11/17/2008

NC gas prices drop by nearly half
Gasoline prices are dropping quickly in North Carolina, down about $2 in the past 60 days.

11/06/2008

PriceTracker | Save on soda, chips, beer
To save a buck in these tough economic times, NewsChannel 36 and WCNC.com asked viewers to share low prices. We call it PriceTracker.

Hot Stuff: Get deals on items seized by police
Police recover a lot of stolen merchandise each year. Where does it all end up?

Tax-free appliance shopping starts tomorrow
Consumers who want to save energy will get a chance to save money as well in North Carolina.

11/05/2008

It's Your Money | Charlotte gets 'special invitation' to recession
A 52-year-old flower shop in Charlotte is closing down -- another reminder that Charlotte is not recession-proof.

10/31/2008 Banks ask government: Can we bailout customers? Certain debt-ridden customers could get a bailout of sorts from their lenders if the federal government allows lenders to begin a pilot program to forgive some credit card debt.

10/30/2008

Charlotte family learns dangers of dryer fires
You may have a potential fire hazard in your home and not even realize it. One north Charlotte family is lucky to be alive after discovering what can happen.

Attorney general sues bogus mortgage companies North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper announced legal action Thursday against three companies his office says took money upfront from customers seeking foreclosure help.

10/24/2008

As mortgage rates drop, some consider refinancing
Mortgage rates continue to drop, but should you refinance your home? A mortgage broker says maybe, but maybe not.

10/23/2008

Does the IRS owe you money?
Residents of the Carolinas are missing out on more than 17,500 IRS tax refunds and economic stimulus checks that were returned by the postal service as undeliverable, the tax agency said Thursday.

10/21/2008

Company recalls cribs after 2 infant deaths
Delta Enterprises is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million older versions of its drop-side cribs after two infant deaths.

Robocall group agrees to $100K penalty in NC
A group that made automated phone calls to voters before the May primary in violation of North Carolina law will pay a $100,000 fine.

10/20/2008

NC gas station owners will pay for price gouging
The owners of six North Carolina gas stations have agreed to pay thousands of dollars back to the state and its customers for price gouging, said the state's attorney general on Monday.

10/13/2008

I-Team pricetracker | Share information, save money
Are you ready to save some money? It’s simple. Let’s share information. That way we have a whole bunch of consumer reporters – not just a few.

10/15/2008

Charlotte hosts 'DTV Transition Day' workshop for residents
Residents in Mecklenburg County can learn more about the upcoming digital television transition on Thursday at a special "DTV Day" event in Charlotte.

10/13/2008

Treasurer: No need to worry about NC pension fade
The value of North Carolina's public pension funds has fallen by at least $6 billion since July 1 as the stock market has plunged, but retirees don't need to fret about their government income, State Treasurer Richard Moore said Monday.

09/30/2008

Your questions about the Wachovia sale answered
Yesterday's Citigroup-Wachovia deal and the federal bailout of Wall Street firms have raised plenty of big questions about the economy, the state of banking and the impact on everyday people. UNC Charlotte finance professor Tony Plath is continuing to provide answers this afternoon.

09/26/2008

Bush pleads anew for Congress to act on bailout
President Bush scrambled Friday to bring rebellious members of his own party behind a multibillion-dollar government bailout of the financial system amid bitter political recriminations from both Democrats and Republicans over collapsed negotiations.

09/25/2008

Gas-saving tips
Fueleconomy.gov, the federal government's official site, estimates that aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can cost you up to $1.23 a gallon.

09/23/2008

AG: 'Consumers are extremely frustrated' about fuel
"Consumers are extremely frustrated." Those were the first words out of Attorney General Roy Cooper’s mouth in NewsChannel 36’s conversation with him Tuesday. His investigation into gouging in the state, he says, was prompted by consumer complaints.

09/22/2008

Local lawmakers to play central role in bailout hearings
The men behind the federal financial system bailout -- Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke -- will sell this idea to Congress in hearings this week.

Carolinas still have isolated gas shortages More than a week after Hurricane Ike, some gas stations in the Charlotte area were still completely without gas. Others don't have premium, or diesel. Find lowest gas prices

09/19/2008

AG Cooper seeks refunds, penalties from Window Pros
The attorney general says Window Pros took money from homeowners in Charlotte, the Triad, the Triangle and Hickory.

