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The Fresh Start Fallacy: Why Smart Renovations Do Not Start in January
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Fresh Start Fallacy: Why Smart Renovations Do Not Start in January

Winter may slow home projects, but it is the smartest season to plan them. Learn how early preparation helps homeowners save money, avoid delays, and make better decisions all year long.

Before the Ball Drops: 2025 Consumer Patterns To Leave Behind
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Before the Ball Drops: 2025 Consumer Patterns To Leave Behind

Before 2026 begins, homeowners can learn from 2025’s most common mistakes. From delayed repairs to scams, these lessons help protect money, safety, and peace of mind.

Signing Season Is Coming: How to Enter 2026 Prepared
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Signing Season Is Coming: How to Enter 2026 Prepared

As 2026 begins, many consumers will sign new contracts. Learn how to read the fine print, spot red flags, and sign with confidence instead of regret.

The End of Year Safety Sweep: Small Fixes to Close Out 2025 Strong
Finance & Tips Safety & Security Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The End of Year Safety Sweep: Small Fixes to Close Out 2025 Strong

Before 2025 ends, homeowners should complete these simple safety checks to reduce risk, prevent winter emergencies, and start 2026 protected.

Close the Books on 2025: The Home Expenses to Review Now
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Close the Books on 2025: The Home Expenses to Review Now

Before 2025 ends, homeowners should review subscriptions, warranties, utilities, and insurance. A year end financial cleanup helps 2026 start lighter and smarter.

What 2025 Taught Homeowners: Lessons Worth Carrying Into 2026
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

What 2025 Taught Homeowners: Lessons Worth Carrying Into 2026

Home repair costs keep rising, and many homeowners feel caught off guard. Learn how to build a smarter repair budget for 2026 with proactive planning and financial breathing room.

A New Year’s Resolution That Pays Off: Home Projects With Real ROI
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

A New Year’s Resolution That Pays Off: Home Projects With Real ROI

Want your new year’s resolution to (literally) pay off? These six smart upgrades focus on ROI, reduced risk, and long term value while helping avoid costly mistakes.

The Move Out Cleaning Mistake That Costs Renters the Most
Cleaning Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Move Out Cleaning Mistake That Costs Renters the Most

Moving out soon? Learn what landlords actually look for when it comes to carpet cleaning, how to document it properly, and what really helps protect your security deposit.

Is TikTok Shop Legit? What Every Shopper Should Know
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Is TikTok Shop Legit? What Every Shopper Should Know

TikTok Shop is a real shopping platform, but it comes with benefits and risks. Learn how it works, how to stay safe, and how to spot unreliable sellers.

The Hidden Costs of Your Data: The Rise of Surveillance Pricing
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Hidden Costs of Your Data: The Rise of Surveillance Pricing

Surveillance pricing is changing what you pay based on your online behavior. Learn how it works, why it matters, and how to protect your wallet from this growing digital tactic.

Home Warranties Under Scrutiny: Why Many Homeowners Get Frustrated
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Home Warranties Under Scrutiny: Why Many Homeowners Get Frustrated

Many homeowners are finding their home warranty coverage lacking, and it’s usually when they need it most. In this article, we tell you what to look for in your contract and how to avoid surprises.

Preferred Lenders and Canceled Contracts: How to Protect Yourself
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Preferred Lenders and Canceled Contracts: How to Protect Yourself

A Georgia homebuyer lost a deal after declining to use the builder’s preferred lender. Was it legal? We unpack the issue, share your rights, and explore what options buyers really have.

The Coupon Cutoff: Why Your Grocery Store May Reject That Last Discount
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Coupon Cutoff: Why Your Grocery Store May Reject That Last Discount

A Georgia shopper was surprised when her grocery store refused her last coupon. What's behind these coupon limits, and how can everyday consumers avoid being caught off guard?

What to Do When Faulty Products Cost You More
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

What to Do When Faulty Products Cost You More

If your online order arrives damaged, can you get a refund for the shipping too? We’ll tell you what you need to know to ask for a full refund the right way.

Click the link below to download the latest edition of TrustDALE Home Magazine.

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Three for Thursday is a weekly email and Dale's Do's and Don'ts is a monthly newsletter from Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell. Each week in Three for Thursday you will see a video of one of our investigations, hear Dale answer real consumer questions and learn the steps to becoming a savvy consumer. Each month in Dale's Do's and Don'ts Dale provides information valuable to homeowners.

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