Utility assistance program resources
There are many people who may need help with paying their utility bills due to financial struggles. BakerRipley says they had to close the portal for their utility bill assistance applications due to reaching maximum capacity in one day. Heather Sullivan shares other resources for help with your bills.
There are many people who may need help with paying their utility bills due to financial struggles. BakerRipley says they had to close the portal for their utility bill assistance applications due to reaching maximum capacity in one day. Heather Sullivan shares other resources for help with your bills.
Helping people with special needs, disabilities find jobs
People with special needs and their families can often feel limited when it comes to finding jobs or employers ready to hire them. A local staffing company called Helping Heroes Staffing launched last year to help, and is looking to help 100 more people with special needs find jobs this year.
People with special needs and their families can often feel limited when it comes to finding jobs or employers ready to hire them. A local staffing company called Helping Heroes Staffing launched last year to help, and is looking to help 100 more people with special needs find jobs this year.
93% of landlords hit by rental fraud: Inside the rise of 'apartment packages'
Apartment owners are reporting an increase in people using fake ID's, Social Security numbers, and paystubs to apply for apartments that they can't qualify for on their own. Investigators say some of these fake financial documents are from people offering so-called "apartment packages" on social media.
Apartment owners are reporting an increase in people using fake ID's, Social Security numbers, and paystubs to apply for apartments that they can't qualify for on their own. Investigators say some of these fake financial documents are from people offering so-called "apartment packages" on social media.
Report: Increasing fraud impacting rental housing costs
Apartment owners nationwide are reporting a 40% increase in people using fake ID's, Social Security numbers, and paystubs to apply for apartments that they can't qualify for on their own, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Apartment owners nationwide are reporting a 40% increase in people using fake ID's, Social Security numbers, and paystubs to apply for apartments that they can't qualify for on their own, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Tax moves to make before the year ends
You still have a few days left in the year to take steps that could help reduce your income tax bill. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with financial professional Michael Neuenschwander with Outlook Wealth Advisors.
You still have a few days left in the year to take steps that could help reduce your income tax bill. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with financial professional Michael Neuenschwander with Outlook Wealth Advisors.
Setting financial goals for 2026
Setting financial goals is a popular New Year’s resolution and can help you get back on track after a lot of holiday spending. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Aleshia Tripps with Family Houston about ways to set and reach your 2026 financial goals.
Setting financial goals is a popular New Year’s resolution and can help you get back on track after a lot of holiday spending. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Aleshia Tripps with Family Houston about ways to set and reach your 2026 financial goals.
Save buying car at the end of the year
If you’re in the market to buy a car, now could be the best time. Late December is when dealers discount inventory to make room for new models. Plus they must meet sales quotas and can offer big incentives, like rebates. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with James Bell with Kia America to get insights from an automaker on how to score a good deal.
If you’re in the market to buy a car, now could be the best time. Late December is when dealers discount inventory to make room for new models. Plus they must meet sales quotas and can offer big incentives, like rebates. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with James Bell with Kia America to get insights from an automaker on how to score a good deal.
Returning holiday gifts? Some retailers have changed their return policies
Before you head to the return counter with the gift you received, be aware some stores have new return policies and a few of them will charge you a fee.
Before you head to the return counter with the gift you received, be aware some stores have new return policies and a few of them will charge you a fee.
Electrical safety during the holiday season
If you've decked your halls with lights, candles, or a Christmas tree, the U.S. Fire Administration warns that 156,000 fires happen each holiday season, often from dry trees or faulty wiring. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Joe Bany with John Moore Services on ways to keep your holiday decor safe.
If you've decked your halls with lights, candles, or a Christmas tree, the U.S. Fire Administration warns that 156,000 fires happen each holiday season, often from dry trees or faulty wiring. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Joe Bany with John Moore Services on ways to keep your holiday decor safe.
Holiday return policies you should know
If you're thinking of returning some of the gifts you received this holiday sense, it's important to keep in mind the policies in place. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has details on store changes and what to know.
