06/30/2009

Red kettles signal Christmas in July
Money is tight and many chapters can't afford to wait until the traditional holiday season to do fundraising for badly-needed programs.
VIDEO

06/29/2009 Countrywide deal funds to aid debt counseling The $50,000 will help eligible Virginia families facing home foreclosure, according to Virginia Attorney General Bill Mims.

06/18/2009 Bad gas complaints spike in Hampton Roads State officials told 13News that reports of gasoline problems dropped earlier in the week, but on Wednesday, they received 85 new reports.

06/16/2009 Theaters offer summer movie deals for your family On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer, many theater chains are showing free or dollar movies. VIDEO

Teens compete with out-of-work adults for summer jobs
With the slow economy, many businesses aren’t hiring and if they are, managers are finding experienced adults knocking at the door.
VIDEO

06/15/2009 Spend a little to save a lot on vehicle maintenance The little things, from having properly-inflated tires to air filters, will keep money in your wallet. VIDEO

06/10/2009 Buy a book, help Portsmouth libraries About 19,000 donated books, tapes, DVDs, even greeting cards, will be for sale to benefit the library on Friday and Saturday. VIDEO

06/08/2009 Home vegetable gardens are worth the effort Diana Sims of Chesapeake started her garden from seeds, except for one tomato plant. She's had some problems, but the first-time gardener is hooked. VIDEO

06/04/2009 Get hooked on fishing in VA with no license weekend Starting Friday through Sunday, you don't need a fishing license for recreational rod-and-reel fishing. VIDEO

06/03/2009 State hotline connects people to services 211 is a hotline that Virginians can contact to get assistance with a problem, question or need. VIDEO

06/02/2009

Entry fees waived at national parks this weekend
All 147 Park Service sites that charge fees for entry, including parks in Virginia, will waive entrance fees from June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16.
VIDEO

06/01/2009

Booking last minute can save big on summer vacation
From cruises to all-inclusive resorts, there are enough deals for your to afford a family vacation this year.
VIDEO

05/28/2009 Mystery shoppers help businesses help you Their job is to make sure businesses serve their customers right and you and the workers don't even know they're there. VIDEO

05/27/2009 Clothing makeovers can save you money Alterations can save you money and create a new look that fits your budget. VIDEO

05/22/2009 Obama creates new credit cards rules The president says the legislation will help trapped consumers get out of the "one-way street" that credit often becomes.

05/20/2009 Experts help set the stage for home sales Real estate agents say it takes two things to sell a house -- the right price and the right condition. That's where home staging can help. VIDEO Extended interview

05/19/2009 What you make depends on what you do Many people wonder what they'd make if they had a different job and whether it's worth making a career change. VIDEO

Many people see opportunity in economic downturn Experts say you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a new start by re-tooling your job skills or changing careers. VIDEO

05/15/2009 VCU to raise tuition 5 percent Tuition and mandatory fees for a typical Virginia undergraduate will go up $338 to $7,117 for the 2009-10 school year.

05/13/2009 Take steps to a secure financial future From creating budgets and sticking to them to understanding your credit score, experts say you can get financially fit, even in this current economic situation. VIDEO

RealtyTrac: April foreclosures rise 32 percent That means one in every 374 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing last month. VIDEO

05/07/2009

Columbia Gas wants to lower summer bills
Columbia Gas of Virginia says the proposed rate cut would reduce the monthly bill by $6.77 to $34.97, not including taxes, for customers who use the average 2,300 cubic feet of gas.

05/04/2009

Unemployment Express Office opens in Portsmouth
A line began forming first thing Monday morning at the facility, located at the Victory Crossing Shopping Center in Portsmouth.

05/01/2009

Small home upgrades can have big impact
Kitchen and bathroom improvements are still the key, but new paint and carpeting will give the highest return on your investment.

VIDEO

04/29/2009 Va. Natural Gas announces rate decrease Officials say they're lowering rates because the price of natural gas has dropped.

04/24/2009

Worst may be over for new home sales
After a staggering 74 percent decline from the peak in July 2005, new U.S. home sales appear to be bottoming out.
VIDEO

04/22/2009 Expect to pay more for locally-grown produce Mike Cullipher, a fifth generation farmer and owner of Cullipher Farm in Pungo, expects to see a nearly six-percent increase in produce prices at harvest time. VIDEO

04/23/2009 Check 'n Go leaving Virginia The Ohio-based payday lending company had 68 storefronts in the state earlier this month.

