Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Three for Thursday 02.29.2024
There’s a real debate raging over the true value of a college degree. Forty years ago, it was undeniable that people who extended their formal education beyond high school earned more money and enjoyed a greater lifestyle than those who didn’t. Today those statistics are being challenged by the harm caused by the runaway cost of secondary education. In short, a four-year degree will cost you 154 percent more today than in 1980. That’s way ahead of the inflation rate for the same period. With technical schools teaching valuable skills and tangible skills such as plumbing and electric being in higher demand, traditional colleges may be cutting off their noses to spite their face. My advice? Research the earning rate for your preferred vocation carefully before you take on loans you might be paying for the rest of your life.
Watch this Investigation
Today’s investigation - Unsolicited Tax Call. Watch because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today’s Ask Dale question comes from Greg, who wants to know if Wal-Mart has the right to ask to see his receipt before he leaves the store. Click the video for the answer.
Today's Lesson On How To Be A Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on bucking conventional wisdom.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Following your gut and allowing your emotion to drive your decision is always risky. Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Is the ratio way off? There’s something going on you don’t know about, and you’ll be the loser when you do. Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. The only time I buck conventional wisdom is when I can afford to lose my investment. Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Always your best path! Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Taking a chance on any of these three safeguards is not worth the risk. Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and reviewing watchdog reports. Again, bucking the conventional wisdom when the results of real research tell you something different is not wise. Legitimize - Your deal by figuring out if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background searched. Never forgo this step unless you’re willing to lose your investment.
AI was used to assist our editors in the research of this article.
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