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…

What Happened to Our Creativity, and Can AI Help Us Get It Back?

This entry is part 8 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

In our recent Level Up podcast episode, “Trades, Tech, and Tomorrow,” we sat down with Mikhail Reece—a sharp, dynamic thinker who said something that has stuck with me ever since. Mikhail said that as kids, we are all naturally creative. It’s part of who we are. But somewhere along the way, that instinct fades. It got me thinking—what happens to our creativity? Why do we start operating in more rigid, structured ways as we get…

Sideline Stress

This entry is part 4 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

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…

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…

The Connection Between Debt and Stress

This entry is part 1 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

Debt and Stress: Understanding the Connection Financial strain can feel like a heavy burden—not just on your budget, but on your body and mind. At Dealing With Debt, we know that money stress is more than just a number. It’s something that affects your health, your relationships, and your overall well-being. That’s why addressing debt means more than crunching numbers. It means understanding how stress shows up—and learning how to manage it with intention. How…

Quick Fixes to Alleviate Financial Stress

This entry is part 2 of 9 in the series Improving Wellness.

Quick Fixes for Financial Stress: Simple Strategies That Help When bills pile up and money feels tight, it’s not just your budget that suffers—your body and mind feel the pressure, too. At Dealing With Debt, we understand that financial stress has a way of sneaking into every part of daily life. While long-term solutions are key, sometimes what you need most is a quick way to ease the tension right now. Here are a few…