04/16/2009 Creativity is key to raising money Debbie Mollura, owner of Creative Gifts Galore, says gifts and donations can look even better by remembering one word - presentation. VIDEO

04/15/2009

Hampton Roads malls beating trend of vacant stores
Several malls are looking to fill vacant storefronts, but analysts say the region's doing better than other areas of the country.
VIDEO

04/09/2009 April 15 often 'taxing' time for filers Tax preparation help is free from the IRS for those who meet the financial requirements, but anyone can get their tax questions answered in person. VIDEO

04/06/2009 Free bread available to the military Every Wednesday at different military locations, the Armed Services YMCA distributes two bags of bread products per military member or dependants. VIDEO

04/02/2009

Suffolk gardening project saves money and revives lost art
Organizers of a new community gardening project say the lagging economy is what sprouted the idea but they hope it grows to much more.

04/01/2009

When outlet shopping, don't forget those coupons
One local outlet mall has coupons available in their Guest Services office, but many shoppers don't know about them.

Va Natural Gas gives customers another rate break
The Norfolk-based utility says the latest rate cut will reduce the average residential customer's monthly bill in April by $9. The cut is due to a decline in wholesale natural gas prices.

03/30/2009 Redo your home by reusing what you own "Find things that might have a new life in a different place," recommends home decorating specialist Betzy Butzer. VIDEO

Dominion Va. Power asks for 6.9% rate hike The State Corporation Commission allowed Dominion to increase its rates 18 percent last summer to cover rising fuel costs, but the company's last base rate increase was 17 years ago. VIDEO

03/27/2009 State budget cuts threaten inspections that impact your money You expect to get what you pay for, but that guarantee could be lost if state inspectors aren't checking items like gas pumps, scales and scanners at the grocery store and more. Extended interview 13News Report

03/23/2009 Busch Gardens Williamsburg lowers pass prices At a time when it seems everything's going up in price, the theme park is lowering the cost of passes and offering options. VIDEO

03/26/2009 Extended warranties can cost you more than repairs would Buyers expect the warranties to protect them from costly repairs on their aging vehicles, but some aren't what they seem to be. VIDEO

Bonus Social Security payments to begin in May People who collect Social Security or disability benefits will receive a one-time, $250 payment beginning in May, as part of the president's economic recovery program.

Gov. Kaine considers jobless benefits changes The $787 billion economic stimulus package Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed presents a list of four criteria for states to consider that expand benefits or relax eligibility. VIDEO

03/25/2009 Charities benefit from Va. Beach woman's dedication to cutting coupons In one week, Marcia Goldsticker saved more than $350 and spent just $10.00 for products for foodbank charites. VIDEO

February new home sales rise unexpectedly The numbers provided some hope that developers have slashed prices and construction to such a large extent that sales have finally hit bottom and the worst may be past. VIDEO

03/23/2009 Economy forces some out of boat ownership As people make decisions on where to spend their money, some are just walking away from their boats, as one Hampton marina is finding out. VIDEO

03/20/2009 Talk isn't always cheap when you're trying to save money It seems everyone has a cell phone and can't imagine being without it. But with the tight economy, some people are cutting back on the options or, more dramatically, going without. VIDEO

Thrift stores can save you money and keep you looking good Take your time and you can find famous label business suits, maternity and evening wear and children's clothing. VIDEO

03/19/2009 Free gas: Too good to be true With consumers searching for the best deals and retailers using gimmicks and promotions to encourage spending, sometimes the deals aren't as good as they seem. VIDEO

03/18/2009 Consignment sales have bargains for children's items In Norfolk and Virginia Beach, two upscale consignment sales are targeting things for your child. VIDEO

03/16/2009

Obama tries to loosen credit for small businesses
He said small businesses "are the heart of the American economy" and "the heart of the American dream" and the core of "America's story."
VIDEO

03/15/2009

Bernanke: Recession will "probably" end in 2009
Fed chief cautiously optimistic on outlook of economyin "60 Minutes" interview.

03/13/2009 Website offers great deals at great Hampton Roads restaurants As people look to stretch their hard-earned dollars, many are cutting out dining out. But you don't have to. VIDEO

03/12/2009 Despite ailing economy, jobs are out there With soaring unemployment levels, local career experts advise use a common sense approach to find work. VIDEO

Va. gets $164M for energy efficiency The funding will help residents add insulation to their homes, seal leaks, and modernize heating and air conditioning equipment.

