We hear over and over about the importance of saving, but the reality is, for many Americans, building a financial safety net remains a challenge.

The Giving Closet Project has quietly become a safety net for thousands of Jacksonville students facing homelessness and housing insecurity. But after losing $150,000 in state funding through Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget vetoes, the organization is now leaning heavily on the community to survive.

“This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition” host Kent Justice recently spoke with Tim Weisheyer, president of Florida Realtors, the largest realtor association in the United States. He offered a nuanced perspective on what homebuyers and sellers can expect.

Online shoppers are scoring hot summer deals right now with retailers like Amazon offering big discounts. But all those purchases mean packages piling up outside your door and it’s an opportunity for thieves to steal your stuff.

Tariffs on imports like cars and building materials will likely push prices higher for everyday Floridians.

A Jacksonville mom learned a lesson the hard way when she unknowingly buckled her newborn into a fake car seat, thinking it was safe.

Thousands of families in Northeast Florida face cuts to after-school and summer programs due to a federal funding freeze affecting education and food assistance grants.

Consumer Reports has expert advice to help you and your pets stay safe from pesky pests like ticks.

As part of our “Addressing A4dability” series, we spoke with longtime loan officer Jason Kindler, who says zero-down mortgages are not only possible, they’re happening every day.

Recently filed financial disclosure forms by members of Jacksonville’s City Council have revealed that the majority of them have a net worth exceeding $1 million. The forms, which are required to be filed by July 1 under Florida’s ethics law, show that at least 10 millionaires, all of whom are Republicans, make up the River City’s council.

Floridians can now save on disaster supplies year-round. A new law removes sales tax on essential items like batteries, generators, and tarps — no more waiting for seasonal tax holidays.

Buc-ee’s celebrated the grand opening of its newest store Tuesday in Brunswick.

More than a month after Green Cove Springs council members shot down a 20% increase in electric rates, they unanimously approved a 12% increase in electric rates Tuesday night

The diplomas are signed, sealed, and delivered, and the tassel has been tossed, but for the class of 2025, the real work now begins: landing that first job.

Consumer Reports has tips to help you throw a fun, budget-friendly, and safe party for everyone.

Brett’s Waterway Café has long been a mainstay in the community, known for its scenic views and special events. But it is set to be demolished next year due to safety concerns.

More than a month after a devastating fire in the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport, the BMW believed to have sparked that fire has been removed from the garage.

The charm of Fernandina Beach is undeniable—and nowhere is it more alive than on Centre Street.

Ever wonder what income level actually makes people feel like they've "made it"? New research from Empower found the average American thinks you need to be pulling in around $270,000 a year to feel truly successful.

A new federal rule targets some of the worst offenders, but many hidden charges remain legal. Consumer Reports breaks down what this means for your wallet and how to avoid them.

Global markets appear to have taken the U.S. strike against nuclear targets in Iran in stride as investors awaited moves by Iran.

Parents might think snack bars sold for kids are more nutritious than cookies, but are they really Consumer Reports chewed on those claims to reveal the truth.

Just over a month after a devastating fire in the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport, leaders with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority estimated Wednesday that it will cost at least $38 million to repair the damage.

Rising temperatures are not just uncomfortable; for many families, they are hitting their health and their wallets hard. That’s why it’s important for us all to look at what we can do, and what our communities can do to tackle these problems head-on.

After weeks of gridlock and a missed deadline, Florida lawmakers finally voted on this year’s state budget on Monday, just two weeks before the fiscal year begins on July 1.

The State of ALICE in Florida: 2025 Update on Financial Hardship report, which analyzed the latest available data from 2023, found that an estimated 47% of households in Florida were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023. The ALICE Threshold represents the minimum income level necessary for survival for a household.

Shores Liquor is requesting a waiver to build within 1,500 feet of an elementary school because of a tasting room that would be included inside the store, which means there would be alcohol consumption on site.

When it’s time to meet in person to seal an online deal, Consumer Reports says a few simple steps can help keep your transaction safe.

The United Way of Northeast Florida will hold a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce a partnership with LISC Jacksonville, aiming to bring more housing to low-income neighborhoods.

About 38 percent of the U.S. workforce engages in freelance work. While it can be convenient and flexible, there are financial factors to consider before going full-time freelance.

Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming, physically, emotionally, and financially. AARP says about 80% of caregivers cover out-of-pocket costs themselves.

Father’s Day is around the corner, and spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion. The National Retail Federation estimates that people will spend $199.38 per person this year.

