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Consumer Reports

  • Watching Your Wallet
  • Don't Waste Your Money
  • Family Health
  • Recall Alerts
  • What The Tech

News

How to avoid holiday shipping and returns scams

Avoid holiday return headaches with tips from the Better Business Bureau

Updated: Dec. 26, 2024 at 12:32 AM CST
|
By James Giles
Carl Bates, president of the Birmingham BBB, reminds consumers that understanding store return policies is key.

News

Alabama Power offers a program called Project Share to help customers pay their wintertime bills.

Alabama Power warns customers to avoid scams

Updated: Dec. 17, 2024 at 7:52 AM CST
|
By Ashlee Nicole
The company says there are things that they will never do when contacting customers.

News

App screen with YouTube TV in the upper center.

YouTube TV raising prices beginning Jan. 2025

Updated: Dec. 13, 2024 at 12:50 PM CST
|
By Ashlee Nicole
This is first increase in price for YouTube TV since March 2023.

News

Check the packaging of each card before making a purchase.

National retail chain redesigns its gift cards to cut down on fraud

Updated: Dec. 9, 2024 at 8:40 PM CST
|
By Bryan Henry
One national chain has said they are redesigning their gift cards to help protect you and cut down on fraud.

Consumer Reports

How to protect yourself from cyber criminals this holiday shopping season

Updated: Dec. 2, 2024 at 12:48 PM CST
|
By Gillian Brooks
Many people may look to purchase gifts online, or take advantage of deals; however, cybercrime also rises this time of year.

Watching Your Wallet

Consumer experts warn buyers about buy now, pay later loans.

Buy now, pay later might be good for some, but experts warn to read the fine print

Updated: Nov. 26, 2024 at 10:05 PM CST
|
By Morgan Hightower
Black Friday deals have already begun, and as shoppers are looking to stretch their budget while checking names off their Christmas gift list, they might consider “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) plans, like Klarna or Afterpay.

News

Better Business Bureau warns employees of open enrollment scams

Updated: Nov. 14, 2024 at 4:02 PM CST
|
By Bryan Henry
Scammers are on the prowl pretending to offer you bogus dental and vision insurance in exchange for personal information.

Don't Waste Your Money

Why aren’t sales as good as they used to be?

Updated: Oct. 18, 2024 at 4:01 PM CDT
|
By John Matarese
Have you noticed lately that a lot of sales prices feel like everyday prices?

News

Tuscaloosa Strip

Bama-Georgia game paid off for Tuscaloosa County

Updated: Oct. 1, 2024 at 10:01 PM CDT
|
By Bryan Henry
Every business we talked with on the strip say the weekend was nothing short of phenomenal.

Don't Waste Your Money

Plunging mortgage rates: Time to refi or buy?

Updated: Sep. 20, 2024 at 3:43 PM CDT
|
By John Matarese
After two years of sharp increases, mortgage rates are finally falling.
Alabama SatRad
Alabama SatRad

Don't Waste Your Money

When did Halloween become so expensive?

Updated: Sep. 18, 2024 at 10:05 AM CDT
|
By John Matarese
From yard figures to hanging skeletons, today’s displays can cost you as much as $1,000.

Tuscaloosa News

Electric cars.

Alabama Power talks electric cars in T-Town

Updated: Aug. 23, 2024 at 2:28 PM CDT
|
By Bryan Henry
Alabama Power teamed up with Young Tuscaloosa for their first electric car lunch and to learn more about electric cars.

Don't Waste Your Money

Woman looking at her phone next to car

Auto insurance continues to soar: What can you do?

Updated: Aug. 19, 2024 at 6:07 PM CDT
|
By John Matarese
The rising cost of auto insurance is getting tougher and tougher for many drivers, with some people spending 3% of their income on car insurance alone.

Consumer Reports

Massive Social Security number breach: What consumers should do to protect themselves

Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 1:31 PM CDT
|
By Brittany Dionne
Millions of Americans are on high alert after a massive data breach exposed Social Security numbers, leaving personal information vulnerable to hackers.

News

Car thefts generic

Car insurance experts report rise in cost with no end in sight

Updated: Aug. 13, 2024 at 10:59 PM CDT
|
By James Giles
Insurify reports premiums have risen 15% so far this year and they predict those rates will climb another 7% before the end of the year.

News

Independent insurance agent breaks down why insurance rates are so high, offers tips on how to cut cost

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 11:04 PM CDT
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By James Giles
When it comes to insurance, some people might agree, you can’t live without it.

News

business man hand using tablet computer Qr code scan

Rising data breaches prompt urgent actions for consumers

Updated: Jun. 25, 2024 at 10:57 PM CDT
|
By WBRC Digital Staff
Scammers often exploit these situations by calling family members, pretending that you need help, and attempting to steal their money.

Recall Alerts

Palmer Candy recalls white confectionary products due to risk of salmonella

Updated: May. 7, 2024 at 5:32 PM CDT
|
By WBRC Staff
Palmer Candy has issued a recall on several white confectionary products sold in 17 states, including Alabama, due to a salmonella risk.