Smithfield Foods posts 3Q loss of $103.1M
The nation's largest hog producer and pork processor said Thursday its loss amounted to 72 cents per share for the period ended Feb. 1.

03/11/2009 Economy takes a bite out of Girl Scout cookie sales Local scout leaders say sales are about 10% behind the goal for this year. VIDEO

Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a lot Celebrity chefs give Oprah viewers recipes they can make at home and a local cooking instructor has tips for saving money and still eating right. VIDEO

03/09/2009 Free movie Mondays at Hampton Roads' Red Box machines Red Boxes are in many stores across Hampton Roads - grocery stores, Wal-Marts and more. VIDEO

03/07/2009

President Obama comments on unemployment numbers
The President says crisis is time of `great opportunity'

03/06/2009 Millions to fight crime headed to Virginia, North Carolina President Barack Obama's stimulus package includes money for Hampton Roads localities.

03/05/2009 Free services help you survive a layoff From filing for unemployment to using free job search services, it's a full-time job to find a new one in these economic times. VIDEO

Stimulus money stimulates online schemes, experts warn The Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center has joined several national groups to warn consumers about the promise of free money that really isn't. VIDEO

03/06/2009 US jobless rate bolts to 8.1 percent, 651K jobs lost The 8.1 percent mark for February is the highest since late 1983. VIDEO

03/04/2009 Va. financial institutions warn about data breach A system used to process Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card transactions was breached late last year.

02/28/2009

Obama tells powerful lobbies: Bring it on
President Obama says he's ready for a fight with lobbyists to help the ailing economy.

02/26/2009

Thrift stores are bargain-hunter's dream
The old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is very true when you hit a thrift store. A few tips will help you make you a smarter shopper.

Obama continues Bush space plan, adds extra money for NASA Obama emphasizes global warming research and continues plans to retire space shuttles next year while eventually returning astronauts to the moon.

International Paper's Franklin mill to take 2 weeks downtime "Due to a slowdown in orders for our products, we are announcing lack of order downtime," Jeannine Siembida, mill manager, announced Wednesday.

02/25/2009 Payday lending bill headed to governor Payday lenders would be banned from offering other high-interest loans under legislation that has passed the General Assembly.

Sell unwanted items online to get extra money Sherrill Via styles hair by day and sells on eBay at home other times. She calls it her online garage sale. VIDEO

Circuit City seeks incentives for wind-down team The company said $4.63 million in bonuses is needed to dissuade 154 employees from leaving before what was the nation's second-largest electronics retailer closes for good.

02/24/2009

K-Mart store in Va. Beach to close in April
Liquidation sales began this week at the store on Holland Road.

AirTran, other airlines, launch fare sale for travel into fall The discount carrier that stops at Newport News-Williamsburg airport launched a fare sale to all its destinations through the usually busy summer travel season. Tickets must be booked by March 5 and are for travel through Nov. 4.

02/23/2009 Mosquito control could fall to James City Co. residents Officials are considering eliminating routine mosquito spraying to save as much as $18,000. VIDEO

Sen. Warner talks with Norfolk business owners about the economy
"If ever there's a time to check our Democratic hats and our Republican hats at the door and put the country’s interests first, it's now," Sen. Warner said.
VIDEO

Voucher helps pay for visit to the vet A $20 voucher, available online, can help cover some of the cost of basic health care for your pet. VIDEO

Obama meets with governors, announces $15B for Medicaid plans
Speaking at the close of the three-day winter session of the National Governors Association, Obama also addressed concerns about the stimulus plan raised by a handful of Republican governors who have called the plan overly large and wasteful .

Prepaid Va. tuition program extends deadline The program allows parents and others to purchase credits at current rates to cover a child's tuition and fees at any state-supported university or community college.

02/20/2009 Summer camps ready for kids, despite the economy Everyone, it seems, has to do more with less these days and the people running summer camps face the same dilemma. VIDEO

02/19/2009 People skills prized by employers It's the question a lot of people are asking: what are employers looking for in new hires? VIDEO

02/18/2009 Obama unveils $75 billion mortgage relief plan The president's plan is designed to keep as many as 9 million Americans from losing their homes to foreclosure.

NSU plans 4-day week for summer semester Norfolk State University says the move will cut energy costs and consumption.