A lot of people looking to buy a house are getting cold feet or opting for a better opportunity after a contract becomes pending.

Months after lawmakers proposed slashing bonuses for acceleration programs in half, full funding to pay for advanced placement programs in Florida public schools is expected to stay in place in the final version of the budget.

Needing to finish a budget for the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the House and Senate on Tuesday began slowly rolling out proposals to resolve spending and policy differences.

To find the best bug sprays, Consumer Reports put repellents to the ultimate test–having real people stick their arms into cages full of hungry mosquitoes.

Consumer Reports breaks down the best deals to help you make the most of your money this June.

The development of Pearl Square will feature housing, restaurants and retail across nine blocks.

Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone. A recent report from Glassdoor reveals 65 percent of workers feel trapped in their current role. If you’re looking to break free from the monotony or level up your career, a career coach might help.

Personal data can be big business for hackers and scammers, leading to an ever-growing number of threats to be aware of.

Temperatures are heating up, and this summer, the cost of using air conditioning is expected to reach its highest level in over a decade.

Consumer Reports testers say today’s battery-powered tools don’t just go head-to-head with gas—they sometimes outperform them. From trimmers to chainsaws, we’ll show you which brands cut through the competition.

Consumer Reports’ home and garden experts reveal the best budget-friendly mowers to keep your yard looking great without overspending.

Consumer Reports reveals some simple steps to detox your diet and reduce your family’s exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reports says you could save up to $500 a year, without sacrificing the coverage or reliability you depend on.

A new University of Florida study shows how drones can do more than just take aerial pictures and videos—they can help farmers grow better hemp by seeing the health of their crops with some artificial intelligence assistance.

JWB Real Estate’s HomeStep program is turning tenants into proud homeowners by offering financial incentives and support services to help them make the leap.

From pets to politics, it seems everyone is sharing everything online, but could your videos be costing you a job?

According to recent studies, 99% of all Fortune 500 companies use ATS platforms on a regular basis, and they filter out three out of four applicants before a recruiter even sees them.

Insurance expert Matt Carlucci Jr. joined News4Jax anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show to help you navigate those potential headaches and find solutions.

Walmart is warning that new tariffs on imported goods may lead to higher grocery prices, with essentials like produce, coffee, and seafood at risk. Economists say shoppers could see increases in the coming weeks as trade policies impact the cost of everyday items.

The agency says Panda Benefit Services tricked borrowers into paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal fees for fake student loan forgiveness.

An in-depth investigation by Consumer Reports and two news organizations found that customers were often charged higher prices at checkout than what was listed on store shelves.

Denial doesn’t mean you should immediately pay out of pocket or skip the care you need. Consumer Reports says it’s easier to appeal a denial than you might think.

Consumer Reports rounded up the best bargains on some of their top-rated products, so you can make your money go further this month.

The federal government is resuming collections on defaulted student loans after a more than four-year pause that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of the decision are being felt locally.

Consumer Reports says building an emergency financial safety net might be easier—and more important—than you think.

Consumer Reports just released its exclusive annual sunscreen ratings, putting more than 100 products to the test, and revealing surprising gaps in how they protect you from the sun’s cancer-causing rays.

C&S Wholesale Services, a grocery supplier, sent the state a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification last week, alerting them of their plan.

Consumer Reports shows us what’s really going down the drain—and how to avoid a costly mess at home.

More than a third of Americans are planning to take a vacation. As the prices of hotels and flights surge during this time, scammers are hoping to take advantage of travelers’ desperation for a cheap deal.

As grocery prices continue to squeeze household budgets, a growing number of Americans are turning to “buy now, pay later” loans to cover the cost of food, raising fresh concerns about consumer debt and financial vulnerability, according to a new survey.

The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes looking at a screen each day, but do you often go from screen to screen, scrolling through one and immediately switching to another?

A 65-year-old St. Johns woman just got six-figures richer, according to the Florida Lottery.

A win at work is a sign of success. It may earn praise from coworkers and managers. But will they remember it weeks, months, or even a year from now? Experts say keeping track of these moments as they happen could pay off down the road.

Consumer Reports reveals how the soapy superhero is the secret weapon hiding in plain sight.

After a long winter of mud and grime, your carpets and floors might look worse, and that’s where Consumer Reports comes in. Its experts lab test dozens of vacuums to help you find the perfect one to make spring cleaning a breeze.

This year, 40% of U.S adults say they are prioritizing their savings. But it can be hard and exhausting. One way to help you save money? Game-ify it!

