KVAL - News - Consumer

Oregon gas prices going down, down, down

The average price for regular gas in Oregon has dropped 9 cents, to $3.49 a gallon - a penny more than the national average of $3.48. AAA Oregon predicts pump prices will continue to drop to a national average around $3 a gallon before Thanksgiving.

How to cut your energy costs this winter

The colder temperatures and shorter days of winter are just around the corner, bringing with them higher demands for energy -- and higher energy bills. Learn more about how to save energy -- and money -- this winter.

Investors call 159,000 lost jobs 'good news'

Investors appear relieved that the government's September employment report wasn't worse, although the Labor Department said payrolls shrank by 159,000, more than the 100,000 economists predicted. The unemployment rate remained flat at 6.1 percent.

Pres. Bush quickly signs bailout bill into law

Wall Street welcomed the action, but investors also were buffeted by a bad report on the job market. The Labor Department said employers slashed 159,000 jobs in September, the largest cut in five years and further evidence of a sinking economy.

How far will consumers go to save money?

Would you switch brands of food, cosmetics or toilet paper in order to save money? A new survey shows just how far people are willing to go to stretch their budget.

How do you talk to your kids about weight and exercise?

We all know childhood obesity is a serious problems that's getting worse. We need to focus on the solution.

Chinese candy could be contaminated

An industrial chemical blamed for sickening thousands of infants in China could be in candy available for sale in Oregon, health officials warned Wednesday. Oregon health officials are warning consumers to avoid eating White Rabbit Candy.

What will it take to qualify for a home loan during the credit crunch?

Just how tough is it to get approved for a mortgage? Lenders aren't handing them out to just anyone, but if you have good credit and can prove a stable income, you should get that mortgage.

Holiday shopping season looks bleak this year

With the holiday shopping season about to start, consumer confidence is hovering near the lowest it's been since President Bush's father was commander in chief - and it may dip even further in the coming weeks.

Tales of a novice sidecar motorcyclist

Sidecar motorcycles are still so rare on American roads that many people have never seen one, but that's starting to change. They're called hacks, sidecars and tubs -- and are popping up more on Eugene streets.