After the storm comes the clean up!

If your lawn has suffered damage due to the recent storms, you need Arbor-Nomics! Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends you contact Arbor-Nomics for the quality service and care you need in order to get your yard looking lush and green again. Check out this deal from TrustDale (TD) to get your lawn in tiptop shape. Click HERE to receive an exclusive 5% off all your Arbor-Nomics annual treatment packages, AND the TD/Arbor-nomics Make It Right Guarantee!

TrustDale Tip of the Day: *Seven Ways to Storm Proof Your Trees and Property
A tree is never in greater danger than during a storm. That can mean a threat from pounding rain and hail, from the fury of the wind, from the scorch of lightning, or the weight of ice on branches and leaves. You may also have to remove a tree that endangers life and property during or after a storm. The key to a tree’s survival is the care you give before the storm, keeping it healthy with proper space to grow.
Every tree will face at least one storm during its lifetime. Here are seven tips designed to help minimize the impact of storms on trees and property in your yard or in your forest:
Tip 1 – Think about young trees growing up when planting. Trees will mature and grow tall so avoid planting near wires, too close to a building, in shallow soils, or on steep banks.
Tip 2 – Brittle species should not be planted on sites where breakage is a problem. Brittle species include elm, willow, box elder, poplar, and silver maple.
Tip 3 – Where early ice storms are common, avoid planting species that hold their leaves late into fall.
Tip 4 – During excavation around trees, avoid damaging or cutting roots.
Tip 5 – Begin an annual pruning program when trees are young. Prune dead or weakened limbs and excessive branches from crowns.
Tip 6 – For particularly valuable trees, hire a professional arborist to strengthen a tree by installing cabling or bracing on weak limbs and split crotches.
Tip 7 – Keep the tree healthy by watering, fertilizing, and protecting the soil from compaction.

* Source: http://forestry.about.com/od/adverseweather/a/storm_proof.htm

Sunday, May 1st on TrustDale TV!

Thie Sunday Morning at 11:30 on Atlanta’s FOX 5:
No one likes paying taxes, so it was quite surprising that the IRS told our guest that someone already filed using her social security number. Then, consumer advocate Joni Alpert shares web sites that tell you if you are owed some money… it worked for her. Aquaguard’s Tom DiGregorio gives his tips with the help from Ductz on cleaning your heating and air conditioning vents. Then, we’ll meet a man who decided to start a sweet new career, making donuts. Finally, we hear the good news from Aquaguard after Dale helps to get their stolen credit card numbers back in order.

Are you paying too much for gas AND wondering why?

High gas prices cutting into your budget? Click HERE to see how Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends you get the best gas prices in your area. In addition, you’ll find out the driving force behind CURRENT gasoline prices!

As an investigative reporter, Dale Cardwell has chased gas price conspiracy theories for nearly thirty years. Few things would make him happier than to find one. The truth is (stop now if you believe in Bigfoot), there is no conspiracy. Dale knows you don’t want to hear that. He knows you want to believe there’s an evil cartel just waiting for the next hurricane or war so they can charge you more at the pumps. It doesn’t exist, but you can still be mad because the truth behind why gas prices go up so high, so fast is just as infuriating.

Oil is a commodity that, for the most part, is sold on an open world market. Today’s prices are based on what a barrel of oil will cost to produce and distribute a few weeks from now, and what a willing buyer will pay for it. For decades, we Americans have proven to the oil sellers that we have an unquenchable thirst for their product. So when weather and/or politics are relatively stable, they sell us as much as we want at a price we’ve grown comfortable in paying. When events become unstable, the market predicts that barrels of oil are going to become more difficult to pump out of the ground and transport. Those sellers want to continue making money when times become unstable, so they start charging us more – immediately.

Here’s how that works: Although the gasoline sitting in your local gas station’s tank cost $3.53 per gallon (including profit margin) to get there, the moment the traders set the price for next month’s oil, the gas companies start raising their prices on their current inventory to cover the cost of buying their future inventory. If there is something unfair about this, it’s that you’ll notice gas prices go up much faster than they fall. Everyone in the food chain makes more money as the price per gallon falls because you’re still willing to pay for it. Competition brings the price back down – eventually.