09/16/2008

UNCC professor answers your finance questions
This week brought more bad news for the banking industry, as Wall Street suffered its worst drop since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks amid news of a big bank's sale and another's bankruptcy.

09/15/2008

After complaints, AT&T fixes hole in daycare lot
A Newschannel 36 story has prompted AT&T to fix a huge hole left in a daycare parking lot. The hole is three and a half feet deep, by four and a half feet wide, by nine feet long.

Market mayhem: What does it mean for your money?
The color of money may be green, but if you've watched much CNBC Monday -- or lately -- maybe you're feeling mostly yellow, in fear.

09/12/2008 States warn gas stations against price gouging Officials in North and South Carolina said Friday that gas stations that price gouge would face criminal prosecution. Find low prices

Note to satellite and cable subscribers about DTV
Current satellite and cable subscribers will not be affected on Feb. 17 2009.

09/11/2008

NC insurance commissioner orders lower auto rates
State Insurance Commissioner Jim Long on Thursday rejected an industry request for an almost 13 percent increase in auto rates and has ordered a reduction instead.

09/09/2008 Lake Wylie couple converts gas cars into electric What do a Honda accord, a Mitsubishi truck, and a Fiat convertible have in common? They are all electric vehicles, and they were converted from gasoline by a husband and wife team near Lake Wylie.

08/29/2008

July Nail Salon Report: Nails Trix scores 85
Look before you book, as we share the latest round of nail salon scores for the month of July.

08/15/2008

Airline security changes restrictions on laptop bags
It is an effort to make your trip to the Airport a little smoother. Starting Saturday, Aug. 16, the Transportation Security Administration will allow travelers to leave their laptop in the bag. But, there’s a catch.

NC's unemployment rate reaches 6.6 percent
North Carolina's unemployment rate jumped sharply last month to its highest level in nearly five years, the state Employment Security Commission said Friday.

08/14/2008

Consumer prices rise at double the expected rate
Consumer prices shot up in July at twice the expected rate, pushed higher by surging energy and food costs. The latest surge left inflation running at the fastest pace in 17 years.

08/13/2008

Laptops with personal info of thousands stolen
Twelve laptops containing detailed personal information on 9,000 current and former Charter Communications workers nationwide have been stolen from a South Carolina office, the company said Wednesday.

08/07/2008

Wilmington residents ask about upcoming DTV switch
A big day in television history is fewer than 200 days away. On Feb. 17 of next year, digital TV will replace analog TV.

08/04/2008

Is my bank going to fail?
Charlotte is one of the largest banking centers in the world. With recent news about unprecedented losses and major layoffs, consumers are concerned about the security of their money.

08/01/2008

Computers hot on tax-free holiday
Tax-free shopping drew shoppers on Friday, from early morning lines outside Charlotte's Apple Store to bargain hunters at big discounters.

Plan to shop this weekend?

07/30/2008

Shoppers, get ready: No state sales tax this weekend
Shoppers and retailers are gearing up for North Carolina's seventh annual sales tax holiday.

07/31/2008

SC readies for popular sales tax holiday weekend
Retailers in South Carolina are preparing their biggest weekend outside of the Christmas season as the state holds its annual sales tax holiday weekend.

07/29/2008

S&P: Home prices drop by record 15.8 pct. in May
Home prices tumbled by the steepest rate ever in May, according to a closely watched housing index released Tuesday, as the housing slump deepened nationwide.

07/24/2008

LoJack helps police locate stolen laptops
Safety experts say if you own a laptop, you have a one in 10 chance of having it stolen.

07/23/2008

Credit repair scam victim's story on Today
Beverly White of Charlotte is an in-home, intensive therapy, foster parent who wanted to buy a home for her kids. However, she had some credit issues and sought help from Davis & Associates II, LLC of Charlotte (now out of business), who promised that they could repair her credit....for $1,400.

07/17/2008

Consumer Alert: State recalls peppers, avocados
State officials announced Thursday a recall of fresh jalapeno peppers and avocados distributed in North Carolina after samples from a food distributor tested positive for salmonella.

07/14/2008

2 Charlotte stores fined for overcharging customers
Six North Carolina stores have been slapped with fines for overcharging customers, and two of those stores are in charlotte.

