TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Three for Thursday 01.11.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 01.11.2024

I recently received a free package of greeting cards from a charity to which I do not regularly contribute. I instantly considered whether I should use them, even though I had no intention of donating. The items are called “donor premiums” and are a time-

Ask Dale: The mechanic damaged my car. What can I do?
Finance & Tips Automotive

Laura Lovejoy

Ask Dale: The mechanic damaged my car. What can I do?

The mechanic damaged my car. What can I do?

Dale's Do's and Don'ts January 2024
Finance & Tips

Dale's Do's and Don'ts January 2024

Today’s helpful hint focuses on my third step I call DEFINE. Before you purchase a product or service, I want you to define what you need it to do for you by comparing or testing products, then entertaining offers, and choosing the appropriate price.

Three for Thursday 12.28.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 12.28.2023

A few weeks ago, I received a help request from a consumer who wanted to know how to be certain they are paying a fair price. I told him to pursue three quotes and let the vendors know they are competing, (unless the amount of $ is negligible).

Ask Dale: Do I need homeowners' insurance if my HOA insures my property?
Finance & Tips

Don Dodds

Ask Dale: Do I need homeowners' insurance if my HOA insures my property?

Hi everyone! Today, we have a real consumer question from Laura regarding homeowners insurance for townhomes.

Three for Thursday 12.21.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 12.21.2023

TrustDALE's Three For Thursday Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.

Assessing Your Auto Insurance Coverage Needs
Finance & Tips Automotive

Don Dodds

Assessing Your Auto Insurance Coverage Needs

In the complex world of auto insurance, it is essential to begin by determining the minimum coverage requirements dictated by your state's legal obligations.

Dale's Consumer Do's and Don'ts December 2023
Finance & Tips

Laura Lovejoy

Dale's Consumer Do's and Don'ts December 2023

Dale's Consumer Do's and Don'ts December 2023

Ask Dale: Understanding Zillow's Zestimates
Finance & Tips

Don Dodds

Ask Dale: Understanding Zillow's Zestimates

Zillow, the prominent real estate website, offers consumers an intriguing feature called Zestimates. These proprietary estimates provide an indication of a home's market value, based on a mix of public and private data sources.

Dale's Do's and Don'ts November 2023
Finance & Tips

Dale's Do's and Don'ts November 2023

Dale's Consumer Do's and Don'ts Welcome to my monthly newsletter, Dale’s Do’s and Don’ts providing suggestions for your home and family, along with cautionary tales of how to be a safe and smart consumer. Eac

Three for Thursday 11.02.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 11.02.2023

Let’s talk about a very boring subject, the US Federal debt, which is now 33 trillion dollars. Why should you care? If you think of the US economy as a household that earns $50,000 per year, we spend $65,000 per year, and we have a debt of $300,000. The r

Three for Thursday 10.26.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 10.26.2023

What’s the last industry leader you thought might never be toppled? Blockbuster Video comes to mind. Before streaming, Blockbuster was the Google of its time; arbitrarily deciding what movies you would rent by pre-selecting the titles, then playing tricks

Three for Thursday 10.19.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 10.19.2023

Many years ago, a very wise person told me “Just because someone is elected to an office, doesn’t mean they’re qualified to hold that office.” The new mayor of Nashville was elected with just 5.4% of those eligible to vote. I know nothing about him, and I

Three for Thursday 10.12.2023
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 10.12.2023

If you’re a Phillies fan, consider yourself warned. I experienced the perfect night recently at the Braves playoff game. First, the weather was amazing. Second, it was nice to be reminded that people from all walks of life can come together in support of