Melanie Hastings

Arlington, Virginia

Anchor and Host at WJLA-TV (Arlington, VA)

News anchor, ABC7News WJLA 24/7 News, Washington, DC

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Articles

Facing financial woes? Learn expert tips to reduce your debt and regain control

5 days ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — American households carry $18 trillion in debt, which breaks down to more than $100,000 per household. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Board, reducing financial debt is the number one goal for 42% of the population. Nine in 10 Americans say they're facing financial challenges that range from house payments, credit cards, student loans and medical debt.
Study finds many Americans unprepared for retirement savings shortfall

1 week ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

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Father's Day gift guide: How to celebrate your dad without breaking the bank

2 weeks ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON (7News) — Father's Day is coming up on June 15. Spending on Father's Day gifts is expected to reach an all-time high of $24 billion in the U.S. this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That breaks down to $199 per person. If you are looking for a budget-friendly gift to recognize your dad, we asked a consumer expert for some ideas. "I do tend to think that for dads, tech is always a win. You can get them an accessory to go with their phone, their laptop, their tablet.
DC wedding planner shares tips to cut costs

3 weeks ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

FILE - A bride holds a bouquet during her wedding in Ein Hemed, Israel on Dec. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)
'We have seen the ripple effect': Toy industry braces for continued tariffs impact

4 weeks ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON (7News) — This week, a federal court blocked most of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The Trump Administration plans to appeal. The decision could go all the way to the Supreme Court. While the tariff drama plays out, higher tariffs are impacting the toy industry -- 80% of the toys brought into the U.S. come from China. Back in March, tariffs spiked to 245%. That threatened smaller toy companies, worried they may be forced out of business.
From cash to keepsakes: Affordable graduation gift ideas for every type of grad

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Graduation, whether from high school, college, or a degree program, is a big milestone and a cause for celebration. It's also a time for gift-giving. You want your graduate to know how special they are and how proud you are of them. And there's one gift that is on graduates' lists every year. "The trends for grads are as they've been for many years, cash, cash, cash or gift cards," Trae Bodge, consumer expert, told 7News. Grads need money.
How to get the best deals this Memorial Day weekend

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WAHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Memorial Day sales are starting this week and will continue through Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 26. You can expect discounts on a wide variety of items, from seasonal goods, like patio furniture and grills, to home appliances, mattresses, and TVs."I'm starting to see discounts filter in. You know, 20, 30% is what I'm seeing off of some categories. And so the discounts are real and significant," Trae Bodge, shopping expert, told 7News.
Shakira to kick off World Pride in DC as free events take over the city

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON (7News) — World Pride is coming to D.C. starting this weekend. People will be coming from across the country and around the world to show their LGBTQ+ pride, and enjoy parties, live performances, and cultural events. Events are scattered at various venues throughout the nation's capital, and almost all the events are free. It all kicks off with a Welcome Concert headlined by Colombian singer Shakira. "Our Welcome Concert kicks off on May 31st at Nats Park, featuring Shakira.
Expert suggests wellness, homemade gifts to pamper moms this Mother's Day

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

Shot of an empty room at a day spa (Getty Images)
Easter on a budget: Ways to save on spring holiday meals despite rising costs

2 months ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

Easter and Passover are this week, and families are fine-tuning their grocery lists for their holiday meals. According to the Consumer Price Index or CPI, consumers will spend 2.6% more on their spring holiday dinners. A recent study by Chicory found that one-third of shoppers started planning their Easter meals two to three weeks ago.