The Power of Community: Why DWD’s Approach to Financial Literacy Stands Apart

This entry is part 9 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

At Dealing With Debt, we’re not just teaching financial literacy. We’re building something bigger—a community-based learning environment. And that one difference changes everything. Most financial education programs are transactional: a class, a course, or a booklet you read once and set aside. At DWD, we know that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people learn together, share experiences, and support one another on the journey. That’s why our use of community-based learning…

Will Your Bending Break Your Best People?

This entry is part 11 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

Every manager has them—the employees who always deliver, handle challenges without drama, and can be trusted with the “mission critical” tasks. It’s natural to want those people on your most important projects. But here’s the hard truth: when resources are tight, high performers can become the default safety net for everything the rest of the team can’t—or won’t—do. And while that may solve a short-term problem, it can create long-term risks: burnout, resentment, and even…

When Being the Goat Becomes a Lot

This entry is part 10 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

In every organization, there’s a quiet truth: the better you are at your job, the more people lean on you. You’re trusted. You’re capable. You make things happen. That’s wonderful—until it isn’t. In today’s “do more with less” workplace, high performers often find themselves carrying workloads that spill beyond their job description. And while it’s flattering to be the person leaders count on, the reality is that this trust can turn into an unspoken expectation:…

What To Expect From A Debt Management Plan

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Getting Out of Debt.

In 2024, American Consumer Credit Counseling clients paid off around $191,257,429.83 in debt! Debt Management Plans help people regain control of their financial lives by consolidating their debts into a single, manageable monthly payment. Here’s what you can expect when you enroll in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) with American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC). What to Expect from a Debt Management Plan Personalized Financial Assessment The process begins with a thorough financial assessment conducted by…

Why Organizations Must Lead the Way on Workplace Communication

This entry is part 9 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

When managers handle difficult conversations well, it builds trust. But when organizations set the stage for those conversations to happen with clarity and consistency—it builds culture. Workplace stress doesn’t start with one tough conversation. Often, it stems from unclear expectations, inconsistent leadership practices, or the feeling that issues are handled differently across departments. That’s why the responsibility for healthy communication doesn’t rest solely on individual managers—it belongs to the entire organization. Why It Matters at…

Resetting After a Difficult Workplace Conversation

This entry is part 8 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

Protecting Both Workplace Harmony and Personal Stability Tough conversations are inevitable in any workplace. Even when handled with the best intentions, they can leave a lingering tension—an awkwardness you can’t quite shake. Maybe you’re second-guessing your tone. Maybe the conversation revealed an uncomfortable truth. Or maybe things just feel… off. Here’s the truth: Difficult conversations don’t mean a relationship is broken. Often, they signal that you’re engaging with real challenges—the kind that make teams stronger,…

When a Workplace Conversation Goes Sideways

This entry is part 7 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

When a Workplace Conversation Goes Sideways We all experience moments at work that leave us reeling—tense conversations, poorly delivered feedback, or a comment that just didn’t sit right. Maybe your manager was rushed. Maybe the tone felt off, or something about the message struck a nerve. Whatever the reason, it’s okay to feel unsettled. If a workplace conversation goes sideways, what you’re feeling in the aftermath—frustration, confusion, hurt—is normal. It doesn’t make you unprofessional. It…

How to Handle Difficult Conversations with Colleagues

This entry is part 5 of 11 in the series Workplace Success.

How to Handle Difficult Conversations with Colleagues (Without Damaging the Relationship) Work relationships are built on more than shared tasks—they’re built on trust, respect, and the ability to talk through tough moments. Whether it’s a disagreement about a project, a clash in communication styles, or tension sparked by personal views shared at lunch, difficult conversations with colleagues are part of every workplace. The key isn’t avoiding those conversations—it’s learning how to handle them in a…

When Security Feels Shaky

This entry is part 6 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

If You’re Feeling Uneasy, It’s Okay—These Are Uneasy Times. If you’ve been feeling more anxious than usual lately—about your job, your finances, your future—you’re not alone. The unease you’re feeling isn’t just personal. It’s systemic, and it’s everywhere. These are uneasy times. From rising debt and unstable job markets to cultural division, global conflict, and constant shifts in workplace policy, today’s world feels like it’s moving faster and less predictably than ever. People are quietly…

Gambling Apps Are Coming for Your Pizza Money

This entry is part 5 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

A Parent’s Wake-Up Call About College Kids & Gambling Apps I used to think the biggest late-night surprise from my college-aged kids would be a Venmo request for pizza or a textbook they forgot to budget for. But lately, I’ve started hearing different kinds of stories. Stories that don’t end in a laugh or a shared eye-roll. Stories that sit heavy in my chest. Stories that have made me look twice at my own children—and…