Why Is It So Hard to Pay Off Your Credit Card?

This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series Quicksand

Part 1: The “Yes” Trap — How Available Balance Leads to Debt Quicksand You’re making payments. You’re trying to get ahead. But no matter how often you chip away at your credit card, it feels like you’re stuck. Why is it so hard to pay it off? Here’s the truth: credit cards are designed like quicksand. Easy to step into. Hard to climb out of. And the deeper you go, the more stuck in it…

Sideline Stress

Sideline Stress: How Parents and Providers Can Team Up (Not Tense Up) Whether it’s ballet, baseball, or beginner band—when kids step into the world of extracurriculars, a whole cast of grown-ups steps in with them. There are the coaches, instructors, and daycare providers who give time, heart, and guidance to help kids learn and grow. And there are the parents—loving, passionate, and deeply invested—who want nothing but the best for their child. So, what happens…

Random Crypto Texts

Ever Have a Rando Contact You and Bring Up Buying Cryptocurrency? If you’ve ever gotten a random text that says something like, “Hey, is this Alex? We met at the wine tasting,” you’re probably not just the victim of a wrong number — you’re the target of a pig butchering scam. No, it’s not some rustic culinary tradition. It’s a sinister, slow-cooked con where scammers reel you in with charm, romance, and fake investment advice…

Rebuilding from the Rubble

This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series Sanchez - Rebuilding Series

Rebuilding from the Rubble: Life After Financial Loss and Divorce There are seasons in life where everything seems to fall apart at once — where love ends, money runs out, and you’re left staring at the pieces, unsure which to pick up first. I’ve been there.  Maybe you’re there now? Here’s what I’ve learned — not from a place of theory, but from sitting in the middle of the storm: Start with breath, not a…

How to Handle Difficult Conversations with Colleagues

This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Workplace Communication

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

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

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…

The Schrute Buck – Is Still Motivating

Why We Built Dealing With Debt (And How Schrute Bucks Became Part of the Story) Dealing With Debt was born from one simple belief: we’re failing to teach our youth the life skills they need most—especially when it comes to managing money. I started this company with a clear purpose: to help people. Financial education, once a cornerstone of preparing young adults for the real world, has all but disappeared from our schools. And without…

How Good Managers Handle Difficult Conversations

This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Workplace Communication

How Good Managers Handle Difficult Conversations (And Why It Matters) No one enjoys tough conversations at work. But the way a manager handles those moments—especially when the topic is sensitive—can either build trust or break it. From performance concerns to shifting workplace expectations (like returning to the office after extended remote work), difficult conversations are part of every workplace. What matters most isn’t just what’s said, but how it’s said. If you’re a manager, this…

Your Digital Footprint

The Online You That Employers, Colleagues, Clients, Landlords, and Lenders See A unique name is a blessing and a curse. It makes you stand out—but it also means that the good, the bad, and the ugly about you float to the top of search engine results. Your digital footprint is how search engines see you, and it matters more than ever. The first thing an employer does after reviewing your resume? A Google search. The…