Counselors say seniors exploring reverse mortgages in economic downturn

While a reverse mortgage can provide seniors needed cash, consumer advocates warn seniors can end up deep in debt, or even lose their homes.

What you need to know about reverse mortgages
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Senior citizens are looking for ways to get extra money during the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan breaks down why this may not be the perfect solution for everyone.

College students and families still have to pay rent despite schools closing

College students and their parents are frustrated they still have to pay rent for apartments now that schools have canceled classes and gone online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

TWC works to handle hundreds of thousands of unemployment benefit applicants

The Texas Workforce Commission says that it included 150,000 Texans, plus hundreds of thousands more trying to apply for unemployment this week, overwhelming its website and phone lines. 

United Way, agencies getting surge of calls for financial help

Since Texas Health and Human Resources referred people to call the United Way's 211 hotline four days ago, the United Way says it received more than 3,300 calls in just the first day.  

Lenders give homeowners break during COVID-19 crisis

Bank of America says it will let homeowners and car owners pause their payments. How many months will depend on your situation, and the payments will be added to the end of the loan without hurting your credit. 

Business owners worried fed assistance won't come soon enough

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced it will offer low interest disaster loans.  But many businesses worry the money won't arrive in time to save them.

Analysts say it’s just the beginning for massive economic impact

Bars and restaurants have been forced to stop serving customers in-house, businesses are closing, and the oil industry is contracting.

What about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 scare?

Now that many people are furloughed from work for two weeks due to COVID-19, many of you have been asking FOX 26 questions about whether you can still collect a paycheck.

What about unemployment benefits during COVID-19 scare?
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FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan answers employee pay questions that arise during the COVID-19 crisis.

How to get what you need at the store during COVID-19 crisis

Many stores have instituted quantity limits per customer on certain items, including bottled water, sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap, rubbing alcohol, bleach, latex gloves, masks, and toilet paper. 

Local businesses struggle during coronavirus outbreak

To help boost the economy, President Trump is proposing to offer Small Business Administration loans to give businesses an infusion of cash and cutting the payroll tax, which workers and employers pay.

Wedding and prom dress shops experience delays due to COVID-19

Some Houston-area dress shops say they're experiencing delays as many Chinese plants that make the dresses shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Airlines scramble after loss of passengers from coronavirus outbreak

You wouldn't know it's spring break at the airport. Travelers and airport workers say they're seeing smaller than usual crowds amid the coronavirus outbreak.

How to cut expenses and create an emergency fund during COVID-19 outbreak

You're probably saving some money right now on low gas prices. Plus if you're getting a tax refund, or have canceled travel plans, you can put that money to good use to save in case of a coronavirus quarantine.

Oil price drop fueled by coronavirus fears could translate to job losses

On one hand, drivers are enjoying low gas prices. On the other, thousands of people who work in Houston's oil and gas industry are worried they could lose their jobs amid coronavirus fears.

Scammers steal millions remotely hijacking smartphones

A Houston man says he learned the hard way that a thief can remotely hijack control of your cell phone and break into your bank account and credit cards. It left him with a $20,000 debt. 

Scammers steal millions remotely hijacking smartphones
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A Houston man says he learned the hard way that a thief can remotely hijack control of your cell phone and break into your bank account and credit cards. ?It left him with a $20,000 debt.?

Houston-area schools change travel plans to avoid Coronavirus exposure

There are three types of travel insurance: trip cancellation, health insurance, and medical evacuation.  Experts recommend looking into all three.