Now, here’s why you should be mad. We’ve lived with this problem for nearly 40 years. We know the only way to relieve the pain is to a) buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and b) support politicians who truly want to find alternatives to our addiction to oil. That’s not going to happen. Politicians get far more political value out of blaming the other party than they ever would through finding a solution. Plus, those energy company campaign contributions are pretty addictive, too.

So here’s Dale’s advice: Go to GasBuddy.com. It’s a completely free service that uses the power of people like you and Dale to act as reporters to find and share information about the cheapest local prices at home, as well as anywhere you travel. You can even download an app for your phone. After paying $3.71 per gallon Dale went to GasBuddy.com and found gas for $3.58 AND closer to his home. What a steal!

TrustDale Tip of the Day: * How to Save Money on Gas

1. If you have a cruise control and there isn’t a whole lot of traffic, you probably should use it (it will keep the speed constant and hence doesn’t need to accelerate).
2. Use the overdrive gears, as this will generally keep your RPM down and your wallet happy.
3. Shift into neutral when you are standing still to reduce transmission strain and cool off the transmission.
4. Avoid heavy traffic and lots of traffic lights. The shortest route is not always the most fuel efficient if you have to stop a lot.
5. Inflate your tires to the specified level. This will reduce the contact area of your tire to the road and therefore reduce the friction. It will help you to get a slightly improved gas mileage.

* Source: http://www.opentravelinfo.com/travel-guide/uncategorized/how-to-save-money-on-gas-29-tips.html

Saturday April 30th on TrustDale TV!

This Saturday morning, April 30th at 11:30 on Atlanta’s FOX 5:
Timeshares can be great, until you want to sell one. We’ll get advice on how to unload a timeshare from Advanced Retirement Planning. One man’s trash is definitely another’s treasure as we feature a couple who started a compost business. Dale explains why he trusts EMC Security over all the others. Aquaguard’s Tom DiGregorio talks to Pop-a-lock and gets a demonstration on how they can open your car. And finally, we show the results a viewer with a septic tank problem after the TrustDale team got involved.

Enjoy your vacation knowing your home and valuables are safe!

Don’t let your vacation time become your worry time! Why not feel safer when you’re away with an EMC Security Home Alarm System. Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends EMC Security. For your EMC Security/TrustDale’s exclusive deal AND Make it Right Guarantee click HERE. This deal includes your first two months of monitoring service FREE or 50% off the addition of your first Monitored Smoke Detector!
TrustDale Tip of the Day: *: 7 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Tips for keeping your home safe while you’re away on vacation this summer. Before leaving one’s home for a prolonged period, run through this checklist.

1. Inform a neighbor: Tell a trusted neighbor when you will be gone, where you are going, and how you can be reached in case of an emergency at your home.
2. Cancel deliveries: A buildup of mail and newspapers will alert a burglar that you are not home. Stop delivery while you are away or have a trusted neighbor collect it for you daily.
3. Lighting: It is wise to put both indoor and outdoor lights on a timer. It is recommended to have timers on lights in at least two different rooms within the house.
4. Drapes and blinds: Leave upstairs drapes open and ground level drapes or blinds closed.
5. Secure doors/windows and set alarm system: Often when in a rush, people forget to ensure their home is secure. Over half of all break-ins are actually unlawful entries into unsecured homes.
6. Secure valuables: Secure all valuables and important papers in a safe deposit box or a non-portable safe.
7. Hire a house sitter: See if a trusted neighbor or friend will house-sit while you are away.

*: Source: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/lifestyle/96827644.html

A clean, healthy home begins with clean, healthy carpets!

If you want a clean, healthy home environment start with clean, healthy carpets! Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends you contact Sunrise Clean Care & Water Restoration for your FREE in-home evaluation. Click HERE to receive your exclusive Sunrise Clean Care/TrustDale Deal of¬ $30 off when Sunrise cleans 4 full rooms or more AND receive a free bottle or Sunrise’s exclusive “Green Wizard” carpet and upholstery spotter. Plus, you get the Sunrise Clean Care/TrustDale Make It Right Guarantee!

