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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.

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.

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Three for Thursday is a weekly email and Dale's Do's and Don'ts is a monthly newsletter from Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell. Each week in Three for Thursday you will see a video of one of our investigations, hear Dale answer real consumer questions and learn the steps to becoming a savvy consumer. Each month in Dale's Do's and Don'ts Dale provides information valuable to homeowners.

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