02/17/2009 Obama signs huge stimulus, readies foreclosure aid President Barack Obama says the measure represents the "essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time." Stimulus Package Details

Smithfield Foods to cut 1,800 jobs, close 6 plants Smithfield's town manager told 13News that officials assured him the company is committed to keeping a major presence in town. VIDEO

02/16/2009 $1 billion from feds to Virginia offsets latest loss Governor Tim Kaine says there'll be money for low-income and middle-class tax cuts, federal aid to local schools and money for road and infrastructure construction. VIDEO

02/12/2009 Foreclosures in Va. drop 30 percent in January RealtyTrac says the drop could be connected to lender moratoriums on foreclosure sales.

02/10/2009 Stamp prices to increase in May The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents on May 11. The Forever Stamps, if bought now for 42 cents, will remain valid.

Virginia launches Website for stimulus projects The Website allows anyone to submit ideas for projects funded by federal stimulus money to a state Web site. >>Va. Stimulus Website

02/09/2009 Dominion offers service disconnect notification program Dominion's third-party notification program lets customers designate a relative, clergy member, social service agency or friend to be notified in the event that electric service is in danger of being disconnected for nonpayment.

01/29/2009 Va. jobless rate climbs, remains lower than national average The Virginia Employment Commission says the 5.2% rate indicates the national recession is now hitting Virginia. >>Look at the stats >>Upcoming job fairs/VEC

Circuit City heads to bankruptcy court Chase Bank USA is asking the court to break its agreement with Circuit City following the electronics retailer's plans to liquidate its remaining 567 U.S. stores.

Post Office may cut mail delivery days The Postmaster General says paying bills and communicating on the Internet has "structurally changed the way America uses the mail." VIDEO

01/28/2009

New stores opening at Peninsula malls
Despite the troubled economy, Peninsula Town Center and Patrick Henry Mall are filling empty spaces.
VIDEO

01/16/2009 Good news and bad news in vehicle repair business Truck Fleet Repair in Norfolk says this is the slowest time in its 37-year history. Many auto shops, though, say people are repairing their cars rather than buy new ones. VIDEO

Circuit City close-out sales begin Saturday The Richmond-based company, which is the nation's second-biggest consumer electronics retailer, says it will lay off more than 30,000 workers as it liquidates its remaining 567 U.S. stores.

01/15/2009

DMV offers $4 discount for three-year car registration
The Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles says the change will help reduce costs.

01/13/2009 Norfolk sheriff wants cost-saving color change for squad cars Sheriff Bob McCabe says white squad cars would save $300 to $500 in brown paint per car.

01/09/2009

Hampton Roads unemployment not as high as U.S. rate
Unemployment in Hampton Roads is growing, but not nearly as much as it is nationally. Employment counselors say military and defense industries help keep unemployment lower.

VIDEO

01/06/2009 Kroger uses loyalty data to target coupons Kroger says as many as half the coupons it sends regular customers do get used.

12/31/2008 New payday lending law designed to protect borrowers Lawmakers limited borrowers to one payday loan at a time and extended the length of time they have to repay it, effectively limiting how many loans they can get each year. VIDEO

12/15/2008 Automotive supply company consolidating operations to Newport News Continental AG, an automotive supply company, will have diesel and gasoline fuel injector manufacturing operations in the facility on Bland Blvd. VIDEO

12/09/2008 Recession brings hard times for local restaurants Several popular restaurants have recently gone under, despite the fact that they could pack in the customers. But that was before the economy took a nosedive. VIDEO

12/08/2008

Yoder Dairies closing after nearly 80 years
The company is stopping its home-delivery service after losing nearly 1000 customers since January. Yoder is also closing its Virginia Beach store.

11/25/2008 Businesses offer incentives to get customers into stores Hampton Roads retailers hope to cash in as shoppers start their Christmas shopping in earnest. VIDEO

11/24/2008 Purse parties let you find your inner designer If you like designer labels but can't afford them, you can still have a one-of-a kind look -- design your own. VIDEO

11/21/2008 It pays to donate plasma As people look for ways to make extra money, plasma centers are seeing more donors. Compensation amounts vary, but donors can make as much as $600 a month. VIDEO

11/20/2008 You can eat healthy and save money, too From creating your own 100 calorie snack packs to eating "normal" size foods, you can get your body fit without taking a big bite out of your budget. Video: 13News Report Jim White's Recipes

11/13/2008 Women are becoming CFOs of their homes A recent study finds more women are making the financial decisions for their families and today's moms see themselves are role models for teaching children about money. VIDEO

In tight times, buy almost new to save money Smart shoppers believe there are some things that you should never purchase brand new - from jewelry to books. VIDEO

Getting your free credit report isn't always free A catchy ad for a Website promising to give you your credit score for free has strings attached -- a monthly monitoring fee. Video: 13News Report Government's free Website

11/12/2008 Lower winter heating costs predicted The Energy Information Administration revised its short-term energy outlook Wednesday to reflect the dramatic drop in crude oil prices.

