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Howard Dvorkin

Chairman and FounderDebt.com

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Member Since March 2024

Skills

Business Development
Corporate Finance
Credit Analysis

About

Howard S. Dvorkin is a serial entrepreneur, a twice-published author, and the founder and chairman of Debt.com. But one theme runs through all of his efforts: A personal hatred of personal debt. Dvorkin’s first international success was the founding of Consolidated Credit in 1993. Now one of North America’s largest and oldest nonprofit credit counseling agencies, Consolidated Credit has helped more than 10 million people achieve financial freedom. Dvorkin left the helm of Consolidated Credit and launched Debt.com, the nation’s first one-stop shop for solving every form of personal debt. Since then, the Florida-based firm has helped 3 million people resolve $12 billion of debt. Dvorkin also founded several fintech startups including Power Wallet, Financial Apps, All Clear Decisioning as well as Start Fresh Today. But his entrepreneurial interests aren’t limited to the financial sector. In 2011 he became the majority owner of the six-title Florida based Lifestyle Magazine Group and he expanded it to 11 titles before selling it in 2023. His real estate investments – both commercial and residential covering three states. Three decades of success in the financial industry has impressed national media outlets, who regularly interview Dvorkin – including The New York Times, Washington Post, CNBC, Money Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Investor’s Business Daily, and virtually every national newspaper in the country. He has also appeared as a finance expert on national and local television and radio programs, including the CBS Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, The Early Show, Fox News, and CNN. His first book, Credit Hell – How to Dig Out of Debt (Wiley & Sons, revised 2010) was a practical, step-by-step guide to budgeting, establishing good credit, and knowing your consumer rights. His second book, Power Up: Taking Charge of Your Financial Destiny (Wiley & Sons, 2013) studied both the financial and psychological stressors that propel people into debt, while offering proven solutions to overcome mind-and-money barriers to a worry-free life. “Dvorkin on Debt” is a compelling financial column where Howard delivers insightful advice and strategies to help readers effectively manage and overcome their debts. The column delves into a wide spectrum of debt-related topics, catering to individuals at different stages of their financial journey. Dvorkin discusses the psychological and emotional aspects of debt, exploring the reasons behind excessive borrowing and overspending. With an empathetic approach, he provides valuable tips on how to overcome the shame and guilt associated with debt, while emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and a positive mindset. A CPA who graduated from the University of Miami with a master’s degree in business administration and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the American University, Dvorkin has served in the following roles: • Past president of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) • Consultant to the Board of Directors for the Association of Credit Counseling Professionals (ACCPros) • Inducted into the prestigious 1923 Society at American University and is a member of the Kogod School of Business Advisory Council • Former member of the Board of Governors of The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University He has received the following accolades: • Listed in the Marquis Who’s Who in the Finance Industry • Among the premier group of CPAs recognized with the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation • Named Heavy Hitter of the Year by The South Florida Business Journal • A two-time nominee for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award • Recipient of the South Florida Diamond Award for outstanding individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership In the aftermath of the 2018 mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland – his hometown – Dvorkin established Parkland Cares. Within two weeks, this new charitable organization was fundraising to provide mental health counseling for students, teachers, family members and anyone in the community who needed it. Since then, Parkland Cares’ mission has expanded to help all South Floridians in need of trauma counseling. Dvorkin’s efforts have raised more $1 million to support 14 mental-health agencies provide thousands of hours of care. In 2023, Dvorkin’s home county declared Sept. 8 of that year to be Howard S. Dvorkin Day. Dvorkin’s charitable giving and leadership is too long to list here, so this is just a sample: • Appointed to the Executive Board of the United Way of Broward County • Named a Laureate in the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and former board member of the South Florida Chapter of Junior Achievement • Won the Israel Bonds Commemorative Medallion for working toward the betterment of Israel • Formerly the Chairman-Elect for the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida • Founding member of the South Florida American Heart Association Board of Directors • Board member of Henderson Behavioral Health

