Have you considered a doggie door? My ex boyfriend had a German Shepherd that used a doggie door. A fenced yard is a must, of course.

I only work 8 hours and my dog is a 70# Pitt bull. He has a larger bladder. He actually doesn't drink enough water IMO. Now a little poodle, I understand the need to let it out more frequently.

LMAO. OP wants to cut expenses and save more for retirement. That's one that can easily be cut or at least reduced if they insist on paying someone else to walk their dog. Walk the dog in the morning or after work if you can't go home during lunch. It works for me. But I guess that doesn't work for everyone. I love dogs but I'm not going to sacrifice my future financial independence for one. I'm sure I will get dragged for that comment but oh well.

The dog walking alone made me cringe.

I use Equifax because they give me a free FICO score. My auto loan is with Wells Fargo. They also give me an updated FICO score every month.

You didn't get scammed, you just didn't read before you signed. Welcome to the US!

I work for the VA in a VA clinic. The benefits outweigh any negatives. I'm not sure what you mean by "most Americans actively want the government to be cut in half." Federal employment is about as secure as you can get. You will hear the phrase "It takes an act of Congress to fire a Federal employee." It really does take a lot to get yourself fired when working for the government.