If you're thinking of returning some of the gifts you received this holiday sense, it's important to keep in mind the policies in place. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has details on store changes and what to know.
Prevent falling behind on your car note using these steps
People falling behind on their auto loans has hit a 15-year high after many paid high prices for cars or trucks and high interest rates. But there are steps drivers can take when they're struggling to pay their car notes. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Andrew Pentis, a Consumer Lending Analyst with Bankrate.
People falling behind on their auto loans has hit a 15-year high after many paid high prices for cars or trucks and high interest rates. But there are steps drivers can take when they're struggling to pay their car notes. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Andrew Pentis, a Consumer Lending Analyst with Bankrate.
How to save money with dynamic pricing
When retailers use dynamic pricing, we can end up paying much more for in-demand items and services. But that also means there's a best time to buy them at lower prices. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Gabriele Vitke with Decodo, which analyzed prices from 37 U.S. retailers to find the best days and times to buy appliances, electronics, and apparel.
When retailers use dynamic pricing, we can end up paying much more for in-demand items and services. But that also means there's a best time to buy them at lower prices. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Gabriele Vitke with Decodo, which analyzed prices from 37 U.S. retailers to find the best days and times to buy appliances, electronics, and apparel.
Instacart ordered to refund $60 million to customers for 'deceptive practices'
Many Instacart customers will receive a refund from a $60 million settlement after the Federal Trade Commission alleges Instacart deceived customers into signing up for memberships without informed consent.
Many Instacart customers will receive a refund from a $60 million settlement after the Federal Trade Commission alleges Instacart deceived customers into signing up for memberships without informed consent.
TDECU stops 'law enforcement scam'
Jason Miles with TDECU spoke with Heather Sullivan about how the credit union prevented a customer from losing $20,000 to a scam and red flags consumers should watch out for.
Jason Miles with TDECU spoke with Heather Sullivan about how the credit union prevented a customer from losing $20,000 to a scam and red flags consumers should watch out for.
Instacart ordered to refund $60 million to customers
The FTC alleges Instacart deceived customers into signing up for memberships without informed consent and charged fees after offering free grocery delivery. FOX 26's Heather Sullivan has more details on what this means for customers.
The FTC alleges Instacart deceived customers into signing up for memberships without informed consent and charged fees after offering free grocery delivery. FOX 26's Heather Sullivan has more details on what this means for customers.
AI enabling more 'grinch bot' attacks on popular gifts, researchers say
Researchers say AI is enabling more grinch bot attacks on popular gifts, buying up sought-after toys, games, and gifts.
Researchers say AI is enabling more grinch bot attacks on popular gifts, buying up sought-after toys, games, and gifts.
Grinch bots threaten holiday shopping
If you're having trouble finding a trending toy or gift on your shopping list, it might be due to grinch bots. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has more on what they are and what they do.
If you're having trouble finding a trending toy or gift on your shopping list, it might be due to grinch bots. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has more on what they are and what they do.
Norwegian Viva cruise ship now sailing from Galveston for 7-day Caribbean excursions
The Norwegian Viva cruise ship has pulled into its new home in Galveston, marking yet another wave in growth in the local cruise industry.
The Norwegian Viva cruise ship has pulled into its new home in Galveston, marking yet another wave in growth in the local cruise industry.
New cruise ship now sailing from Galveston for 7-Day Caribbean excursion
The Norwegian Viva cruise ship has pulled into its new home in Galveston, marking yet another wave in growth in the local cruise industry. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan gets a tour of the ship.
The Norwegian Viva cruise ship has pulled into its new home in Galveston, marking yet another wave in growth in the local cruise industry. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan gets a tour of the ship.
Saving on Travel | Sullivan's Smart Sense
On this episode of "Sullivan's Smart Sense," "The Points Guy" Clint Henderson joins the show to discuss saving on travel this holiday season, whether you’re taking a vacation and visiting family.
On this episode of "Sullivan's Smart Sense," "The Points Guy" Clint Henderson joins the show to discuss saving on travel this holiday season, whether you’re taking a vacation and visiting family.