CONSUMER NEWS
5 text messages you should ignore to avoid scammers who are trying to trick you
Read full article: 5 text messages you should ignore to avoid scammers who are trying to trick youDetective Bobby Fultz with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office joined News4JAX anchor Jennifer Waugh on our new streaming show at 10 a.m. to detail five text scams that are circulating in our area.
Looking to buy a new car? Consumer Reports reveals list of most reliable car brands
Read full article: Looking to buy a new car? Consumer Reports reveals list of most reliable car brandsBuying a new car isn’t cheap these days. Prices and interest rates are both high, so making the right choice matters. – Consumer Reports tests every car it rates and reviews to determine which ones give you the best value for your money. Today they’re out with their year list of the most reliable brands!
Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ loans can quickly snowball into debt and how to avoid it
Read full article: Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ loans can quickly snowball into debt and how to avoid itAs the holiday shopping rush ramps up, many people are turning to “Buy Now, Pay Later” to help cover gifts, especially if money is tight. But Consumer Reports says these plans, while convenient, can quickly snowball into debt and now they may show up on credit reports. Consumer Reports explains what to watch out for and how to use them safely.
Study: Typical Florida household needs 17 years to save for 10% home down payment. How long has your family been saving?
Read full article: Study: Typical Florida household needs 17 years to save for 10% home down payment. How long has your family been saving?As home prices continue to climb across Florida, a new analysis suggests it could take the typical household nearly a generation to save for a modest down payment.
How to choose the right charity for holiday giving
Read full article: How to choose the right charity for holiday givingAfter the rush of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a day to give back. But before you open your wallet, how can you be sure your money is really helping those in need? Consumer Reports shows you how to find charities that truly make a difference and avoid the ones that don’t.
Is your baby’s pacifier safe? Consumer Reports tested 20 pacifiers and here’s what it found
Read full article: Is your baby’s pacifier safe? Consumer Reports tested 20 pacifiers and here’s what it foundFor many parents, pacifiers are a baby essential, helping their little ones calm down, self-soothe, and sleep better. But have you ever wondered how safe they really are? Consumer Reports tested twenty pacifiers and spoke with safety experts to find out what parents should and shouldn’t buy.
Holiday sales expected to top $1 trillion as retailers face rising crime, online scams
Read full article: Holiday sales expected to top $1 trillion as retailers face rising crime, online scamsThe National Retail Federation projects holiday sales will exceed $1 trillion for the first time in 2025, even as retailers combat rising theft and consumers face mounting financial pressures.
New survey finds texting and messaging scams have jumped 50% in the past year. Here are some tips to protect your money
Read full article: New survey finds texting and messaging scams have jumped 50% in the past year. Here are some tips to protect your moneyYou’re in the middle of something when your phone pings — a text from an unknown number. Is it real, or another scam? A new Consumer Reports survey finds texting and messaging scams have jumped 50 percent in the past year, and it might surprise you that Gen Z is getting hit the hardest. Consumer Reports reveals some smart tips to help you stop those messages and protect your money.
Going Black Friday shopping? Here are strategies for getting the best deals
Read full article: Going Black Friday shopping? Here are strategies for getting the best dealsRemember 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.
Toy guide: Tips to find safe, fun toys for your little ones this holiday season
Read full article: Toy guide: Tips to find safe, fun toys for your little ones this holiday seasonToy season is upon us… and the gift-giving excitement can sometimes overshadow the importance of quality and safety, especially when it comes to toys for children.
The top-tested kitchen appliances to make baking easier, faster and fun this holiday season
Read full article: The top-tested kitchen appliances to make baking easier, faster and fun this holiday seasonThe holiday baking season is in full swing. Before you plug in that mixer or preheat the toaster oven, Consumer Reports reveals its list of top-tested kitchen helpers that make baking easier, faster, and a lot more fun.
St. Johns County incentives aim to entice developers to build affordable housing for essential workers
Read full article: St. Johns County incentives aim to entice developers to build affordable housing for essential workersEssential workers in St. Johns County can’t afford to live there -- even if they’re combining incomes. But county leaders want to change that.
Consumers are cutting back on holiday spending this year. An analyst explains why
Read full article: Consumers are cutting back on holiday spending this year. An analyst explains whyJustin 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.
Your oven’s big day is coming up! Consumer Reports shares easy tips to clean it safely
Read full article: Your oven’s big day is coming up! Consumer Reports shares easy tips to clean it safelyTurkey, stuffing, pies — your oven’s big day is coming up. But if it’s covered in last year’s drips and splatters, you might be in for more smoke than sizzle. Consumer Reports reveals the easy ways to clean it safely, and why that self-clean cycle may not always be the hero you expect.
Your home builder’s tax estimate might be off by hundreds of dollars. Here’s how to verify it yourself
Read full article: Your home builder’s tax estimate might be off by hundreds of dollars. Here’s how to verify it yourselfA 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.
Looking to buy a new car? Consumer Reports reveals list of most reliable car brands
Read full article: Looking to buy a new car? Consumer Reports reveals list of most reliable car brandsBuying a new car isn’t cheap these days. Prices and interest rates are both high, so making the right choice matters. – Consumer Reports tests every car it rates and reviews to determine which ones give you the best value for your money. Today they’re out with their year list of the most reliable brands!
Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ loans can quickly snowball into debt and how to avoid it
Read full article: Why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ loans can quickly snowball into debt and how to avoid itAs the holiday shopping rush ramps up, many people are turning to “Buy Now, Pay Later” to help cover gifts, especially if money is tight. But Consumer Reports says these plans, while convenient, can quickly snowball into debt and now they may show up on credit reports. Consumer Reports explains what to watch out for and how to use them safely.
