#ConsumerNews | AM 1180 Radio

July 27, 2026

Georgia Ranks Among States With The Most $1,000-A-Month Car Payments

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A growing number of Georgia drivers are making car payments of $1,000 or more each month, according to a new LendingTree analysis, placing Georgia fourth in the nation for borrowers carrying four-figure auto loan payments.

The study found that 12% of Georgians with active auto loans have at least one monthly payment of $1,000 or more. Only Texas, Alaska and Wyoming ranked higher. Nationwide, the figure is 9.6%. The analysis was based on approximately 180,000 anonymized credit reports from the fourth quarter of 2025.

Consumer finance experts say several factors are driving the trend in Georgia, including higher vehicle prices, elevated interest rates, the popularity of larger trucks and SUVs, long commuting distances and lower average credit scores, which can result in higher borrowing costs.

LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz cautioned that qualifying for a large auto loan does not necessarily mean it’s affordable. He recommends buyers focus on the total cost of the vehicle rather than just the monthly payment, avoid unnecessarily long loan terms and purchase less vehicle than they think they can afford whenever possible.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Tick Up Slightly as Summer Travel, Oil Costs Push Prices Higher

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After several weeks of declining fuel prices, Georgia motorists are seeing a slight increase at the pump as higher crude oil prices and strong summer travel demand begin to push gasoline prices upward.

July 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Forever Stamp Price Increasing Sunday as USPS Continues Rate Hikes

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Mailing a letter will soon cost a little more as the U.S. Postal Service prepares to increase the price of a First-Class Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents beginning Sunday, July 12.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Families Paying Hundreds More Each Year for Electricity Than Six Years Ago

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Georgia households are paying significantly more to keep the lights on than they were just six years ago, as a series of rate increases and higher energy costs continue to push electric bills upward.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Why Are Georgia Power Bills Still So High Despite a Fuel Rate Cut?

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Many Georgia Power customers may have noticed that electric bills remain high this summer, even though the utility recently lowered the fuel portion of its rates.

According to WABE, the biggest reason is increased summer electricity use. As temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer and harder, driving up the amount of electricity households consume. At the same time, Georgia Power’s higher seasonal summer rates take effect, meaning customers pay more for electricity during the months when demand is greatest.

Although the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a reduction in Georgia Power’s fuel costs that lowered the average residential bill by about $4 per month beginning in June, those savings are often outweighed by increased air conditioning use and higher summer rates.

Georgia Power recommends several ways to reduce bills, including raising the thermostat by one degree, using a programmable thermostat, replacing HVAC filters regularly, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and taking advantage of free home energy audits and available rebates for energy-efficient improvements. Consumer advocates also encourage customers to carefully review optional billing plans before switching, as some may cost more over time depending on energy usage.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Fall Ahead of Busy Independence Day Travel Period

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Georgia drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Experts Warn of Growing Digital Calendar Scam Targeting Email Users

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Cybersecurity experts are warning consumers about a growing phishing scam that uses digital calendar invitations to trick victims into revealing personal information, financial details and account credentials.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Car Insurance Costs Remain High for Chattooga County Drivers

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Drivers in Chattooga County continue to face car insurance rates that closely mirror Georgia’s already high statewide averages.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Customers To See Small Rate Decrease, But Questions Remain About Future Costs

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Georgia Power customers are seeing a small reduction in their electric bills this month, but consumer advocates and energy experts say larger cost concerns may still be on the horizon.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA Warns Memorial Day Drivers About Risky Cost-Cutting Habits As Gas Prices Rise

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AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.