TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Smart Strategies to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Smart Strategies to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills

A routine dealership visit turned into a $2,000 repair bill. Learn how to protect yourself from surprise charges and ensure you're only paying for the services your car actually needs.

Why Paying in Cash Can Cost You More
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Why Paying in Cash Can Cost You More

Some companies charge extra just because you pay your bill in person or with cash. Learn why these fees exist, who they impact most, and how to avoid them with simple, low-cost alternatives like prepaid debit cards.

Behind the Breakdown: What Appliance Companies Aren’t Telling You
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Behind the Breakdown: What Appliance Companies Aren’t Telling You

One homeowner’s refrigerator repair spiraled into a months-long mess. Discover what went wrong—and how to protect yourself from warranty traps.

This Contract Clause Is Costing Consumers Thousands
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

This Contract Clause Is Costing Consumers Thousands

A Georgia woman paid off her lease-to-own furniture early—only to be told she still owed nearly $3,000. Learn how tricky financing contracts trap consumers and how to protect yourself before you sign.

Don’t Let a Payment App Drain Your Wallet
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Don’t Let a Payment App Drain Your Wallet

Mobile payment apps like Venmo and Cash App are convenient—but they aren’t insured. Learn how to protect your money from crashes, hacks, or company failures with these smart financial moves.

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing

Concerned about hiring an unlicensed HVAC company? Learn how to verify licenses in Georgia, why it matters, and what steps you can take to protect your home—and your wallet.

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line

A $6 insurance fee sounds harmless—until you're charged another $6 just to pay it. Learn how consumers are being caught in a loop of bogus processing charges and what you can do to avoid falling for this sneaky billing tactic.

Return Denied, Refund Delayed: What to Do When a Company Fights Your Chargeback
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Return Denied, Refund Delayed: What to Do When a Company Fights Your Chargeback

A company ignored your return request—now they want you to cancel your chargeback and pay to ship it back. Here's why you shouldn’t give in, and how to let your credit card company fight for you.

High-End Hype, Low-End Hustle: The New Face of an Old Scam
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

High-End Hype, Low-End Hustle: The New Face of an Old Scam

A parking lot pitch led one shopper to spend $340 on a “high-end” projector that wasn’t what it seemed. Learn how modern scammers are revamping old cons—and how to protect yourself.

$7,500 for a Car He Didn’t Keep? How a Rental Turned Into a Financial Nightmare
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

$7,500 for a Car He Didn’t Keep? How a Rental Turned Into a Financial Nightmare

A Georgia man was charged $7,500 for a rental car he had already returned. When customer service failed, he fought back—and won. Here’s how persistence (and a little backup) helped him beat a corporate billing disaster.

Paint Job Pitfalls: How to Avoid a Curb Appeal Catastrophe
Exterior & Landscaping Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Paint Job Pitfalls: How to Avoid a Curb Appeal Catastrophe

Hiring a painter? Don’t get stuck with peeling paint and no recourse. Learn how to vet pros, avoid scams, and protect your home’s exterior with these smart curb appeal tips.

The Hidden Benefits of Duct Cleaning: Why It’s Worth It
Cleaning Repair & Maintenance

Laura Lovejoy

The Hidden Benefits of Duct Cleaning: Why It’s Worth It

Discover the benefits of duct cleaning, from improved air quality and reduced allergens to increased HVAC efficiency and odor elimination. Keep your home healthier and energy-efficient. TrustDale connects you with reliable professionals for quality s

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs

A Georgia couple exposed hidden dealership fees on a used car—then used state law to fight back. Learn how to protect yourself from deceptive car pricing.

Looks Can Lie: The Rental Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Looks Can Lie: The Rental Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

Thinking of renting? Don’t ignore negative reviews. Learn how to vet property management companies and protect yourself from hidden fees, poor service, and red flags.