07/10/2008

BBB releases dirty half-dozen list
An online gaming site tops the Charlotte Better Business Bureau's mid-year dirty half-dozen list.

Yap me! Charlotte company takes your voice to text
Entrepreneur Victor Jablokov didn’t have to look far for inspiration.

07/09/2008

NC House backs Easley mortgage foreclosure plan
Subprime mortgage holders struggling to make their payments would receive assistance from the state to get more favorable terms in a plan that advanced Wednesday through the House.

06/30/2008

Wachovia gets rid of controversial mortgage loan
Beleaguered consumer bank Wachovia Corp. is getting rid of a mortgage payment option that allows borrowers to pay less each month than the bank charges in interest.

06/27/2008

May Nail Salon Report: Dilworth Nails scores low
Everyone wants to put their best foot forward with summer in full swing, but make sure you look before you book once you hear about these latest salon citations.

Don't want to check a bag? Tips on packing light
With new fees for checking bags, it's getting more and more expensive to fly with luggage. That means many of you are trying to fit more and more into you carry-on. But how do you maximize the space? We went to an expert.

06/24/2008

Dale Jr.'s DEJ Realty now serving Lake Norman
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a new business venture. The NASCAR star's real estate firm is now serving the Lake Norman area.

06/23/2008

City council approves foreclosure assistance program
The Charlotte City Council on Monday night approved a plan that's supposed to help deal with the growing number of foreclosures in the city.

IRS reaching out to vets, retirees in Carolinas
More than a quarter million retirees and disabled veterans in the Carolinas have not filed a return to qualify for a tax rebate, leaving at least $79.8 million in stimulus money unclaimed, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

06/18/2008 Gaston County woman charged with insurance fraud Insurance Commissioner Jim Long today announced the arrest of Sonya Laws Cole, 32, of 1925 Tryon Courthouse Rd., Bessemer City.

06/17/2008

Home improvement contractor arrested in Lincoln County
A home improvement contractor accused of defrauding 20 clients has been arrested in Lincoln County.

New OnStar technology slows down car thieves 6:23 PM
OnStar has been around for years on General Motors vehicles, but the company with a call center in Charlotte is adding more technology to its lineup.

Stein Mart settles lawsuit, offers discounts
Retailer Stein Mart is offering customers discounts on purchases as part of a class action lawsuit settlement.

06/10/2008

Mecklenburg sheriff warns of jury duty scam
If someone calls you about jury duty, be careful because it could be a scam designed to steal your identity.

Online gamers accuse Charlotte-based site of foul play
The Better Business Bureau has issued an alert on a Charlotte-based gaming Web site.

S.C. agencies team up to fight mortgage fraud
The South Carolina Consumer Affairs Department is teaming up with the state attorney general to help residents spot and fight mortgage fraud.

06/05/2008

Verizon Wireless buying Alltel
Verizon Wireless has agreed to buy Alltel for nearly $6 billion.

06/04/2008

Home improvement contractor defrauds at least 20 victims
The high season for home improvement projects is in full swing and The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about home improvement contractor, Lawrence Sam Weir, Jr. of Shelby, NC (aka Sam Weir).

06/02/2008

Mailboxes empty as card issuers cut direct mail offers
What's in your mailbox? Chances are, fewer credit-card applications. Faced with a slumping economy, the nation's financial service companies have sharply cut back their direct mail so far this year

05/29/2008

Protect your credit at 'Shred-it' event
WCNC is helping you protect your credit -- and yourself -- against identity thieves with our Shred-it event.

05/30/2008

April Nail Salon Report: Today's Nails scores 73
If you're getting ready to have those manicures and pedicures done in time for summer, you'll want to look at this report before you book.

05/28/2008

'Active adults' provide boost to Charlotte housing market
The real-estate market in the Charlotte area is getting a boost from a demographic group that prefers smaller houses and no yard chores.

05/27/2008

BBB revokes memberships of two S.C. businesses
Two South Carolina businesses are losing their Better Business Bureau memberships.

Regular unleaded crosses $4 threshold 10:11 AM
No need to wonder anymore if a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Charlotte could actually hit $4. It already has.

07/16/2007

Auto repair | Background check