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57. Paying Contractors in Cash - Here’s the Risk
24:35||Season 1, Ep. 57Paying a contractor in cash could cost you more than you think. Cash payments and money transfer apps like Zelle and Cash App offer limited protections if something goes wrong. Before handing over your money, consider using a credit card or another payment method that provides additional safeguards, especially when paying for expensive home improvement projects. On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin sit down with Tom Cole, Director at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, to discuss contractor scams, payment red flags, and how homeowners can protect themselves when hiring a contractor. Don’t let a payment mistake turn into an expensive lesson. #ContractorScams #HomeImprovement #HomeRenovation #ContractorTips #PaymentProtection #ConsumerProtection #ScamPrevention #ScamAlert #HomeownerTips #BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter
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56. The Hard Truth About Recovery
31:08||Season 1, Ep. 56Recovery doesn’t end when someone leaves rehab.Overcoming addiction is an ongoing process that requires commitment, support, and the tools to navigate everyday challenges. While completing a treatment program is an important milestone, maintaining sobriety means continuing to build healthy habits, recognize triggers, and make intentional choices long after treatment ends.On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, Joe Ducey sits down with Nina Cornejo, CEO, and Christina Ackerman, Digital Marketing Specialist at Coastal Detox of Southern California, to discuss the realities of addiction recovery, the importance of ongoing support, and why long-term sobriety requires more than completing a treatment program.Recovery is a journey, not a one-time destination.#AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #SoberLiving #AddictionAwareness #RecoverySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceUseRecovery #FamilySupport #BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter
55. The Real Power of Teaching Car Owners
30:21||Season 1, Ep. 55Skipping an oil change could be costing you more than you think.Oil keeps your engine’s internal systems lubricated and working efficiently. When you put off changing it, you’re not only risking unnecessary wear on your engine, you could also be hurting your fuel efficiency and spending more at the pump.On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, Joe Ducey sits down with Talena Handley, Owner of Girlie Garage, to talk about the car maintenance basics every driver should understand and how staying on top of routine maintenance can help prevent bigger, more expensive problems.A little maintenance now could save you money later.#CarMaintenance #OilChange #CarCare #AutoTips #CarTips #VehicleMaintenance #MoneySavingTips #ConsumerTips #BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter #GirlieGarage
54. The Hard Truth About Care Facilities
23:14||Season 1, Ep. 54Choosing a long-term care facility isn’t where your family’s involvement ends. Regular visits, phone calls, and communication with facility staff can help families stay informed about a loved one’s care and recognize when something may not be right. Building those relationships can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening even when you can’t be there every day. On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, BBB's Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin sit down with Lisa Pollock, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, to discuss why staying connected, asking questions, and speaking up about concerns are important parts of advocating for loved ones in long-term care. #LongTermCare #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #Caregiving #FamilyCaregivers #ResidentRights #AgingWell #ConsumerProtection #BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter
53. Surviving the Heat & Hiring the Best
24:24||Season 1, Ep. 53Think a “full sun” plant can handle any amount of Arizona sunshine? Not necessarily.Hotter days are only part of the challenge. When temperatures stay high well into the night, plants don’t get the relief they once did, which means varieties that historically thrived in full sun may now be more susceptible to scorching.On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin sit down with Ben McGonigle, Certified Arborist and Owner of Design Tree Maintenance, to discuss how changing conditions are affecting Arizona landscapes and why choosing the right plants for the right location matters.Before you plant, make sure your landscaping is prepared for today’s desert heat.#ArizonaLandscaping #LandscapingTips #TreeCare #PlantCare #DesertLandscaping #ArizonaHeat #CertifiedArborist #HomeImprovement #BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter #DesignTreeMaintenance
52. Going Solar Without Getting Burned
25:38||Season 1, Ep. 52Thinking about going solar? Before you let anyone put panels on your roof, you need to know what you’re getting into. Solar is a major financial investment, and falling for a high-pressure, door-to-door sales pitch is the fastest way to make an expensive mistake.On this week’s episode of Joe Knows Better, hosts Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin sit down with Adrian Keller, Program Director at Solar United Neighbors, to break down everything consumers must know before making a commitment. Together, they walk through how to spot reputable local installers, recognize common red flags, and navigate fine print, warranties, and consumer protections. You'll learn why Adrian recommends the "3-bid rule"—sleeping on a sales pitch, gathering multiple written quotes, and weighing the pros and cons of owning versus leasing your panels before signing anything.Don't sign at the door—do your homework first. Tune in to learn how to ask the right questions, compare your options, and harness the sun with confidence.
51. Scams Right Now
14:55||Season 1, Ep. 51Would you RSVP to a neighborhood pool party with no pool? Or a birthday party with no cake?It sounds ridiculous, but fake event invitations are showing up in inboxes right now. One click could lead to stolen information or malware on your device, making these invitations anything but a celebration.On this week’s Joe Knows Better podcast, Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin break down the latest scams hitting consumers, including fake party invitations, travel scams, investment fraud, and more, along with simple ways to protect yourself.#ScamAlert #ConsumerProtection #CyberSafety #OnlineScams #EmailScams#BBB #JoeDucey #JoeKnowsBetter #ScamPrevention #ConsumerTips #StaySafe #FraudAwareness