Consumer Reports says it’s a good idea to give your machine a deep clean every three to six months.

Over the last year, Consumer Reports’ experts put dozens of cleaning products to the test in real-life situations, looking to find effective and versatile products that are also gentle on surfaces and that don’t contain irritating or harsh ingredients!

The Home Depot opened a new location Thursday morning at the World Commerce Center in St. Augustine, just off International Golf Parkway.

A recent report found that more than 28% of Americans are searching for new jobs, and 70% of people who are currently employed are considering a new job in 2025.

Scammers can now use powerful AI voice-cloning apps to steal voices or mimic someone you trust to pull off convincing scams.

Thinking of making the leap to another cellphone carrier? To help you out, Consumer Reports combed through survey data to come up with a list of the best (and worst) phone plan providers.

A 35-year-old Jacksonville woman is facing charges of organized fraud and identity theft after investigators said she embezzled more than $142,000 from a local business.

Ready for some spring cleaning? Is it time to donate unused clothes, toss some trash, and ditch broken appliances? But what about all those old documents you’ve been holding on to?

Consumer Reports has advice on making sure you’re buying the real product, not the copycat.

News4JAX anchor Jennifer Waugh picked three ideas for Easter egg decorating to see if they are as easy as they seem, without causing a big mess and without costing too much money.

After a former financial secretary for Amelia Baptist Church was charged with grand theft and accused of embezzling more than $570,000, the church’s pastor called the situation “incredibly hurtful and difficult.”

Mayor Donna Deegan will be at the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church to hear ICARE's thoughts on the city’s affordable housing crisis.

Justin Begley, an economist with Moody Analytics, joined News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show to discuss just how ugly things might get and the impact on world markets from the new tariffs.

Consumer Reports did the digging, uncovering the best deals to spruce up your space without breaking the bank.

April is water conservation month in Florida and JEA is reminding customers about the importance of water conservation.

A 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, light trucks, and some auto parts goes into effect this week, raising concerns for consumers.

Whether navigating cognitive or mobility challenges or looking for more innovative ways to use your device, Consumer Reports reveals the top accessibility tools that can make a big difference in your life.

Potholes can be a lot more than just a jarring, bumpy annoyance! They can wreak havoc on your car and drain your wallet. Consumer Reports breaks down the impact and provides tips to protect your wallet.

A new wave of financial hardship is gripping America’s largest adult generation — Millennials — as escalating debt, rising housing costs, and growing reliance on credit cards threaten their financial stability.

You likely heard about the 25% auto tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. If you’re in the market for a new car, used car, or need to get your car repaired, perhaps you wonder, “How much more is this going to cost me?”

From paying off debt to investing in your home, the choices are endless, but which gives you the biggest bang for your buck? Consumer Reports breaks down the best ways to make every dollar count.

Hundreds of VyStar Credit Union customers were left in financial limbo after a banking error negatively impacted their credit scores, including a local man who said the issue has put his plans of buying a new home on hold.

When you get anti-hacking advice, you’ve probably heard “Don’t use a simple password,” or “Don’t plug in that USB you found on the ground.” But there’s one form of hacking that doesn’t always require a computer, and it costs businesses about $4.88 million a year.

A Florida Senate Committee is considering a bill filed by a local lawmaker that would keep insurance companies from relying on artificial intelligence to deny claims.

VyStar Credit Union is facing a growing controversy after several customers reported having issues with their credit scores.

As Consumer Reports says, finding easy, healthier options to put a meal on the table in minutes isn’t as complicated as it seems.

You put groceries in the fridge to prevent them from going bad, but some surprising foods can actually go bad when refrigerated. They can even poison you if eaten!

All week on The Morning Show, we shared ways you can “Spring into Clean” to tackle some spring cleaning, which can declutter both our space and minds.

If you recently filed your taxes and discovered you owe Uncle Sam, maybe even a few thousand dollars, take a breath because you have options.

Whether we’re checking out a hotel, rental home or buying something on Amazon, online reviews play a huge part in our decision. In fact, 95% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. But some of them might not be real at all.

That new car of yours isn’t just tracking your mileage—a new Consumer Reports investigation reveals that nearly every major automaker in the U.S. is collecting so-called “driver behavior data”—everything from how hard you brake to how fast you accelerate.

Exclusive new testing by Consumer Reports highlights safer infant formulas while also identifying some that contain potentially harmful levels of heavy metals, including lead and arsenic.