Helpful DuGood Articles

If you've ever signed up for an introductory trial offer or thought a trial subscription that was cancellable "at any time," was too good to resist, chances are you also know that dangers lurk around the bend. Seemingly low-cost subscriptions, especially when the first month or two are offered at a discount, can be traps that add up to big bucks each year.

Whenever you're faced with the temptation to sign up for a monthly payment subscription, it helps to figure the actual cost on an annual basis before you grab the "opportunity." While a few dollars each month seems reasonable enough, the yearly cost might be cause to pause.

Online subscriptions, payable through automatic recurring charges to your credit card or checking account, can be especially difficult to cancel unless you're very organized and keep impeccable records of sign-up dates and billing schedules. Too many people forget to monitor the charges and find that canceling is too much hassle.

Before you know it, those ‘few bucks a month subscriptions’ are costing you hundreds or even thousands a year. You’re signed up for Netflix and Hulu for movies and tv shows, Pandora Plus and Spotify for your music, you have the premium version of MyFitnessPal, you’re subscribed to Audible for audiobooks, you’re signed up for a dating site and who knows what else. Pretty soon, you have five or more $5 - $10 monthly subscriptions going at once!

It’s an easy trap, and businesses know this – which is why most are switching to subscription pricing models. You see this trend everywhere, from Adobe and Microsoft software to shaving and personal shopping companies.  

We’re excited to introduce a new way to manage your spending!  Eligible debit card holders may be able to get extra funds for their purchases and split payments over time through our newest service, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).

Everyone is at risk of falling victim to tax identity theft, and thousands of Americans are impacted by this crime each year. Fraudsters often target taxpayers early in the year, hoping to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of busy tax season preparations.

The holiday season is filled with bright lights, festive music, and fun events with family and friends. However, there’s another reason that many employees’ spirits are high this time of the year – they are anxiously awaiting their year-end bonus.

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be peak season for cybercriminals and identity thieves. With online shopping, holiday travels, and increased sharing of personal information, the risk of identity theft can rise dramatically this time of year. Follow these tips to help keep your identity safe and, in turn keep your holiday season stress-free.