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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.

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.

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