Credit card debt has a way of creeping up on you. A flight here, a car repair there, one too many “just this once” purchases—and suddenly, you’re staring down a balance that feels heavier than it should. If that’s where you are right now, take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

There’s something uniquely joyful about hitting the trail with your dog. The smell of pine trees, the crunch of dirt underfoot, and the sight of your four-legged friend bounding ahead with tail wagging—it’s the kind of bonding time that simply can’t be matched at the dog park. But before you grab the leash and head out the door, there’s more to consider than just enthusiasm.

It’s not that bubble baths, face masks, or candlelit yoga sessions are bad. But when we talk about self-care as if it’s all surface-level indulgence, we’re missing the point—and the real opportunity.