11/10/2008 Doing home repairs yourself can save you money When money's tight, many people put off hiring somone to make repairs around the house. But there are many things you can do yourself. For most jobs, it will cost you more in time than money. VIDEO

11/06/2008 Small changes can create big energy savings this winter With the coming of cold weather, the U.S. Energy Department says the average household will see a 15% increase in how much it costs to keep your family warm. VIDEO

11/03/2008 Saving with coupons can be worth the time you spend Organization is key to keeping track of the coupons, but you need to do smart couponing, too, as Natalie Krebs, a mother of three, found out. VIDEO

10/30/2008 Cut coupons to cut your grocery bill Dana Adams says it takes some time to clip and shop, but the savings make it all worth while. She even created a Website to help others interested in saving money. Video: 13News Report Raw video: Dana Adams interview

10/09/2008

Outlook dim for holiday employment
Some analysts say the ongoing retail slump and dismal expectations for the holiday season could lead to the weakest holiday hiring season in six years.
VIDEO

10/01/2008

By blogging, it can pay to stay home with the kids
Carmen Staicer, a mother of six in Va. Beach, says she makes enough cash with her blog, Mom to the Screaming Masses, to pay some bills. VIDEO

08/28/2008 School lunch costs: Buy or brown bag it As the school year begins, families on tight budgets are saving money wherever they can and that could mean brown bag lunches instead of buying them at school. VIDEO

08/18/2008 Norfolk man pumped about savings with water-for-gas conversion Since our story last month, 13News viewers have asked whether Art Green is really saving money. "It's a brand new truck, Joe. It has been reborn," he says.  VIDEO

08/14/2008

New Goodwill Thrift Store opens in Va. Beach
"It was amazing. At 9:00 a.m., we had a line at the door," said manager Danielle Cronin.

VIDEO

08/07/2008 Thieves skim credit/debit card at gas pumps Thieves can tap into your private information when you pay at the pump. VIDEO

08/04/2008 Many leave the car and ride bike instead Keith Wygant of Va. Beach makes a 10-mile trek to work each day instead of taking his pick-up truck. VIDEO

08/01/2008 Virginia has no law to punish retailers who wrongly collect sales tax Officials say 200 auditors just aren't enough to spend a few short hours, on occasion, spot checking retailers like we did, to make sure they're not charging tax on tax-exempt items. VIDEO

Repairs are the 'sole' of Norfolk shoe business Cobbler Jeff Evans says business at his shop in Norfolk is up 11 percent over this time last year. VIDEO

07/30/2008 Mass transit is often mass chaos Regina Mobley hopped the bus to find out what many people have been complaining about when they leave their cars and hop on the bus. Video: Regina's story Poll: Rate HRT

07/23/2008 Thrift stores good for those watching their money Many people are always looking for a good deal, but in these tight times, it's especially true. VIDEO

07/18/2008

Water-to-gas conversion fuels savings for Norfolk man
Art Green swears he's saving 25% after installing lines, jars filled with water and baking soda and splitter cables in his V-8 truck.

VIDEO

07/17/2008 Cutting back is a must to get out of debt While you can't control prices, you can control what you spend. Cutting back often requires lifestyle changes. VIDEO

07/14/2008 13News Investigates: State calls tax-exempt charges "small mistakes" A 13News Money Watch Investigation found more than 1,200 major retailers wrongly charging sales tax on non-prescription drugs. Video: 13News Report 13News Investigates: WVEC.com section Money Watch Reports: WVEC.com section

07/10/2008 Small savings add up in the end From refilling printer cartridges to using the free resources of your library, you can save hundreds of dollars a year. VIDEO

07/09/2008 Internet technology can save you hundreds in phone costs These days, everyone has a phone -- or two – whether it's the traditional land-line or a cell phone or both. There are ways to save money, no matter what you use. VIDEO

07/08/2008

Changing deductibles assure you of coverage and savings
People get insurance for unexpected losses, whether it's from a storm or fire or accidents on the road.

VIDEO

07/07/2008 Bag savings by spending smart at the grocery store The average family spends about $8,500 a year on groceries, so making changes to get a 20% savings would pocket about $1,700.