TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Price Gouging or Just Economics? Understanding Georgia’s Lumber Spike
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Price Gouging or Just Economics? Understanding Georgia’s Lumber Spike

Lumber prices surged in Georgia during the pandemic, sparking questions about price gouging. Here's how supply and demand (not illegality) drove the spike, and what consumers can do if they suspect foul play.

Is Teen Auto Insurance Unfair to Boys? Here’s the Truth Behind the Rates
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Is Teen Auto Insurance Unfair to Boys? Here’s the Truth Behind the Rates

Wondering why your teenage son’s car insurance is sky high compared to your daughter’s? Here’s the data-backed reason behind the cost, and what you can (and can’t) do about it.

Free Credit Reports: What's Legit, What's Not, and What to Watch For
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Free Credit Reports: What's Legit, What's Not, and What to Watch For

Confused about where to safely get your credit report or score? Here's what you need to know about legitimate sources, hidden fees, and how to protect your personal information.

Would You Sign Away 40 Years for $5,000??
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Would You Sign Away 40 Years for $5,000??

A cash offer from MV Realty’s Homeowner Benefit Program may sound tempting, but it comes with a 40-year commitment that could affect your homeownership rights. Here’s what Georgia homeowners need to know before signing anything.

Service Center Silence: The Auto Repair Limbo No One Warns You About
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Service Center Silence: The Auto Repair Limbo No One Warns You About

If your car has been stuck in the shop for weeks with no updates from the dealership, here's a step-by-step guide for how to take back control.

Tax Refund Delayed by a Verification Letter? Here’s How to Handle It
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Tax Refund Delayed by a Verification Letter? Here’s How to Handle It

Have you received a letter from the IRS asking to verify your identity before processing your tax return? If so, don’t ignore it, but don’t blindly follow instructions either. Here’s how to safely handle the situation.

Power Saver or Power Scam? The Truth About Plug-In Energy Devices
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Power Saver or Power Scam? The Truth About Plug-In Energy Devices

The Energy Crusher is marketed as a tool that can lower your electric bills. But does it work? Here's what consumers should know about plug-in power savers, and how to avoid getting zapped by similar ”energy saving” claims.

$5,000 for a Conversation? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

$5,000 for a Conversation? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know

A Georgia homeowner was surprised by a $5,000 invoice from a contractor they never hired. Here’s what to know about informal agreements, contractor red flags, and how to protect yourself from unexpected charges.

W-2 Went Missing? Here’s Your Next Move
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

W-2 Went Missing? Here’s Your Next Move

If your former employer hasn’t sent your W-2, don’t panic. Here's what to do if they claim it's mailed but it never arrives, including how to get help from the IRS and file your taxes without it.

Out of Luck or Owed a Refund? Airline Reimbursement Rules Explained
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Out of Luck or Owed a Refund? Airline Reimbursement Rules Explained

Wondering if airlines will cover hotel or meal costs when an outage or disruption leaves you stranded? Here's what the law says, what’s changed, and how to fight for a refund.

Rolex or Ripoff? How to Vet Watch Sellers Before You Buy
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Rolex or Ripoff? How to Vet Watch Sellers Before You Buy

Thinking about buying a Rolex online? Here’s how to spot a legitimate dealer and avoid scams by learning simple ways to verify businesses before you buy.

Townhome Insurance: What You Don’t Know Could Drain Your Wallet
Finance & Tips

Marnie Zambri

Townhome Insurance: What You Don’t Know Could Drain Your Wallet

Townhome insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here's how to navigate HOA rules, master policies, and hidden deductibles before picking the right coverage.

One Policy to Rule Them All: The Case for Annual Travel Insurance
Finance & Tips

Marnie Zambri

One Policy to Rule Them All: The Case for Annual Travel Insurance

Frequent travelers can often save time, money, and stress with an annual travel insurance policy. Here's how to know if a yearly plan is right for you—and what to look out for in the fine print.

Crypto Scam or Misstep? When Account Managers Block Your Withdrawal
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Marnie Zambri

Crypto Scam or Misstep? When Account Managers Block Your Withdrawal

If your crypto “account manager” is blocking withdrawals, you may be caught in a scam. Learn how to spot red flags, safeguard your investments, and regain control.