Dale's Do's and Don'ts January 2024
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, Dale’s Do’s and Don’ts providing suggestions for your home and family, along with cautionary tales of how to be a safe and smart consumer. Each month I share one of my seven steps consumers should employ when you’re considering a purchase.
Don't Get Scammed Get Smart: Becoming A Savvy Consumer
Today’s helpful hint focuses on my third step I call DEFINE. Before you purchase a product or service, I want you to define what you need it to do for you by comparing or testing products, then entertaining offers, and choosing the appropriate price. Click the video to the left to find out about a consumer who didn’t do an independent test before purchasing. We call it “fridge smudge.”
Locked Out of Your Car? Don't Get Left Out In the Cold!
Desperate to get into your car, you do what many people do: you pull out your phone and start searching online for an emergency locksmith. But what most people don't realize is that by this point, they have already fallen for a common scheme. Here at TrustDALE, we have busted some of these locksmith schemes. At the top of your Google search results, you find several different emergency lockout services. What consumers don't know is that all of these services are actually owned by the same locksmiths. And they are all trained to take you for as much cash as they can. What you should do...
Ask Dale: Do I need homeowners' insurance if my HOA insures my property?
Hi everyone! Today, we have a real consumer question from Laura regarding homeowners insurance for townhomes. Laura asks, "I recently moved into a townhome. Do I need a traditional homeowners insurance policy?" It's an excellent question, Laura, and we reached out to TrustDALE’s Insurance agent, Damon Copeland, to shed some light on the topic. According to Damon, before making any decisions, it's crucial to gather all the necessary information. Let's dive into the details.
Understanding the Risks of Plumbing and Frozen Pipes
Proper insulation and preventive measures against frozen pipes are vital during the winter season. Understanding the science behind why pipes freeze and burst is key to implementing effective preventive strategies. When water freezes, it expands, causing immense pressure on the pipes. This pressure can lead to cracks, leaks, and even pipe bursts, resulting in costly repairs and property damage. Learn more.....
Assessing Your Auto Insurance Coverage Needs
In the complex world of auto insurance, it is essential to begin by determining the minimum coverage requirements dictated by your state's legal obligations. Learn more.
Dale's New Book:
Don't Get Scammed: Get Smart!
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS