WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Consumer Stories

Testing your dog's DNA Video included

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A company that specializes in human DNA testing also claims to be able to tell you what breeds make up your mutt.  We put doggie DNA to the test. More>>

PC vs. Mac: which is right for you? Video included

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From the clever television commercials to in-store displays, it seems like Mac vs. PC is the in-home computer question of our time.  WBTV On Your Side helping you decide which is right for you. More>>

Two best days to negotiate a car deal

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Group which tracks sales spikes and prices in the auto industry says Black Friday is the best time to negotiate a good deal on a car.  One dealer says add another day to the list. More>>

Web site offers discounts, helps small businesses

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Areas businesses get more traffic through the door by offering discounted gift cards and coupons to new customers. More>>

Tonight at 6pm: How to save on organics

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Our savings expert teaches you when you should go organic in the grocery store, and how you can save money while doing it. More>>

Black Friday sales ads leaked online

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Annual attempts to be the first to learn about after-Thanksgiving deals have begun. More>>

Undercover Savings: Easy ways to talk yourself into a discount Video included

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Sometimes it's as simple as asking for a discount but if that doesn't work it there are several other tactics you can try to save yourself some cash. More>>

A warning about three scams you may encounter

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WBTV is On Your Side protecting you from three scams appearing or re-appearing in and around the Queen City. They attack your reputation and your wallet, and they count on you to be a little mis-informed. More>>

Two ways to save on "Energy Star" appliances

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November 6-8, 2009 is the state of North Carolina's second tax free weekend on Energy Star rated appliances.  Then in the spring of next year there will be another opportunity to get a break on the price of a refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine. More>>

How to avoid becoming "phish" bait

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Protecting yourself from "phishing" emails and a word of the week which could get you "hooked". More>>

Cupcake craze hits new heights

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Within the past month two new businesses have opened with the sole purpose of satasfying your sweet tooth. More>>

Fastest growing scam uses IRS to con you out of personal information

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A fast-growing email scam claims you're due money from the IRS.  A closer look will show you that it's only a cybercriminal trying to get your personal information. More>>

Consumer Stories...Health insurance for the hard to insure Video included

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A second open enrollment for the Inclusive Health program offers insurance to people with pre-existing conditions.  This event focuses on those who live in and around Gaston County. More>>

Apartment complexes offering great deals to new renters

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Record number of apartment vacancies in the area signal a great opportunity for renters to negotiate a good deal. More>>

New bank fees even if you're a "good" customer?

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Before new federal regulations take effect which limit fees banks can charge consumers, new fees likely coming which may impact even the best customers. More>>

Travel expert says there are vacation deals to be had

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Fare sale restrictions usually put in place around the holidays are few and fare between this travel season.  That means you have a better shot at a good deal. More>>

Consumer Stories...A place for pets in an emergency

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Thinking big and small about protecting our furry friends in case of any type of natural or man-made disaster. More>>

Consumer Stories...Focus on Hispanic foods at local grocery chain

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Many of the customers who shop at the Food Lion grocery store on South Boulevard in Charlotte have some specific requests. More>>

Consumer Stories... Finding a legitimate work-at-home business without being scammed Video included

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Ellen Beige is in the market for a job.  Her online searches for job openings has brought her face to face with some very interesting offers to work from home and make big bucks. More>>

Partial mortgage payments a problem

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A couple in Lenoir, Caldwell County, learns the hard way that many mortgage companies will take all or nothing when it comes to monthly payments. More>>

Family finds lost pet using internet search service

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Pet finding web company boasts it's highest number of success stories in North Carolina. More>>

Getting kids on the road to financial success Video included

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It's never too early to start teaching kids how to handle money.  Three tools for parents, depending on the age of their child, to get the lessons going. More>>

Housing market shows signs of hope Video included

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First-time home buyers are starting to take advantage of incentives in the real estate market. More>>

Republicans call budget 'missed opportunity' Video included

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President Barack Obama says his budget marks "a new era of responsibility," but Republicans are calling it a "missed opportunity." More>>

Carolina Hurricanes offering 3-year price freeze on season tickets

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Kyle Prairie, Director of Ticket Sales for the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced the team's 2009 playoff and 2009-10 season ticket offerings. The plans are highlighted by an opportunity for season-ticket holders to freeze their season ticket rates at the current prices through the 2011-12 season. More>>

Post office workers upset about reduced operating hours

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The union which represents employees with the United States Post Office in the Charlotte area is upset with a decision to reduce the operating hours at some post offices. More>>

How to buy a (first) dog

The Obamas can take heed: With 158 canine breeds, finding the ideal pup can be an elusive goal. Here's the real-time description of how we researched our choices, and an update on what we decided. More>>

What to do when businesses close their doors

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Due to the economic downturn, more businesses are closing their doors and leaving some consumers in the lurch, Attorney General Roy Cooper said today.  "During these tough times, consumers really want to make sure they get what they pay for," said Cooper.  "My office stands ready to try to help customers when a business shuts its doors." More>>

Live Product Testing: Aqua Globes

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Saturday morning we test out the Aqua Globes. They claim to keep your plants watered for up to two weeks. Do they work?  Kelly and Kristen start the experiment Saturday. More>>

Live Product Testing: Smart Lidz

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Saturday morning on our live product testing segment, Kelly and Kristen test Chef Tony's Smart Lidz. More>>

Figuring out how much the property is worth

You think you've found the right home. But is it really worth what the sellers are asking? Before you give away your hard earned money, do some thorough research. More>>

Advice for Exotic Pet Owners: Buyer Beware

Move over cats and dogs -- some pet lovers are instead bringing home more exotic animals. Adopting turtles, snakes or lizards as pets is very different compared to bringing home "Fido" or "Fluffy." More>>

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