Don't Waste Your Money

Beware drink-flation in bars, restaurants

Beware of drink-flation in bars, restaurants

Updated: Mar. 24, 2024 at 9:02 PM CDT
|
By John Matarese
From a nice glass of wine to an after-dinner cocktail, you may find you’re paying more to indulge these days.

Consumer Reports

Testing and comparing the top vehicles of 2024

Updated: Feb. 29, 2024 at 10:45 PM CST
|
By Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports’ auto testing team puts every car it buys through more than 50 tests, comparing 250 models for owner satisfaction and reliability to determine the year’s Top Picks.

News

Wilkerson Family

‘I’m just trying to survive’: Family shares their ongoing battle with inflation

Updated: Jan. 30, 2024 at 2:18 PM CST
|
By Olivianna Calmes
Facebook groups, coupons, and “Fancy” ramen noodles are all just some of the tools the Wilkerson family is using to change their habits to deal with higher prices. They hope for some relief soon.

Consumer Reports

Customers upset over high power bill, Alabama Power says colder weather to blame

Updated: Jan. 29, 2024 at 2:49 PM CST
|
By Bria Chatman
If you’ve checked your power bill lately, you might have noticed a spike in how much you owe. WBRC has received calls and emails from many of you that say your bill is hundreds of dollars more.

Consumer Reports

Empty grocery stores: Supply chain issues or weather delays?

Updated: Jan. 23, 2024 at 11:10 AM CST
|
By Bria Chatman
Some grocery shelves look a little empty when it comes to produce and other items. Dr. Stephanie Yates with UAB says it’s not because of supply chain issues - we’re actually in a better place than we were this time last year.

Consumer Reports

What to do with unwanted workout gear?

Updated: Dec. 21, 2023 at 4:31 PM CST
|
By Consumer Reports
Maybe you have a treadmill that serves as an expensive coat rack or one that has run its course.

Consumer Reports

Cyber Monday 2023

Online shopping impacts holiday seasonal hiring

Updated: Nov. 28, 2023 at 10:22 AM CST
|
By Gillian Brooks
Americans are expected to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals with sales estimated to hit $12 billion.

National

More than half of consumers think credit card processing fees should be illegal, survey finds

More than half of consumers think credit card processing fees should be illegal, survey finds

Updated: Nov. 22, 2023 at 1:49 PM CST
|
By Caresse Jackman
Over half of credit card holders think processing fees should be illegal, according to a new survey by LendingTree. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman shares more of the survey’s findings and tips on what you need to know before you swipe your card.

Don't Waste Your Money

Cost of Thanksgiving dinner down slightly this year

Cost of Thanksgiving dinner down slightly this year

Updated: Nov. 22, 2023 at 11:40 AM CST
|
By John Matarese
The American Farm Bureau says inflation is taking a break after three years of higher prices so the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down slightly this year.

Don't Waste Your Money

A recent study conducted by the BBB showed a 50% uptick in reported gift card scams in 2023...

Beware buying worthless gift cards this holiday season

Updated: Nov. 22, 2023 at 11:36 AM CST
|
By John Matarese
Buying gift cards as a gift can be risky.

Don't Waste Your Money

Warning signs a delivery notice is a scam

Updated: Nov. 22, 2023 at 11:21 AM CST
|
By John Matarese
So you’re placing your Black Friday orders this week, and now it’s time to kick back and wait for those packages to arrive. But beware: Scammers know that and may target you.

National

Nearly 90% of workers prefer a 4-day work week, survey finds

Nearly 90% of workers prefer a 4-day work week, survey finds

Updated: Nov. 21, 2023 at 1:51 PM CST
|
By Rachel DePompa
About 9 in 10 workers would prefer a 4-day work week, according to a new survey from Bankrate. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about finding a job that's right for you in this new working environment.

National

What to know about Medicare open enrollment

What to know about Medicare open enrollment

Updated: Nov. 20, 2023 at 1:53 PM CST
|
By Rachel DePompa
Medicare open enrollment is underway now through December 7. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial expert from Agili about how to find the best plan for you.

National

‘Drop bank accounts’ used by criminals to launder money

‘Drop bank accounts’ used by criminals to launder money

Updated: Nov. 15, 2023 at 2:17 PM CST
|
By Caresse Jackman
Scam artists sometimes open so-called “drop bank accounts” to move money from one place to another. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with experts about this type of fraudulent scheme and what you can do to protect your money and identity.

National

Ways to save money this Thanksgiving

Ways to save money this Thanksgiving

Updated: Nov. 14, 2023 at 2:02 PM CST
|
By Rachel DePompa
With the holidays quickly approaching you may be looking for some ways to save money this Thanksgiving. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to the folks at Eventbrite for some low-cost ideas to celebrate.

