12 ON YOUR SIDE

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

Water beads are marketed as safe sensory toys for children over three. But, they've been linked to thousands of emergency room visits and at least one death in the U.S. Last week's recall of one toy is not enough, a San Antonio mother says.

Infant swings, Kraft cheese, children's books and Generac portable generators are recalled for safety reasons.

The car seat is one of the most important purchases a new parent can make. Consumer Reports' safety and crash tests can help.

Jaw-dropping news is in the mail for nearly 10,000 Bexar County residents who are dogged by medical debt. It's been forgiven.

Cutting back on table salt can have health benefits, but you still need to get sufficient iodine.

There are so many choices and price-points when it comes to buying headphones and earbuds. Consumer Reports put several to the test and offers some recommendations.

Thousands of Chuckle and Roar water bead kits have been recalled, but a San Antonio mother whose daughter was injured by a similar product wants them banned as toys.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

Conagra Foods has recalled Banquet Frozen Chicken Strip Meals because they may contain bits of plastic.

September is prime time to save on large appliances and summer seasonal goods. Here are a few finds from Consumer Reports.

Be careful what you share on social media. Scammers bait people with emotional, fake pleas to share posts about missing children or injured pets, the Better Business Bureau warns.

Consumer Reports put 10 popular disposable diaper brands to the test to see which keep baby's bum dry and resist leaks.

Milk, medicine and your car registration — all things you know expire. But a closer look around your house and car will reveal that some life-saving items also have expiration dates.

Crisp garden salads are filled with nutrition, but there is also a risk of bacteria contamination. Consumer Reports suggests ways to make your salads safer.

Bags of frozen vegetables sold under the Kroger brand name are recalled because they may be contaminated with listeria and make people sick. See what other consumer alerts made the list in this week's Consumer Roundup.

Facebook users hoping to claim a bit of the multi-billion dollar privacy settlement have until late Friday to file a claim.

Whipping up your own mosquito and tick repellent with natural ingredients may seem like an attractive idea. Consumer Reports testing suggests it's not.

Zipadee Kids is recalling its Convertible House Bed Frames and Montessori Floor Beds.

The extreme heat is even affecting homeowners' underground water pipes, and plumbers are seeing a surge in calls.

Many teens spend hours a day on social media. But with teenage depression on the rise, public health officials say there may be a connection between social media use and teen mental health. There are some ways parents can help their teens limit their consumption.

As inflation squeezes back-to-school budgets, families can save hundreds on clothing by shopping thrift stores. Here's what we found for $25. And this weekend, Goodwill is slashing clothing prices in half.

Two years after the woman behind a small lipstick business enrolled in a Maestro Entrepreneur Center program, she's expanded products, her customer base and sales.

Even established, profitable small businesses run into obstacles and need to hit the refresh button. The Maestro Entrepreneur Center is accepting applications from second-stage businesses for a program designed to help them evolve and grow. The deadline is the end of August.

Families are expected to spend more than ever for back to school, even though a price check showed simple school supplies cost roughly the same as last year. Still, there are some ways to save on everything from glue sticks to clothing to electronics.

Hyundai and Kia are warning owners of nearly 92,000 newer vehicles to part outside and away from structures because of a fire risk. Baby monitors and birth control pills are also the subjects separate product safety recalls.

Summer vacations may be winding down, but sales for back-to-school and Labor Day are heating up.

Hot weather means more car breakdowns and tire blowouts. Roadside assistance programs can come to the rescue, but which ones are best for your needs?

The AC may be running up a doozy of a power bill this summer, but simple changes to your laundry routine can help shrink that bill.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

This summer has a been a long, hot, sweaty one, and staying hydrated is important to avoid serious over-heating. But just how much water should you drink?

Trader Joe's is recalling two types of its cookies because they may contain rocks. Children's stainless steel cups, cribs and laundry centers are also the subject of separate recalls in this week's Recall Roundup.

Students headed off to college and a dorm room need more than pens and paper. Here are some deals on dorm essentials to make college life more comfortable.

The extreme heat is taking a toll on cars as drivers deal with tire blowouts and drained batteries.

Smoke, Saharan dust, traffic and more can dirty the air we breathe. Apps and websites can alert you to poor air quality days so you can take precautions, especially if your respiratory system is sensitive.

Buying a new car can be expensive enough. Consumer Reports says you should try to negotiate or avoid certain dealer fees.

Amazon launched its 48-hour Prime Day event. The deals are hot, and so is the competition.

It can be a financial struggle to be a student. Fortunately, there are plenty of discounts available for food, music, clothing, electronics and more.

High inflation is stressing people into feeling financially insecure and they say they need to earn $233,000 a year on average to feel comfortable, a Bankrate survey found.

If your phone is running slowly or your battery is draining quickly, it may be the summer heat.

July is fast becoming a month steeped in shopping deals. Amazon, Walmart, Target and other retailers launch summer events, and Consumer Reports finds top-tested products on deep discounts.

The price of eggs has come down to earth, but most everything else costs more than it did just six months ago, an itemized price check shows.

Some baby foods still contain heavy metals despite efforts to reduce them, a Consumer Reports investigation found.

People of color are twice as likely to be turned down for a mortgage, according to Consumer Reports. If you are denied, there are some things you can do to reverse the decision, but you have to act quickly.

Every year, 6 million to 12 million children get head lice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But don’t panic. As annoying as the bugs are, they’re not dangerous.

Johnsonville recalled more than 20 tons of ready-to-eat sausage. Other product recalls include bike helmets, Ashley furniture, and infant bath seats.

Johnsonville, LLC is recalling a ready-to-eat pork sausage that has been sold at stores in eight states, including Texas.

