Jacksonville, Fl — A financial stability study by VyStar Credit Union found widespread financial strain in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Atlanta.

Only 48% of residents report being able to pay all their bills on time, well below the national benchmark of 71%.

86% of nonprofit respondents reported that residents are carrying “more debt than is manageable”.

Residents consistently cited the need for greater education on interest rates, budgeting, responsible borrowing and credit management, particularly for those living paycheck-to-paycheck.

The State of Financial Stability health study of 2,800 residents across Jacksonville, Orlando, and Atlanta conducted in partnership with TransUnion.

VyStar in January launched the Debt Payoff Challenge. The initiative delivers practical tools, expert guidance, and a supportive community to help participants reduce debt and build financial confidence.

Students at Patriot Oaks Academy in St. Johns County are learning about a 12-year-old student’s fatal injury in a motorized bike collision yesterday. Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems, discusses the role grief counsellors are playing as they meet with students at the school today, helping them cope with the traumatic loss.

▶ Listen to Jacksonville’s Morning News Interviews

Download the 104.5 WOKV app

Words like ‘corruption’ are being used in reaction to the discovery of text messages from Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico. He reportedly told a JEA board member that he’s being replaced because “I owed a big favor to a friend”. Action News Jax Ben Becker picks up the story.

Eben Brown has the latest updates in the search for Nancy Guthrie - including results for glove DNA analysis, and searching for Guthrie’s pacemaker signal. While no suspect has been identified yet, the Guthrie family has been eliminated from suspect consideration.

Jonathan Savage follows up on a big day of international talks in Geneva, between the US and Iran over nuclear resources, and between the US, Ukraine, and Russia over ending their war.

In our weekly edition of Headlines & Punchlines, Jimmy Failla shares thoughts on Mayor Mamdani’s NYC wealth tax, Trump’s name going on more buildings -- and what building Jimmy’s name should be on! Laugh more with Jimmy Failla on FOX ACROSS AMERICA weeknights at 6pm!

Jeff Monosso has the latest updates on Day 5 of the latest “partial government shutdown.” The DHS funding showdown drags on as Senate Democrats block funding over ICE reforms. Congress’s next scheduled votes are not until next week, and the State of the Union address is next Tuesday, so it’s likely that part of the government will still be shut down when President Trump addresses Congress and the US.

Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.