georgia rank among the top states where people are searching for help.

A new Consumer Reports investigation found that someone standing right next to you, requesting the same ride at the same time, could be shown a very different price—and most riders would never know.

JEA recently earned a key bond upgrade from Moody’s Ratings, which said the improvement was due to stronger finances and progress in the utility’s governance. But Moody’s report also included a warning. The ongoing turmoil at the city-owned utility could send the rating in the other direction.

If you want to enjoy what’s on tap at Bold City Brewery in Downtown Jacksonville, you have until June 27.

Alex Jacquez, former Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development and Industrial Strategy, joins us to discuss the recent bleak report finding that America's annual inflation rate has reached its highest levels in three years.

From taking out the trash to cleaning up toys, chores are part of growing up. But many kids today are doing fewer of them than generations before.

Consumer Reports partnered with Yuka, a product transparency app, to test 40 popular processed foods and drinks for food additives and contaminants linked to potential health concerns at certain exposure levels.

A sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis now waits for voters to act in November. But what exactly will be on your ballot?

June is shaping up to be a big month for deals, with early-summer sales from Amazon and other retailers giving shoppers a chance to save well before the usual holiday shopping season.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is urging buyers and sellers on Facebook Marketplace to take extra precautions before meeting up after a spike in deals that have gone wrong.

Consumer Reports says if you’re struggling to keep up with car payments, the most important thing you can do is act early—before missed payments pile up.

The Florida property tax cut plan backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is awaiting the voters' final say. Rick Mullaney, News4JAX political analyst and head of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss the potential relief from rising property bills, but also the impact of forcing cities and counties to cut services or shift costs.

The AI boom comes with a hidden cost: data centers. These massive facilities house the servers and equipment needed to power the internet, cloud services, and AI tools.

A sweeping Florida property tax overhaul now headed to the November ballot is drawing growing concern from local leaders who warn it could reshape how cities and counties fund essential services like police, fire rescue and emergency response.

Pattillo Industrial Real Estate’s proposed 1.11 million-square-foot warehouse in its NorthPoint Industrial Park in North Jacksonville has generated industry speculation about a distribution center tenant.

If your grocery bill feels more expensive every time you shop, Consumer Reports says where you buy your food may be making a bigger difference than you realize.

A military family said they lost more than $7,400 after purchasing discounted Disney gift cards from a Jacksonville-area online business that Florida authorities accused of deceptive and unfair practices.

With hurricane season approaching and wildfire risks rising from drought conditions, Florida emergency experts are urging residents to go beyond the basics when building their emergency supply kits — and that includes protecting their most important financial documents.

Each hurricane season, a key part of every family’s hurricane preparedness plan should be to assemble a hurricane kit. The kit provides important supplies for your family, whether you remain at home during the storm or need to evacuate.

Even if you need a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine right away, Consumer Reports says there are still ways to save money—if you shop smart.

Want to save money for your travel plans on the road this weekend — without changing cars? AAA says your right foot is the biggest factor in fuel use. Here’s a quick “yes or no” checklist.

A Consumer Reports investigation reviewed complaints filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission over a 15-month period and found nearly 400 incidents of exploding glass oven doors and more than 40 injuries.

Consumer Reports has released its annual sunscreen ratings after testing more than 100 products, including both lotions and sprays.

“Buy now, pay later” services are rapidly becoming a financial lifeline for some families struggling with rising costs, but consumer finance experts warn the increasingly popular payment option can quickly turn into difficult-to-manage debt.

Hillary Dolaher from “Anything with Plants” joined us on The Morning Show to offer some tips on matching that floral arrangement to suit Mom’s personality and making those flowers last.

Jacksonville residents said rising gas and grocery prices were forcing them to rethink everyday spending, from shopping trips to hobbies and commuting costs. A University of North Florida economist warned the financial pressure may continue for years as wages struggle to keep pace with rising prices.

More and more professionals are embracing what’s called job hopping, moving from one job to another every few years. Some say it can fast-track your career and boost your pay. But experts warn it can also come with real risks.

It has been more than eight weeks since the war with Iran began. Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy & Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative and former Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development and Industrial Strategy, joined us on The Morning Show to explain why the conflict is affecting gas prices, homebuyers and inflation.