MORE CONSUMER HEADLINES
They signed the papers to their dream homes. Then learned their taxes were triple what the builder told them
Read full article: They signed the papers to their dream homes. Then learned their taxes were triple what the builder told themDozens 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.
Recreational marijuana amendment headed toward review by Florida Supreme Court
Read full article: Recreational marijuana amendment headed toward review by Florida Supreme CourtState 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.
Customers report Kroger ending delivery service in Jacksonville area as automated fulfillment centers close
Read full article: Customers report Kroger ending delivery service in Jacksonville area as automated fulfillment centers closeAccording 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.
Tired of spending a fortune on cleaning products? Here’s how to save money on cleaning supplies
Read full article: Tired of spending a fortune on cleaning products? Here’s how to save money on cleaning suppliesTired 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 online shopping: How to spot a good deal and ensure you’re getting a safe product
Read full article: Holiday online shopping: How to spot a good deal and ensure you’re getting a safe productHoliday 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.
Holiday Money Hunt: How to search Florida’s unclaimed property database to see if you’re owed extra cash
Read full article: Holiday Money Hunt: How to search Florida’s unclaimed property database to see if you’re owed extra cashA state database could hold the key to a little extra cash for your wallet, during the holiday season.
Are you prepared for an emergency? Consumer Reports has 5 tips to make things easier during a crisis
Read full article: Are you prepared for an emergency? Consumer Reports has 5 tips to make things easier during a crisisIt’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.
From kitchen appliances to TVs: Here are some of the best November deals
Read full article: From kitchen appliances to TVs: Here are some of the best November dealsShoppers, 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.
Are you a first responder or in the military? Here are some stores that offer special discounts for you
Read full article: Are you a first responder or in the military? Here are some stores that offer special discounts for youWith 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.
From safety features to insurance, Consumer Reports offers tips to help senior drivers hit the road with confidence
Read full article: From safety features to insurance, Consumer Reports offers tips to help senior drivers hit the road with confidenceShopping for a new car can be stressful. And if you’re an older driver, there are extra things to consider from comfort and visibility to safety features, to how much you’ll pay for insurance. Consumer Reports breaks down the smartest ways to hit the road with confidence without breaking the bank.
‘Building housing for the houseless’: Nonprofit aims to close affordability gap in Nassau County, one property at a time
Read full article: ‘Building housing for the houseless’: Nonprofit aims to close affordability gap in Nassau County, one property at a timeAffordable Housing 1st was created last year by co-founder Carlene McDuffie and president Kevin Harriman to address Nassau County’s growing affordability crisis.
The Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates. Here’s how these cuts may save you money on loans and credit cards
Read full article: The Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates. Here’s how these cuts may save you money on loans and credit cardsIf 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.
How to keep babies safe and comfortable throughout the night
Read full article: How to keep babies safe and comfortable throughout the nightConsumer Reports has found that some infant products marketed for sleep can increase the risk of injury, suffocation or even sleep-related death. But there are simple ways to keep babies safe and comfortable throughout the night.
Guide to teen drivers: Smart car and insurance choices that could save thousands
Read full article: Guide to teen drivers: Smart car and insurance choices that could save thousandsAs parents know all too well, teen drivers tend to be riskier on the road, which means they’re more expensive to insure. The experts at Consumer Reports reveal tips to help families choose the right car and make smart insurance choices that could save thousands of dollars each year.
Protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead, Consumer Reports finds
Read full article: Protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead, Consumer Reports findsProtein powders and shakes are more popular than ever—touted as workout fuel or even meal replacements. But a new Consumer Reports investigation uncovered a hidden risk: some of these supplements contain concerning levels of lead.
Doing more than your job description? It’s called octo-hire, and it could offer either overload or opportunity
Read full article: Doing more than your job description? It’s called octo-hire, and it could offer either overload or opportunityA 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.
Florida among highest-ranking states for debt collection calls, FTC says
Read full article: Florida among highest-ranking states for debt collection calls, FTC saysThe 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.
After wedding venue’s abrupt closure leaves couples out thousands, St. Augustine salon rallies community to help
Read full article: After wedding venue’s abrupt closure leaves couples out thousands, St. Augustine salon rallies community to helpThe 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.
Was your child’s seat in a crash?
Read full article: Was your child’s seat in a crash?After a car crash, most of us know to check for injuries and damage to our vehicles. But what about your child’s car seat? Consumer Reports’ own car seat safety expert found herself asking that same question, and her experience could help other parents.
Lead could be hiding in your bubble tea, Consumer Reports finds
Read full article: Lead could be hiding in your bubble tea, Consumer Reports findsMaybe you’ve seen those colorful cups with oversized straws, filled with a sweet drink and chewy little pearls. Bubble tea, or boba, has become a favorite, especially with young people. But new safety tests from Consumer Reports show the popular drink may come with a hidden serious concern: lead.
Going solar? Do it now to save money before solar tax credits evaporate
Read full article: Going solar? Do it now to save money before solar tax credits evaporateIf 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 conducted tests of 16 popular toddler towers amid safety concerns. Here’s what it found
Read full article: Consumer Reports conducted tests of 16 popular toddler towers amid safety concerns. Here’s what it foundWith guard rails and other safety features designed to prevent falls, toddler towers are marketed as a safer alternative to a chair or stepstool. But reports of kids falling out or tipping over in the towers surfaced.
How to help your electronics ‘weather’ the storm
Read full article: How to help your electronics ‘weather’ the stormSevere weather can strike with little warning—bringing high winds, downed power lines, and sudden outages. That can put your expensive electronics at risk of serious damage. Consumer Reports reveals some simple steps to help protect your devices when the power goes out.
