James W.

Pulled my free annual reports and found a collections account I didn't owe. Disputed it, removed in 30 days, score jumped 35 points.

The Porch patio on Henderson is one of the best people-watching spots in Dallas. Good burger too.

The challenge system from tennis is the answer. Give teams 2 challenges per half. If you are right, you keep the challenge. If wrong, you lose it. It adds strategy and limits disruption.

DART should be free. Revenue from fares is a tiny fraction of the budget. Making it free would double ridership and reduce traffic. Fund it entirely through the sales tax that already supports it.

The written confirmation step is CRITICAL. My old complex tried to send me to collections for "unpaid rent" 4 months after I terminated with a 2-month penalty. The written agreement saved me.

TDLR complaint against a tow company in Arlington resulted in a $5,000 fine against them. They had 47 prior complaints.

Jones Stadium when it is rocking is underrated. The 2022 Texas game proved that Lubbock can be as hostile as anywhere. And yes, the tortillas are a real thing.

The no state income tax on capital gains is a massive wealth-building advantage. If you're selling stocks or real estate in Texas, you keep more of the gain.

ALERRT training at Texas State is top-tier. They train most of the law enforcement in Texas. Their civilian course is the same quality.

GrapeFest in Grapevine is a blast. Texas wines are better than most people think and the festival is well-organized.

Wire transfers are the red flag. No legitimate landlord insists on a wire transfer for a deposit. Checks or verified property management company portals only.

PACER is technically not free ($0.10/page) but you can search for free. If they filed bankruptcy, you need to file a creditor claim quickly.

Important reminder: harassing registered offenders is illegal and counterproductive. The system exists for awareness, not vigilante action.

Lone Star Legal Aid helped me terminate a lease due to a mold issue in Fort Worth. Free legal help for tenants under income guidelines.

Fort Worth food is more authentic and less pretentious than Dallas food. I said it.

HVAC in Texas is job security for life. It's 105 degrees 3 months of the year. AC will never not be needed.

The scheduling thing is so real. I have my kids every other week, she has hers on the SAME weeks. We see each other twice a month max. But we make it work.

Plano Animal Services said they wont trap or relocate them. The solution is hazing — making noise, throwing things, making them afraid of humans.

Audi entering as a full factory team is bigger than people realize. Volkswagen Group money and engineering in F1. That is a game changer for the midfield.

I'd add #11: Learn where your nearest H-E-B is. It will change your grocery shopping life. They're still expanding but the ones that are open are incredible.

Off The Bone mac and cheese is better than Pecan Lodge's. I will not be taking questions.

Scarborough Faire is peak Texas weirdness and I love every second of it. Turkey legs, jousting, and people in full Renaissance costume in 95-degree heat.

The dependent care FSA tip saves us $1,500/year in taxes. If your employer offers it and you're not using it, you're leaving money on the table.

The one-party consent law in Texas means your doorbell cam audio recording from your own property is fully legal. Important distinction.

The overtime calculation tip is important. My employer was calculating OT on base pay only, ignoring my shift differential. That's an FLSA violation. Filed with DOL and got 2 years of back pay.