The Sunrise Clean Care experience begins with a FREE in-home evaluation. Sunrise will take a close look at your carpet and all other surfaces in order to tell you exactly what will help them look their best. In addition, they will inform you of what they can do to remove anything from your carpets that could be causing an unhealthy environment in your home. They’ll fully explain what should be done in terms you can easily understand and put it in writing so that you can make an informed decision.

Unlike competitors, Sunrise does not use harsh chemicals, just pure, high pressure steam. You can rest assured Sunrise IICRC certified technicians follow all major carpet manufacturers’ recommended cleaning guidelines. Their “green” cleaning process sanitizes your carpet fibers, rinses out all cleaning solution, and you’re guaranteed absolutely no residue. This will ensure your carpets and rugs will stay cleaner longer.
Sunrise wants to make you a customer for life™ so they back their work with their triple guarantee:

1. If you’re not happy, they’ll re-clean for free. If you’re still not head over heels thrilled, you’ll get your money back, no questions asked.
2. If the spot can come out, they’ll get it out, including red dye stains. If a spot does come back, you have 30 days to call Sunrise to come back and remove it for free!
3. If a catastrophe happens to your carpet within the first week after they clean it, don’t worry, they’ll come back and spot clean it for no charge!

Needless to say, you’re also protected by the TrustDale Make It Right Guarantee! ™

TrustDale Tip of the Day: * WHAT TO DO TO GET YOUR HOME “ENERGY READY” FOR SUMMER

1. Consider installing a whole-house fan that uses cool air in the evening to cool the entire house and push hot air out of the attic area.
2. If you cover your air conditioner’s condenser unit (the part that is outside the house) for the winter, take off the cover and hose down the coils. Clear areas around the condenser unit so that it has full air flow.
3. Install ceiling fans or whole house fans to help reduce your need to use the air conditioner.
4. Take down the old storm windows, if you live in areas where you need them, and put up screens in their place.

* Source: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summerize.html

Enter the “Fourth Estate”

Are you a consumer with a problem that seems to have no resolution in sight? Click HERE to see how Dale Cardwell, president of TrustDale.com, helped Tony Lugo regain custody of his beloved truck that was being held captive by a Snellville body shop.

Raise your hand if you’ve heard the term “the Fourth Estate.” You probably have. Now, recite what it means; chances are you can’t. Wikipedia describes it as “a societal force… or institution whose influence is not consistently or officially recognized.”These days that description most often applies to newsgathering organizations — “the press.”

Tony Lugo had never heard of the Fourth Estate when he contacted Dale Cardwell through the TrustDale.com helpline a few weeks ago. Tony did know that he’d been in a truck wreck back in 2008 and that a body shop he found in the phone book towed his truck off to Snellville. He also knew the body shop owner improperly cashed $11,000 dollars worth of checks from Tony’s insurance company. Most importantly, Tony knew that three and a half years later, the body shop had not fixed his truck and worse yet, they wouldn’t give it back. Outrageous you say?

TrustDale agreed and so did the courts. Tony hired an attorney, sued the body shop owner, and won a whopping $ 232,000.00 judgment! Now, most of us would gladly trade a wrecked $40,000 Ford F-150 for close to a quarter of a million dollar court-ordered payday. The problem is — Tony couldn’t collect it. TrustDale’s research found the body shop owner had lost (or perhaps creatively disposed of) all visible assets.

With no payday, Tony’s former attorney lost interest, and Tony still didn’t have his truck. Tony Lugo is not the kind of guy who gives up easily, so he filed a theft report with Snellville Police. Surely that would do the trick, right? Wrong. Snellville told Tony it was a “civil” matter already settled by the courts. Complicated, huh? Tony’s next move was to get a judge to place a lien against the body shop owners’ property. This would allow the Sheriff to legally seize the property, sell it on the courthouse steps, and give up to $232,000 of the proceeds to Tony. Finally, some action, right? Wrong. Since 2009, Tony, an honest, soft-spoken plumber by trade, has not been able to get the sheriff’s department to serve the court ordered lien. Why? They’re busy! No one’s gettin’ killed here, people; after all, it’s just a truck!