Before you check in, inspectors with AAA check out rooms at hotels across the country. Since the pandemic, they scrutinize cleanliness even more, using technology to test high-touch surfaces for germs.

Willamette Valley Fruit Co. is recalling bags of frozen fruit that contain strawberries grown in Mexico.

Car insurance costs continue to rev up. There are some ways to cut your costs including raising your deductible and enrolling in tracking programs.

As buy now, pay later services grow in popularity, Consumer Reports looked into the risks or using them and how secure and private they are.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

A local family is out about $1,500 and was left with no place to move after the rental house deal turned out to be fake.

If Dad loves a juicy steak, mail-order cuts of beef can be a sizzling gift idea. Consumer Reports put three popular company's products to the test.

Fire extinguishers are supposed to help keep you safe, but federal safety regulators are warning consumers not to buy or use many of the fire extinguisher balls sold on Amazon.

Summer sales are heating up, especially in products focused on grads and dads. Consumer Reports found discounts on some of its top-tested products.

The cost of insuring your home keeps on going up. It can pay to shop around, bundle and check for discounts.

As video doorbells and home security cameras grow in popularity, police departments are increasingly asking for homeowners’ videos. But can they get it without your permission? The answer isn’t so simple.

General Motors recalled more than 600,000 SUVs because of a potential problem attaching child car seats in the back seat.

If you need a new dishwasher, plants to spruce up the yard, or just want to stock up on light bulbs, Memorial Day weekend may be the time to shop. Texans pay no sales tax on qualifying energy-saving and water-saving appliances and products.

Backyard grills get a workout and they don't last forever. Consumer Reports says there are five signs it's time to buy a new grill.

Just like most everything else, the price of printing ink is up - and it was already pretty pricey. There are some ways to save, starting with choosing the right printer.

As debates continue about the health effects of using gas stoves continue, interest in induction cooking heats up. How does it work and what should you know if you're considering a switch.

Many banks, especially online banks, are competing for customers' business by offering high-yield savings accounts.

Thousands of toys and other children's products are recalled because they may be dangerous.

After two months of lackluster sales events, the month of May brings discounts during Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekend bargains.

iF you're need a lawnmower upgrade, Consumer Reports tests can help. They found several battery-powered mowers to recommend.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

A Texas-based startup now lets you buy real estate using cryptocurrency, and the deal can be done in as little as a day.

Wi-fi dead zones can be an annoying problem. A mesh router system can be a simple solution.

Inflated grocery prices don't mean you can't eat healthy on a budget. Some basic strategies can help.

It's not if but when you'll be hit with a costly emergency. Building a fund to handle life's surprises is not only important to help you avoid financial crises, but it may be easier than you think.

The price of eggs is finally dropping. Still, you can pay a premium for eggs labeled with terms like organic or pasture-raised. What do those word actually mean?

Consumer Reports put several laundry liquids, powders, pods and sheets to the test to see which tackle tough stains the best.

Easter baskets may be filled with tempting chocolates, some of which Consumer Reports cautions may contain heavy metals.

Whether you’re grilling, mowing, cleaning, or just looking forward to spending more time outdoors, April is the perfect month to clean up on discounted products to help you do just that.

Consumer Reports recommends vacuums, mops and rugs to help you keep your floors clean.

More than a half-million Bexar County homeowners may be in for more sticker shock. The Bexar County Appraisal District mailed notices and posted them online, showing an average increase of nearly 15%.

Car prices are up and and so are interest rates. So, is it best to buy or lease your next vehicle?

A San Antonio couple buying a vacant lot to build their home was stunned to find out the seller didn't even own the property. It's one example of a real estate scam sweeping the country.

Add car insurance to the list of soaring prices. It can pay to shop around, bundle and ask for those discounts.

Cash or other perks from credit card rewards programs can come in handy during high inflation, but many people aren't even claiming their rewards, leaving cash on the table.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

Red Dye No. 3 is banned in cosmetics, but it is still in some foods such as candy. Now, Consumer Groups are working to get the controversial additive out of foods, dietary supplements and medicines.

Some Gerber infant formulas is recalled, as well as snacks sold at Walmart and frozen fruit sold at Trader Joe's.

The time change can mess with your sleep, and some people always struggle to get quality rest. Consumer Reports offers advice to get a better night's sleep and suggests which products may also help.

Nearly six years since her baby swallowed water beads, Ashley Haugen is on a mission to warn others of the life-threatening dangers and to get them out of the toy aisle.

Given recent turmoil at a few banks, some consumers are asking, "What about my money? Is it safe?"

Sales of existing homes dropped again last month, signaling the market is calming down from pandemic frenzy.

A popular insulated water bottle is recalled over lead levels. And, thousands of children's car seats are recalled.

Family physician Roger Moczygemba diagnoses illnesses, treats injuries, and writes prescriptions. But what he does not do is take insurance. He's one of the growing number of doctors adopting the direct primary care model for their practice.

More than three million Calico Critter toys with bottles and pacifiers are recalled after the deaths of two children.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

Sales on vacuums, trimmers, air purifiers come just in time for spring.

Is the air you breathe inside your home as clean as you think it is? Everything from gas stoves to aerosols to furniture can emit pollutants. Here are some ways to breathe more easily.

A car seat feature called a load leg can reduce the risk of head injuries in a crash, Consumer Reports tests show.

The makers of Enfamil have recalled certain plant-based infant formula over concerns it may be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria.

If you're wanting to get into the smart home movement but don't know where to start, smart light bulbs and smart plugs can be an easy, inexpensive place to start.

Seven of Consumer Reports' Top 10 picks for 2023 cars, trucks and SUVs are hybrids or electric vehicles.

Hundreds of children have been killed and thousands more injured when furniture or a TV tipped over on them. The STURDY Act will require manufacturers to make changes.