Articles - DWD Community

A Shared Mission to Create a Path Forward for Consumers

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Managing Your Credit Score.

At Dealing With Debt, our mission has always been to meet people where they are, reduce financial stress, and provide judgement-free support to help them move forward with confidence. It’s not just about explaining how money works—it’s about giving people the tools, support, and encouragement to take their next step. Recently, we had the opportunity to connect with some folks from Equifax, and what stood out most wasn’t just a conversation about consumer credit—it was…

DigitalNinja November 4, 2025

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The Cost of Youth Sports Hits More Than Finances

This entry is part 10 of 10 in the series Improving Wellness.

It starts out simple enough. A roadside sign, friends joining a team, a promise that this one will “build skills and confidence.” But for many families, what begins as a harmless extracurricular can quietly turn into something heavier: a schedule that feels relentless, weekends that disappear into tournaments, and expenses that stretch further than planned. What’s harder to measure—but just as real—is what families lose along the way: shared meals, unhurried time, and the feeling…

TwinCityMama October 22, 2025

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Finding Your Way Through the Student Loan Maze

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Getting Out of Debt.

On our recent Level Up podcast, we sat down with Sean Lenderink, founder of Smart Loan Aid, to dig into a side of the student loan crisis that isn’t just about numbers—it’s about confusion. For many borrowers, the most overwhelming part of repaying student loans isn’t the debt itself, it’s figuring out how to manage it. Sean explained why so many borrowers feel lost. Federal student loans aren’t straightforward. They get passed from one servicer…

DigitalNinja October 3, 2025

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The Wave of Student Loan Defaults Is Here

This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Getting Out of Debt.

On a recent episode of the Level Up podcast, we sat down with Sean Lenderink, founder of Smart Loan Aid, to talk about one of the most urgent financial issues facing Americans today: the wave of student loan defaults that is already crashing down—and the tidal wave of wage garnishments that’s coming next. Sean has been in the trenches helping borrowers navigate federal student loans for over a decade, and in our conversation, he didn’t…

DigitalNinja October 1, 2025

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Rep. Karen Alzate: A Fighter for Consumers in Rhode Island

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series In Focus.

Some lawmakers enter office to manage the status quo. Others arrive ready to fight for those whose voices are often drowned out. Representative Karen Alzate of Rhode Island (D-60) has proven herself to be firmly in the second category. From Community to Capitol Rep. Alzate, a first-generation immigrant, is in her fourth term serving her community in the Rhode Island House. Her path into politics was shaped by her passion: neighborhoods where financial stability is elusive, where…

DigitalNinja September 23, 2025

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Picking the Best State to Form Your LLC

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Step-by-Step Guide to Forming an LLC.

You’ve chosen a name for your LLC—now comes the next big decision: where to form it. Most small business owners assume they should register in their home state, and often, that’s the best choice. But you may have also heard about forming an LLC in places like Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming, which are often marketed as “business-friendly.” So how do you know what’s right for you? Let’s break it down. Why Most People Choose Their…

DigitalNinja September 18, 2025

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Choosing a Name for Your LLC

This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Step-by-Step Guide to Forming an LLC.

Every business starts with a name. It’s how people will remember you, talk about you, and look you up online. But when it comes to forming an LLC, naming isn’t just about branding—it’s also a legal step. Choosing the right name for your LLC is about balancing creativity with compliance. Let’s walk through what to consider, how to check availability, and a few tips for making sure your business name supports your long-term success. The…

DigitalNinja September 17, 2025

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What Is an LLC (and Is It Right for You)?

This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Step-by-Step Guide to Forming an LLC.

Starting a business is exciting. You’ve got ideas, energy, and maybe even customers waiting. But if you’re like most new entrepreneurs, there’s also a little voice in the back of your mind: “What if something goes wrong? Could I lose everything I own?” That’s where forming an LLC—short for Limited Liability Company—comes in. It’s one of the most common first steps for small business owners who want to protect themselves while keeping things simple. Let’s…

DigitalNinja September 16, 2025

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Am I Overvaluing Myself—Or Being Overlooked?

This entry is part 12 of 12 in the series Workplace Success.

Sitting With the Discomfort When You See Your Job Posted for More Than What You Make You’ve put in the work. You’ve built experience, taken on more, and grown into your role. You know what you contribute—and you’ve built a sense of what you’re worth. But then, out of nowhere, you see your exact job posted. Same title. Same responsibilities. Higher starting pay. And suddenly, a quiet question forms in the back of your mind:…

TwinCityMama September 16, 2025

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Facing Fire, Blood, and Brokenness: What No One Prepares You For

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series The Calling.

There are things they don’t tell you in the academy. They teach you how to run drills, manage trauma, and read the scene. But they don’t prepare you for the weight that lives behind those doors of the real world. The stuff that doesn’t wash off with the uniform. The sounds, the smells, the sights that stay with you long after the sirens go quiet. Every first responder, if they’ve been in this work long…

shoe1971 September 13, 2025

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