Enter the Fourth Estate, in the form of this paper and TrustDale.com. Tony—, who had done everything right for three and a half years and could get no relief — got in touch with us. With the help of Tony’s new attorney, Jonathan Johnson, TrustDale obtained a copy of the court-ordered lien, called the Snellville Police Department and asked for their presence while Tony and TrustDale went over to regain custody of his beloved truck, which they did — in less than thirty minutes after arrival at the body shop.

How could this paper and TrustDale.com achieve in minutes what Tony, his first attorney, the police, the sheriff, and the court could not? Call it pressure, persistence, or good, old-fashioned arm twisting. The bottom line is none of those recognized institutions wanted to risk the embarrassment of their collective impotence being exposed by Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, and this paper, otherwise known as “the Fourth Estate.”

And yes, we’re here to help you! The next time you’re ready to throw your shoe at the talking news head on TV, or use a newspaper to line your bird cage, imagine where Tony Lugo would be without us — still walking to work.

TrustDale Tip of the Day: * General Buying Tip for the Savvy Consumer
A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Be wary of promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business/job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel.
* Source: http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_general_quick_tips.shtml

Make your dream kitchen a reality!

Have you been leafing through magazine after magazine, fantasizing about your dream kitchen? Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends you put the magazine down, and contact Guy T. Gunter to put your dream into action! Click HERE to receive your exclusive Guy Gunter Appliance TrustDale Deal of a FREE Microwave Oven with purchase of a typical kitchen. Plus, you get the Guy Gunter/TD Make It Right Guarantee!

Most appliance shops are just that; shops where you look at a fridge or dishwasher, try to imagine it in your home, and hope you make the right decision. At Guy Gunter, you get the same or better prices for a truly exceptional experience. Their showroom IS your kitchen or what can become your kitchen. Exceptional selection at a competitive price. You’ve got to see it to believe it!

Guy Gunter & Associates IS quality. For more than five decades and across three generations, the Gunter family has been Atlanta’s top purveyor of fine appliances. They specialize in some of the most respected and longest lasting products in the industry: Sub zero, Wolf, Miele, Blue Star, Thermador, Jenn-Air, and KitchenAid. Their gallery is open to everyone. You’ll not only find expert advice from their highly trained staff, but a truly unique shopping experience. You owe it to yourself to experience Guy Gunter & Associates.
Since 1952, Guy Gunter & Associates has provided and maintained the highest level of customer service available in the home appliance industry. Their associates average over ten years in the business, giving you the benefit of their great relationships with their manufacturers, as well as an understanding of how to get things done. If there is an issue with any appliance you purchase from Guy Gunter & Associates, your concern will be taken care of promptly and properly. What’s more, your purchase is doubly protected by the TrustDale Make It Right Guarantee!

TrustDale Tip of the Day: * Kitchen Safety Tips

1. Make sure all wires, cords, and plugs on your appliances are not frayed and that the plugs have 3-prong grounded connections. This would include coffee makers, toasters, blenders, microwaves, mixers, etc.
2. Don’t use extension cords. You can obtain a junction box that has built-in GFI (ground fault interrupters). This will allow you extra plug in space and the GFI will kick in if there is a power shortage. Helps avoid water/electrical shock accidents.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, but not near the stove or the heater.
4. In case of a grease fire, salt and/or baking soda will help if you do not have a fire extinguisher.
5. Scalding is one of the most common injuries in the kitchen. Make sure to turn pot handles away from the front of the stove and away from little curious hands.

   * Source: http://www.straighten-up-now.com/kitchen-safety-tips.html

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   Oil Change Equation: Quality Service + Fair Price = HAVOLINE XPRESS LUBE!

   April 22, 2011 by bruce  
   Filed under Consumer Advice You Can Trust

   Comments Off

   

   Need an oil change? Dale Cardwell, president of TrustDale.com, recommends Havoline Xpress Lube because you get quality service at a fair price. Click HERE to receive your exclusive Havoline Xpress Lube/TrustDale Deal! You pay only $19.99 for a conventional oil change. This includes 5 quarts of oil, and only $2.95 for shop supplies. Plus, you get the Havoline Xpress Lube/TD Make It Right Guarantee!
   