National

Expert resume advice to help you land the job

Expert resume advice to help you land the job

Updated: Nov. 13, 2023 at 1:53 PM CST
|
By Rachel DePompa
A quality resume can be the difference between a call back and disappointment. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with Top Employers Institute about how to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Don't Waste Your Money

UAW strike settlement could send car prices even higher

UAW strike settlement could send car prices even higher

Updated: Nov. 8, 2023 at 5:54 PM CST
|
By John Matarese
The UAW strike is over, which is good news for both autoworkers and car buyers, who were worried about new shortages. But, while the shortages won’t happen, you could still end up paying more for your car.

National

Government agency considers proposal that would remove medical debt from credit reports

Government agency considers proposal that would remove medical debt from credit reports

Updated: Nov. 8, 2023 at 2:03 PM CST
|
By Caresse Jackman
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is working to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks to the CFPB and US PIRG on how this impacts consumers.

National

Extreme weather costing Americans

Expert advice to combat extreme weather’s impact on your wallet

Updated: Nov. 6, 2023 at 1:52 PM CST
|
By Rachel DePompa
It doesn’t take a natural disaster to set your budget back. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Bankrate about how you can prepare for strains on your budget caused by the forecast.

News

Holiday shopping deals kicking off

Alabamians expected to spend more than $18 billion this holiday season

Updated: Nov. 1, 2023 at 10:56 PM CDT
|
By James Giles
Store manager for At Home Furnishings in Homewood, Dykes Culp, says they start rolling out the Christmas decorations this time of year and that’s when they usually see a boost in their bottom line.

National

Federal Warranty Law

How federal warranty law can protect you against defective products

Updated: Nov. 1, 2023 at 1:58 PM CDT
|
By Caresse Jackman
Most new cars are covered by at least one kind of warranty but how familiar are you with what’s covered? Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman has tips on how the federal warranty law could work for you.

National

Ways to avoid scams when donating to victims of Israel-Hamas conflict

Ways to avoid scams when donating to victims of Israel-Hamas conflict

Updated: Oct. 25, 2023 at 1:59 PM CDT
|
By Caresse Jackman
The crisis in Israel and Gaza has many looking to send aid to those affected. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman shares tips on how to spot potential charity scams before you donate.

National

As home price increases outpace wage gains, tips to find affordable housing programs

Tips to find affordable housing programs as home price increases outpace wage gains

Updated: Oct. 24, 2023 at 1:44 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
It's the American dream to own a home but affordability rates keep falling. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Money & Mimosas about finding affordable housing programs across the nation.

National

Expert advice for holiday shopping on a budget

Expert advice for holiday shopping on a budget

Updated: Oct. 23, 2023 at 2:01 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
Americans plan to spend a combined $184 billion this holiday season. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about ways you can spend wisely.

National

Credit card debt hits a record high this year

Strategies to cut down credit card debt as American balances top $1 trillion

Updated: Oct. 12, 2023 at 1:50 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
Americans’ credit card balances recently hit $1 trillion, according to the New York Fed – a new record high. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Bankrate about ways to get your credit card debt under control.

National

Expert tips for early holiday shopping

Expert tips for early holiday shopping

Updated: Oct. 5, 2023 at 2:07 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
Believe it or not, early holiday shopping is already underway and we’re not talking about Halloween. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Bankrate for tips to combat the holiday scares.

National

Veterans, service members susceptible to PACT Act fraud, survey finds

Veterans, service members susceptible to PACT Act fraud, survey finds

Updated: Oct. 4, 2023 at 1:54 PM CDT
|
By Caresse Jackman
Advocates are warning veterans about scammers abusing a new law to take advantage of them. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman breaks down the PACT Act, what it means for veterans and signs of fraud you should watch out for.

Smart Living

Source: WBRC video

Dangerous teen trend: Getting high from chroming

Updated: Oct. 3, 2023 at 6:00 PM CDT
|
By Ivanhoe Newswire
Chroming is an online trend that involves intentionally inhaling chemicals or vapors to become intoxicated, and it’s dangerous.

National

How to tackle high interest credit card debt

How to tackle high interest credit card debt

Updated: Oct. 2, 2023 at 2:14 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
Interest rates are at an all-time high, making credit card debt extra expensive. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with an expert from MoneyTips on how to combat credit card debt.

News

Dangers of water bead toys

Dangers of water beads toys

Updated: Sep. 25, 2023 at 10:45 PM CDT
|
By Consumer Reports
A recent recall has shined a light on the dangers of this product.

Smart Living

On Your Side: Empowering a new generation

Empowering a new generation: How to lead Gen Z

Updated: Sep. 22, 2023 at 5:33 PM CDT
|
By Ivanhoe Newswire
Generation Z is the youngest, most diverse generation in the workforce today.

National

Tips to help you achieve early retirement

Tips to help you achieve early retirement

Updated: Sep. 21, 2023 at 1:49 PM CDT
|
By Rachel DePompa
Early retirement is a dream for many. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial expert from Money & Mimosas about strategies to make that dream come true.
News
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