News & Consumer Advice

Offer for a free vacation if I sign up for something. Is is too good to be true?

Chick-fil-A is not my favorite meal choice, but it is one of my favorite meal destinations, and here is why. I was rounding the drive through one recent evening and caught an old obscure song on my car radio. My window was down, and the young man taking m

Uber eats driver delivers my food and takes another package that was sitting on my porch!

Dale's Consumer Do's and Don'ts for February 2024

I tend to believe good things will stay the same or simply get better. Ok, that’s not a bad world view, but it is a bit pollyannish. Recently, I lost another great friend. His name was Perry.  He lived life to the fullest up to the end, and I believe

When it comes to plumbing issues in your home, it's tempting to seek the quickest and cheapest solution. However, choosing to hire a licensed plumber instead of "the guy down the street" can make a world of difference in terms of safety, quality, and

What’s wrong with football? If you know me personally, you know I’m a big football fan. So, I have noticed a trend of more people promoting the viewpoint that the game, especially the pro game is rigged. People, (even some I otherwise respect) claim their

Personal finance company Credit Karma is accused of deceiving the very people it tries to help. Dale explains what you need to do if Credit Karma's deceit took a bite out of your credit score.

As winter blankets the landscape with snow and cold temperatures, it might seem counterintuitive to start thinking about your spring landscape project. However, seasoned homeowners and landscaping enthusiasts know that planning ahead is the key to a

When was the last time you were stunned to learn something, you did not expect to learn? It happened for me when I discovered many Americans do not insist on validation before they accept a news report as fact. I realized that my four-year degree in journ

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful experience. It involves a lot of planning, packing, and coordination. One crucial aspect of the moving process that often gets overlooked is insurance. While professional moving companies take gre

I recently received a free package of greeting cards from a charity to which I do not regularly contribute. I instantly considered whether I should use them, even though I had no intention of donating. The items are called “donor premiums” and are a time-

The mechanic damaged my car. What can I do?

When it comes to expanding your living space and increasing the value of your home, basement renovations are a fantastic investment. Basements are often underutilized, dark, and dingy spaces that can be transformed into vibrant, functional areas that

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.