   There are hundreds of places to have your oil changed. Cheaper is almost never better. TrustDale’s investigation finds Havoline Xpress Lube is across the board, day in day out, the bottom line best value. Why? Fair pricing ensures they hire trained personnel who truly care about you and your vehicle. This starts with a competitive price, but also includes quality products that protect your vehicle, and keep you OUT of the mechanic’s shop.
   
   Havoline Xpress Lube stands for quality service at a fair price. This well deserved reputation is the result of first class facilities, quality products, efficiently runs operations, excellent service, and above all, each employee’s attitude and commitment to your total satisfaction. Our investigation finds that location after location and time after time, you, the customer, are number one.
   Your vehicle is often your lifeline. Havoline Xpress Lube gets it. That’s why highly trained mechanics will service your car the right way the first time. They use only top of the line Havoline products and operate with the understanding that your time is supremely valuable. Havoline Xpress Lube guarantees a clean, welcoming environment. Your experience is double protected by the TrustDale Make It Right Guarantee!

   TrustDale Tip of the Day: * Why Changing Your Oil is Important
   Oil needs to be changed for these reasons:

   1. buildup of corrosive byproducts of combustion which could erode metal parts left to soak in it (pull a dipstick of any car that has seen long storage and note how much erosion has occurred on the portion of the dipstick that was below the surface of the oil – you may be amazed!), and
   2. breakdown of additives and lubricity due to heat and mechanical stress on the oil, and
   3. accumulation of dirt in the oil from debris caused by blow-by (carbonized oil and fuel), and
   4. contamination cause by fuel or coolant leakage. Only the last reason is operative for a car which is not being used. This will occur only if there is a problem with the carburetor leaking fuel, or the cooling system gaskets or porosity.
      * Source: http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Engine/dick.htm

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      Make your old vehicle look factory new!

      April 21, 2011 by bruce  
      Filed under Consumer Advice You Can Trust

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      Instead of sinking money into a payment for a “new” vehicle month after month, why not just give your old vehicle a new “do”? Dale Cardwell, founder of TrustDale.com, recommends Jenkins Auto Body in North Atlanta for your investment in a fresh, new paint job! Click HERE to receive your exclusive Jenkins Auto Body/TrustDale Deal of 10% OFF your next auto body and paint repair! Plus, you get the Jenkins Auto Body/TD Make It Right Guarantee!
      
      Don’t be fooled! Having your vehicle painted or repaired after an accident is a function of three ingredients: skill, parts, and pricing. TrustDale has found that almost no one combines those ingredients better than Jenkins Auto Body. Why? Scott and his team do the best possible job at the best possible price. No one at Jenkins is paid on commission. Their overhead is low, and they pass that savings on to their customers. From wholesale to insurance to custom and to reconditioning lease turn ins, Scott guarantees a great finished product at a great price.
      
      The Jenkins Auto Body team has over 15 years of experience. Scott’s passion is not only painting cars, but making them look brand new. Want proof? I found Jenkins when I was looking for a shop to repair and restore my son’s ‘93 Ford Ranger. Scott took a near totaled wreck and restored it assembly line new! In fact, Jenkins Auto Body recently painted a custom show bike that won best paint job at the World of Wheels in Atlanta. TrustDale’s investigation finds Jenkins Auto Body is where quality meets commitment.
      The Jenkins Auto Body team is devoted to ensuring that each customer leaves feeling great about their investment in their vehicles. They take the term customer service to a new level. In our current economic state, Scott and his team understand that a good relationship with their customers is crucial, and they adamantly stand behind all they do. Plus, you have the double protection of the TrustDale Make It Right Guarantee!

      TrustDale Tip of the Day: * Do’s & Don’ts of Washing Your Car

      1. Don’t… use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren’t formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax.
      2. Do… use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb’s-wool mitt.
      3. Don’t… wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.
      4. Don’t… move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. Don’t continue using a sponge that’s dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.
      5. Do… rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car. Work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface. And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water. When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.
         * Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2005/dos-and-donts-of-washing-your-car-1205/overview/index.htm

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