Consumer

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 .

Consumer Even over-the-counter drugs still have some risk

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 20, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 20, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT

When you have a minor health problem, non-prescription drugs can be a convenient and inexpensive way to go. But Dr. John Swartzberg at the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter reminds us that over-the-counter does not mean harmless.

Consumer Tattoo typo? Grandson gets inked to honor grandma (Video)

By Kerry Tomlinson KATU Problem Solver and KATU.com Staff Published: Mar 19, 2013 at 6:06 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 19, 2013 at 6:06 PM PDT

When Quinten Wyland got a tattoo, he was trying to honor his grandmother, but he says he ended up with a very expensive and permanent mistake.

Consumer Do you have enough money in your emergency fund?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM PDT

Half of us don't have enough money saved to cover living expenses for three months, according to a recent survey done by bankrate.com. Another 28 percent have no emergency savings at all!

Consumer South coast credit unions under new management

By Ricky Maranon KCBY News Published: Mar 21, 2013 at 2:21 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 21, 2013 at 2:21 PM PDT

Northwest Community Credit Union completed the process of taking over the Coos Educators Federal Credit Union on Wednesday afternoon.

Consumer Used car dealers lead Oregon consumer complaints

By Associated Press Published: Mar 18, 2013 at 1:26 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 18, 2013 at 1:26 PM PDT

Used-car dealers top the list of Oregon businesses receiving the most consumer complaints filed with the state.

Consumer Pocket Hose: Does it work? (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM PDT

Even people who enjoy yard work complain about dealing with cumbersome garden hoses. So who wouldn't be interested in a hose that promises to eliminate the hassle? The Pocket Hose looks like an extra-long hair scrunchie.

Consumer Doing your own painting? Don't skimp on prep work

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT

When it comes to most painting jobs around my house, I hire a professional. I know my limitations. Maybe you're the do-it yourself type. If so remember this: proper preparation is the key to success.

Consumer Broccoli really is a nutritional star

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31 AM PDT

A shout out for broccoli, it's one of the nutritional stars of the veggie world. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Consumer FTC cracks down on 'Free gift card' text messages (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 12, 2013 at 8:24 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 8:24 AM PDT

If you have a cell phone that can send and receive text messages, chances are you've received a text that says you've won a free gift card to Best Buy or Walmart. If you responded, you're not alone.

Consumer Need a kennel to board your pet? It pays to shop around (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:22 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:22 AM PDT

Some people take their pets with them when they travel. but many others board their pets in a local kennel. Based on feedback from local pet owners, it pays to shop around.

"There are a lot of great kennels out there, but there are also some that don't do very well.

Consumer Guide will show where to get locally grown produce (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Wesleigh Ogle KCBY News Published: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:20 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:20 AM PDT

Are you looking to have a more local, sustainable diet? The South Coast Community Garden Association may be able to help.

Consumer Non-homogenized milk health claims are 'nonsense'

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 8, 2013 at 9:24 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 8, 2013 at 9:24 AM PDT

Another milk myth is making the rounds. This one says non-homogenized milk is safer and better than homogenized milk. Why?