In a down economy with rising gas prices, additional fees and increases in monthly bills, consumers can often feel as though they need an advocate. DeKalb County resident Dale Cardwell has made a name for himself throughout the Atlanta area as an ally for consumers through his website, www.trustdale.com, his television show and "TrustDale Radio," his weekly show on WGST.

Now, his consumer advice, tips and warnings will be available each week exclusively in the Cherokee Tribune.

As a part of our business section, we will feature a weekly column written by Cardwell aimed at you, the consumer.

"I'm honored to be joining the (Cherokee Tribune.) It's an incredibly respected paper. Citizens rely and depend on it, so I think our partnership will be the perfect combination," Cardwell said.

The six-time Emmy award winner, who has worked alongside Clark Howard, said the main goal for his new column will be to make himself a consumer advocate for metro Atlanta residents.

"They can write to me with problems they can't seem to resolve," he said. "My other mission is to help people find easier, and more cost effective ways to do normal, everyday things."

The column will feature advice for those facing financial problems, but Cardwell said he will focus on helping readers learn to avoid those types of situations.

"I don't just want to tell people how rotten things are. I wanted to help people and teach them how not to get burned in the first place," he said. "What I want to do is help people make great decisions up front, but I have a proven track record of putting myself between the consumer and bad situations."

Cardwell said he will also give advice pertaining to the Internet - letting readers know about valuable websites and what scams to avoid.

"TrustDale TV," Cardwell's 30-minute program, airs every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Atlanta's Fox 5.

Cardwell has spent 25 years exposing business scams and political corruption, while focusing on teaching viewers and readers to become their own consumer advocates.