Published content

Prepare Your Family for the Financial and Legal Aftermath of Your Death

expert panel

Taking these steps now can help ensure your family isn’t overwhelmed with uncertainty later on. The passing of a loved one is an emotional time, and family members are often dealing with their grief in different ways. If left undecided, the many legal and financial choices families have to make after the death of a loved one can be an additional emotional drain on their already overwhelmed minds. Larger families can often suffer an even greater burden as they must make decisions that involve many parties — choices that can sometimes lead to arguments or even major fights. Making end-of-life plans ahead of time can help prevent much of the stress that comes with the financial and legal aftermath of a loved one’s death. Taking the following six steps now, as recommended by the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective, can help ensure your family is taken care of in the event of your passing and are allowed to grieve without any additional burdens.

Eight Goals to Jump-Start Your Financial Success in 2025

expert panel

To achieve your financial goals this year, you’ll need to start with a clear vision and plan. Ask anyone what they want to achieve when setting goals at the beginning of a year, and at least one of those goals is likely to be related to money. Whether it’s as simple as saving more or spending less, or as complex as researching new investment opportunities or delving into real estate, setting financial goals at the start of the year is a smart way to start or improve your current financial journey. If you haven’t yet settled on what you’d like to achieve with your money in 2025, consider the following eight goals recommended by the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective. Below, they discuss the goals or resolutions they think more people should set for 2025, and how doing so might impact their future success.

New to Financial Advising? Nine Key Ways to Build Trust With Your Clients

expert panel

Trust, like in any relationship, takes time to develop. There are few topics more personal than someone’s finances. Money determines the way someone is able to live their life, and the various experiences, issues and successes they have with it can impact not only what they do but also who they are. Accepting guidance and advice on how to best handle money can be a big ask, so building trust as an adviser and/or financial services expert is essential if you want to succeed in this career path. But building this type of deep trust doesn’t happen right away; it must be earned, and the best advisers know what it takes to do so. Here, nine members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective share their best advice for building a trusting relationship with a client and how doing so will enhance your credibility and success in the financial industry.

AI Wants You to Overspend on Gifts This Season: What to Do About It

article

I urge you to doubt AI advice just as much as you doubt flesh-and-blood advice.

12 Steps to Take Now for More Financial Success in 2025

expert panel

Why wait until January to get a head start on your goals? As the new year quickly approaches, people are readying their New Year’s resolutions and goals, hopeful for a brighter year and a new-and-improved self. But you don’t have to wait until January to start making a change. There are many steps you can take right now to get ahead on your goals and start 2025 off with a more impactful bang — especially when it comes to your finances. From designing a comprehensive financial game plan to automating your savings and investments, taking these steps now will ensure you set yourself up for success in 2025. For deeper insights into these steps and more, read on to hear from the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective and their best tips for a prosperous new year.

13 Practical Strategies for Making Homeownership a Reality

expert panel

If your dream of homeownership feels out of reach, these expert-recommended tips can bring you closer to realizing your goal. Decades ago, homeownership was a realistic goal for many people. In recent years, sky-high real estate prices and increased costs of living have made it harder for would-be buyers to envision themselves ever achieving that milestone. Though the path to homeownership can be difficult in today's economy, it's still possible with the right strategies. Here, members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective recommend practical tips for moving the needle on your goal of owning a home.

Company details

Debt.com

Company bio

Our job is simple: It doesn’t matter what got you into debt, we’ll help get you out – and keep you out. That’s it. That’s all we do. And for 10 years, we’ve done it better than anyone else. Debt.com has helped millions of people get out of more than $12 billion in debt! We offer accurate and trusted information on professional debt solutions. Collectively, our staff of CPAs, certified financial counselors and debt specialists have more than a century of experience in the personal finance field. Our fact-checked articles and research follow our editorial guidelines and our goal is to make exploring debt relief options simple and safe. Debt.com is designed for anyone who wishes to have a sound financial future, who wants to get out of debt or stay out of debt. We are here to help you “when life happens.”

Industry

Financial Advising & Planning

Area of focus

Consumer Finance
Credit Cards
Executive Leadership (CFO or Controller)

Company size

51 - 200