Summer break starts, Friday night, for many local families. The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer vacation season. Last year, high gas prices took a toll…so how do things look a this year? WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has more From Wall Street to Your Wallet.

Property assessments in Georgia cannot rise until 2011 under a bill signed into law on Wednesday by Governor Sonny Perdue. Supporters say the new law will prevent local governments from hiking assessments during an economic downturn rhat has driven many property values down. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the story.

President Obama has unveiled a plan to help small businesses. The nation’s 21 largest banks receiving bailout money must report on how much they lend to small businesses, each month. All other banks are asked to give quarterly reports on small business loans. The Obama administration goes even further to ask banks that are not getting funds to increase small business lending. So, what does the President’s plan mean for small businesses here in the Two-State? From Wall Street to your Wallet, WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud spoke to some local business owners who say the President’s plan is a step in the right direction.

More than 5,000 South Carolina homeowners have already signed up for an event, this weekend, aimed at keeping them in their homes. It’s called the “Save the Dream” tour. It’s a free service that will help struggling homeowners restructure their mortgages, until they’re affordable. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, tells us how it works…and how you can get help…in this From Wall Street to Your Wallet report.

From Wall Street to your Wallet: Augusta officials say, despite what President Obama told the nation Tuesday night, stimulus money is still not coming our way. In his speech to Congress, Tuesday night, the President mentioned the city of Minneapolis is using stimulus money to keep 57 police officers on the street. Mayor Deke Copenhaver says that town may have budgeted for stimulus dough, but at this point, money from the bill has not filtered down to any cities.

Companies across the country are ending production. News like this has students, getting ready to graduate, wondering what the job market will be like for them. WJBF News Channel 6’s Paige Tucker has more from Wall Street to your wallet.

Holiday shopping begins with Halloween, and the economy continues to head south.  But it looks like there could be a turnaround in the near future.  WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop explains. 

There are just five days ‘til Election Day, and in case you’re counting, 56 shopping days ‘til Christmas. Many Americans have fewer dollars to spend this holiday season and are looking to lay-a-way. WJBF NewsChannel 6’s Paige Tucker with From Wall Street to Your Wallet.

Investors on Wall Street aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch. The service industries are getting hit…and people aren’t tipping as much. From Wall Street to your Wallet…WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has the story.