Consumer Reports says many popular tech gifts from smartwatches to smart-home devices offer basic features for free but may keep their most useful tools behind paid plans. That’s why it’s worth considering if you’re you giving them a cool gift that’ll cost them later, and are you willing to cover those subscription fees, and if so for how long?

New parents are bombarded with misleading posts and images about what’s safe when it comes to infant sleep. That’s according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports. Information shared by social media influencers, AI chatbots, and even retailers may be confusing parents and putting babies at risk.

Instacart shoppers may be paying very different prices for the exact same groceries — even when they live in the same neighborhood. A new Consumer Reports investigation found that the company has been running AI-assisted pricing experiments across several major grocery chains, and in some cases, the discrepancies were significant.

Detective 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.

Buying 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!

As 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.

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.

After 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.

For 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.

The 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.

You’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.

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.

Toy 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 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.

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.

Turkey, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

With grocery prices rising and SNAP benefits set to end on Nov. 1, knowing how long your food can last is as important as ever.

Wasted food is a financial and environmental bummer.

As 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maybe 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.

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.

With 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.

Severe 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.

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.

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?

Feeling the pinch at the pump? We can’t control gas prices — but we can control how we buy and use fuel.

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.

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.

Consumer Reports experts say there are safe, smart ways to save, without cutting corners on your baby’s nutrition.

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.

Consumer Reports has gathered expert tips and products to help support you and make the experience more manageable for you and your baby.

Electric bikes—or e-bikes— can make riding a bike a breeze. But buying a new e-bike might not be so easy on your budget -- with some models costing over $10,000! Consumer Reports is here to help, breaking down the options and revealing top picks from its latest tests.

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!

Consumer Reports has tips to help you make smarter choices at the grocery store.

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?

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.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, you are not alone. According to a nationally representative Consumer Reports survey, only 43% of us would describe our sleep quality as good or very good.

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.

Interest has started up again for millions of borrowers, and for many, the first step is figuring out where their loans stand. Consumer Reports breaks down what to do and how to stay on track.

A Jacksonville seafood company voluntarily recalled a frozen raw shrimp product over possible radioactive contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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

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 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.

From groceries to gas, more people are tapping their phones instead of swiping cards to pay. But what happens if that phone goes missing or falls into the wrong hands? Consumer Reports tells you how to protect your money when using a digital wallet.

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?

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.

Months after a burst pipe flooded their condo, a Jacksonville couple is still out of their home, and they blame their insurance company for the delays.

Consumer Reports shares smart strategies to help get everyone organized, motivated, and ready for a fresh start.

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.

Justin Begley, an economist with Moody’s Analytics, joined us on The Morning Show to share his insights into the Fed's decision not to change interest rates, despite pressure from the president.

Each week in August, Goodwill is offering certain items at 40% off. Goodwill is also offering 50% off on all books and media to customers who are a part of the store’s free loyalty program between Aug. 8-10.

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and parents might be wondering whether they should be getting their child a smartphone this year.

Before you slip on that new shirt or cozy sweater or dress your baby in that fresh off the rack purchase, you should wash it first. Consumer Reports explains why that matters and how to do it without damaging your new find.

Summer cooling costs can make up as much as 60% of energy bills, according to Florida Power & Light. And with temperatures pushing 100 degrees in Northeast Florida, air conditioning systems are likely working around the clock.

News4JAX Consumer Investigator Tiffany Salameh hit the aisles -- and the internet -- comparing prices at Walmart, Amazon and Target to find out which store really gives you the best deal this year on back-to-school supplies.

As the countdown to the new school year begins, one back-to-school essential is more important than ever — a dependable laptop. With fluctuating tech prices and uncertainty over tariffs, Consumer Reports shares some top picks and insider advice on scoring the best laptop for any budget.

Consumer Reports shares expert tips from seasoned parents and travel pros to help make your journey smoother for you, your baby, and everyone else on board.

An FTC rule to make it easier to cancel subscriptions is scrapped - for now. We look at how consumers can protect their money in the meantime.

Tougher safety rules are on the way for car seats, focusing on dangerous side-impact crashes. The goal: better crash protection for your little one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says tens of millions of Americans get sick from contaminated food every year, some of it organic.

If you’re in the market for appliances, say a new dishwasher, refrigerator, or range—or maybe all three—Consumer Reports can help you with smart shopping strategies to help you find the right, reliable one at the best price for your budget.

Consumer Reports breaks down the pros and cons of household robots and reveals which deliver real value.

With nearly 6 million Americans looking for work, standing out to potential employers is crucial. Recent data suggests the average job seeker spends around three to six months trying to secure employment.

In a new investigation, Consumer Reports found bike helmets that don’t meet basic safety standards sold on major websites, and that’s not the only potentially phony safety gear you might find online.

Most families expected to spend more on school supplies this year, and many are concerned about the impact of tariffs. We've got a shopping strategy to help you save money as your kids go back to school.

As more and more platforms offer streaming services, people are becoming overwhelmed and frustrated.

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.