TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Dreams, Debt, and Deception: Can You Escape Your Student Loans?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Dreams, Debt, and Deception: Can You Escape Your Student Loans?

Student borrowers misled by for-profit colleges may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Learn how to protect yourself, where to find help, and why scammers are circling.

Reverse Mortgages: Lifeline or Landmine?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Reverse Mortgages: Lifeline or Landmine?

Thinking about a reverse mortgage? Here's what you need to know before signing, plus how to get unbiased guidance from a HUD-approved counselor.

Splash Clash: Why Your Pool Project Is Stuck in Limbo
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Splash Clash: Why Your Pool Project Is Stuck in Limbo

Pool delays are frustrating families across the country. Learn what's really behind the holdup, how to avoid getting burned, and what steps to take before diving into your next backyard project.

The Price of “Free”: What Home Show Streaming Gadgets Aren’t Telling You
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Price of “Free”: What Home Show Streaming Gadgets Aren’t Telling You

A $400 streaming device promising free Netflix and cable sounds tempting, but it's likely illegal, insecure, and could expose you to hackers. Here’s what every savvy consumer should know.

Still Paying After Saying Goodbye: The Auto-Bill That Wouldn’t Die
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Still Paying After Saying Goodbye: The Auto-Bill That Wouldn’t Die

A Georgia senior was charged for a canceled phone line for nearly a year. Learn how to spot and stop silent auto-pay traps before they drain your wallet.

The Credit Score Shortcut That Might Not Go the Distance
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Credit Score Shortcut That Might Not Go the Distance

Experian Boost can help improve your credit score, but it's not a silver bullet. Learn how it works and what strategies actually move the needle.

The Student Loan Help Hustle: Why You Should Think Twice
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Student Loan Help Hustle: Why You Should Think Twice

Student loan assistance shouldn’t cost a dime, but some companies want you to pay anyway. Learn how to avoid the hustle and get real help for free.

Slammed by the System: How One HOA Dodged Blame for a Broken Gate
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Slammed by the System: How One HOA Dodged Blame for a Broken Gate

A malfunctioning gate damaged a visitor’s car, but the HOA refused to pay, citing a warning sign. Here’s what that really means, and what consumers can do when faced with HOA negligence.

From Dream to Deception: The Dark Side of Rent-to-Own Real Estate
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

From Dream to Deception: The Dark Side of Rent-to-Own Real Estate

Rent-to-own homes promise a path to ownership, but many deals end in scams. Learn how to spot the deception and protect your dream of buying a home.

The NDA Dilemma: Should You Trade Your Voice for a Refund?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The NDA Dilemma: Should You Trade Your Voice for a Refund?

Some companies offer refunds only if you sign a non-disclosure agreement. Learn what that really means, what rights you give up, and whether it’s worth it.

From Appraisal to Upgrade: Smart Ways to Fund a Home Remodel
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

From Appraisal to Upgrade: Smart Ways to Fund a Home Remodel

Planning a major home remodel but already carrying debt? Here's how to finance your project without putting your home – or your future – at risk.

Worn Out Already? Why Cheap Floors Cost You More
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Worn Out Already? Why Cheap Floors Cost You More

Make the right first impression with commercial flooring that’s built to last. Learn how traffic, location, and style impact your bottom line – and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Price Jump Panic: What to Do When a Contractor Changes the Deal
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Price Jump Panic: What to Do When a Contractor Changes the Deal

A homeowner was quoted $10,500 for windows, then told it should’ve been $11,500. Here’s how to protect yourself when prices change after the fact.

Letting Go of the Grand: Smart Ways to Sell Your Piano
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Letting Go of the Grand: Smart Ways to Sell Your Piano

Selling a piano today isn’t what it used to be. Here's how to find the right buyer so your beloved instrument doesn’t just gather dust.