Walmart will begin adding tap-to-pay options at select U.S. stores and Sam’s Club locations Aug. 24, with plans to expand the service nationwide by the end of 2026, the company announced Friday.
Local groups on Thursday unveiled a $20 million revolving lending pool intended to accelerate production of affordable rental housing across Jacksonville.
Consumer Reports tested popular bathroom cleaners and found that with the right tools, it can be faster, easier, and, when you see the results, maybe even satisfying.
A Jacksonville woman sued VyStar Credit Union on Aug. 14, alleging the credit union failed to investigate and reimburse about $42,000 stolen from her accounts after fraudsters impersonated the bank and obtained her debit card, according to the lawsuit.
The National Retail Federation says retailers lost over $100 billion to return fraud last year alone. And now retailers are fighting back, tracking your returns and banning customers who return too much.
JEA has seen an uptick in reports of scammers targeting JEA customers and demanding payment, the city-owned utility said in a warning sent out Tuesday morning.
Consumer Reports says salad doesn’t have to come off the menu. Carefully preparing salad greens and other produce can help protect you and your family.
Consumer watchdogs say some companies may be going a step further, using personal data like your location, browsing history, and shopping habits to help decide what price or offer you see. The Federal Trade Commission is now studying this so-called “surveillance pricing.”
Bad day? Tap the app. See a sale? Add to cart. Need a little pick-me-up? Buy now. For a lot of people, shopping isn’t just shopping. It can feel like a reward, a distraction, even a way to take the edge off stress, boredom, or loneliness.
For the 2026 season, the Jaguars are introducing a value menu with some of EverBank Stadium’s most popular items available for $4.99.
Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss the implications of a significant drop in Florida's SNAP enrollment. He says it impacts nutrition and health care at a time when affordability is a major problem for many Floridians.
For years, buying a brand-new home in Northeast Florida typically came with a premium over an existing home. New data suggests that gap has nearly disappeared and in some cases, new construction is now selling for less per square foot.
A partnership between the Northeast Florida Builders Association and Clay County Schools helps students secure paid positions with local employers and earn certifications while making money.
Korean 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.
A $48 million incentive package for Gateway Jax’s Publix-anchored Block N7 project is headed back to the drawing board, according to a report from News4JAX news partner the Jacksonville Daily Record.
After a customer took Publix to court last year, saying she’d been overcharged during a trip to the Florida-native grocery giant, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando decided to look into an important policy the grocer offers: the Publix Promise.
Fitch Ratings’ AA+ with a stable outlook means Jacksonville is viewed as financially strong and likely to borrow more cheaply, though its high long‑term pension and debt obligations remain a risk.
Publix’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.
A $48 million incentive package for Gateway Jax’s Publix-anchored Block N7 project is headed back to the drawing board, according to a report from News4JAX news partner the Jacksonville Daily Record.
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would give low-income households $60 a month to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. The Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, introduced July 2, 2026, aims to address food insecurity by connecting eligible families with local produce through a federal pilot program.
Consumer 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.
News4JAX 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
