Jessica Long
The $2,000 Vacuum Pitch: What You’re Really Paying For
A door-to-door salesman offers a $2,000 Kirby vacuum. Here's what you're really paying for and how to protect your wallet from overpriced pitches.
May 9
4 min read
TrustDALE Blog
Insights on Companies and Trust
Jessica Long
Shipping Refund Showdown: Know Your Rights Before You Return
If a product arrives damaged, do you have to eat the shipping cost? Here's what to know about your rights when returning faulty items bought online.
May 9
4 min read
Jessica Long
Mortgage Muddle: How to Tell If That Debt Collector Is Real
If a debt collector contacts you after your mortgage is sold, don't panic. But don’t pay blindly either. Here's how to verify who really owns your debt and protect yourself from scams.
May 9
4 min read
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.
May 9
5 min read
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.
May 9
4 min read
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.
May 8
4 min read
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.
May 8
4 min read
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.
May 8
4 min read
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.
May 8
4 min read
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.
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.
May 7
4 min read
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.
May 7
5 min read
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.
May 7
5 min read
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.
May 7
4 min read