Consumer

Consumer Yes, you can teach cats to obey commands

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 8, 2013 at 8:37 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 8, 2013 at 8:37 AM PDT

Yes, cats are different from dogs, but you can teach them to do tricks or obey commands. The trick is to start the training when they're a kitten.

Consumer Digging into utility lines could cost you big

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 5, 2013 at 8:34 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 5, 2013 at 8:34 AM PDT

April is Safe Digging month here in Washington State, a good time to remind you that before you dig, you need to dial 811 to make sure you don't hit an underground utility.

Consumer Many household products work just as well as fancy cleaners

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 4, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 4, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT

You can buy all sorts of cleaning products, but chances are you already have some good ones in your house.

Consumer Best things to buy in April (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Apr 3, 2013 at 9:14 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 3, 2013 at 9:14 AM PDT

From home accessories to footwear, the month of April is packed with all sorts of opportunities to save money. Here are some of the best buys this month, according to retail experts at bankrate.com and dealnews.com.

Consumer Water damage closes local eatery (Video)

By Ricky Maranon KCBY News Published: Apr 2, 2013 at 12:15 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 2, 2013 at 12:15 PM PDT

A local cafe that is frequented by seniors and lower income residents in the bay area is closed for the week.

Consumer Ex-counterfeiter says stealing personal info was easy (Video)

By Kerry Tomlinson KATU Problem Solver Published: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:50 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:50 AM PDT

Mary says on a slow day she would cash $500 in counterfeit checks, and on a good day, $2,000. In all, 250 victims were scammed out of almost $50,000.

Consumer Don't put off talking safety with older drivers

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:25 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:25 AM PDT

If there's an older adult in the family, you may feel the need to have a conversation with them about safe driving.

Consumer Multiple offer conditions changing rules of buying a home (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Apr 1, 2013 at 8:34 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 1, 2013 at 8:34 AM PDT

In many neighborhoods throughout the greater metropolitan area, multiple offers on homes for sale are more the rule than the exception, and that's changing the rules for people trying to buy a house.

Consumer You can reduce your risk of prostate cancer

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 29, 2013 at 10:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 29, 2013 at 10:18 AM PDT

It's something men think about as we get older: prostate cancer. And for good reason, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for men today.

Consumer Foreign lottery scams turn violent (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 27, 2013 at 8:19 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 27, 2013 at 8:19 AM PDT

A frightening trend of violence has trusting seniors, immigrants vulnerable consumers with dementia losing their life savings to foreign lottery scam operations based in Jamaica.

The con men claiming you've won lots of money, but must pay a tax or fee to collect your winnings.

Consumer No need for a pricey gym to get in shape

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 26, 2013 at 9:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 26, 2013 at 9:18 AM PDT

Our news partners at Consumer Reports say you can get everything you need to get started for under $200.

Consumer Don't raid retirement accounts to pay expenses

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT

It's a big mistake, even if you're young and have many years to go in the workplace.

Consumer Lawmakers weigh bills on genetically modified food (Photo Gallery)

By LAUREN GAMBINO, Associated Press Published: Mar 21, 2013 at 2:29 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 21, 2013 at 2:29 PM PDT

Oregon lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on several bills to require labels on genetically modified food and prohibit importing genetically modified fish.

Consumer Study: 'People seem to be energized about getting outdoors' (Photo Gallery)

By Kat Wolcott KPIC News Published: Mar 26, 2013 at 2:57 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 26, 2013 at 3:27 PM PDT

Though some industries have suffered in the past few years, a new study shows that one industry has thrived, even in Douglas County.

Consumer Make sure your tax preparer is legit (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM PDT

When you decide to have someone else do it for you, it's critical to make sure they're licensed with the state, and registered with the Internal Revenue Service .