TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Tropical Trap: The Dark Side of Duty-Free Glamour
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Tropical Trap: The Dark Side of Duty-Free Glamour

A free facial and a glass of champagne turned into a $4,000 regret for one vacationing couple. Here's how to avoid getting duped by high-pressure sales tactics in tourist hotspots.

Vanishing Valuables: What to Do When a Pawn Shop Won’t Return Your Property
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Vanishing Valuables: What to Do When a Pawn Shop Won’t Return Your Property

If a pawn shop refuses to return your property after you’ve paid, don’t panic. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and the steps you can take to get your items back legally.

Menu Math: How Restaurants Are Quietly Passing Costs to Diners
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Menu Math: How Restaurants Are Quietly Passing Costs to Diners

Restaurants are quietly adding “inflation fees” to bills. Learn when they’re legal, how to spot them, and what to do if you’re caught off guard at checkout.

Highway Hustle: How to Ship Your Car Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet)
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Highway Hustle: How to Ship Your Car Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet)

Need to ship a car across the country? Discover how to do it safely and affordably, and why timing and due diligence matter more than you think.

Ring Regret: When a Sentimental Heirloom Vanishes at the Jeweler
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Ring Regret: When a Sentimental Heirloom Vanishes at the Jeweler

A couple’s wedding ring goes missing after a routine resizing! Learn how they got results, and what to do if something like this happens to you.

Bankruptcy Blues: How to Recover Devices Left Behind at Simply Mac
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Bankruptcy Blues: How to Recover Devices Left Behind at Simply Mac

Simply Mac closed its doors without warning, leaving customers without their devices. Here’s how to get your Apple computer back and who can help when a store disappears.

What Happens When a Co-Signed Payment Is Late—and How to Protect Your Credit
Finance & Tips

Laura Lovejoy

What Happens When a Co-Signed Payment Is Late—and How to Protect Your Credit

Learn how a missed co-signed car lease payment can damage your credit, practical steps to resolve late notices, and tips to protect your score. Watch the full video for Dale Cardwell’s expert advice.

The Deposit Trap: Why “LeaseLock” Could Cost You More Than You Think
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Deposit Trap: Why “LeaseLock” Could Cost You More Than You Think

Before agreeing to pay your security deposit in monthly installments, find out whether it’s refundable or if you’re throwing money away.

Plus-One Problems: When Your Handyman Brings His Girlfriend
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Plus-One Problems: When Your Handyman Brings His Girlfriend

A contractor’s unexpected guest can signal more than just bad manners, it may hint at deeper trust issues. Here's how to handle surprise tagalongs during home estimates and protect your project from drama.

Change Denied: The Truth Behind the Coin Shortage Excuse
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Change Denied: The Truth Behind the Coin Shortage Excuse

Can a store refuse to give you change in coins or reject your cash altogether? Here’s what you need to know about your rights and what businesses are legally allowed to do at checkout.

Ghosted by the Gray Lady: A Subscription Saga with a Happy Ending
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Ghosted by the Gray Lady: A Subscription Saga with a Happy Ending

A Bay Area woman’s simple joy of reading the Sunday paper turned into a month-long battle with The New York Times. That is, until she took matters into her own hands.

Panel Panic: What Happens When Your Solar Investment Doesn’t Pay Off
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Panel Panic: What Happens When Your Solar Investment Doesn’t Pay Off

A Georgia homeowner paid $30K for solar panels expecting energy savings, but got stuck with double bills instead. Here’s how it happened, and what to do before signing a solar contract.

The Timeshare Trap: How to Help Your Parents Dodge a Costly Mistake
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Timeshare Trap: How to Help Your Parents Dodge a Costly Mistake

Before your parents buy a timeshare in Florida, read this. Learn how to spot red flags, avoid pressure tactics, and protect their money.

Behind the Fence: When Car Repossession Crosses the Line
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Behind the Fence: When Car Repossession Crosses the Line

When car repossession crosses legal lines, consumers can fight back. Learn what repo agents can and can’t do, and how to protect your rights.