Thankful

I absolutely love this time of year! Everything slows down to a cool simmer and we can all reflect and relax a bit. This year has been extra special to me, and I’ve met some amazing folks along the way. I have so much to be thankful for this year.

My health, my apartment, my love, and my new career.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the help of others. Not even close. So I’d like to thank some people.

I want to thank…

My parents for believing in me and actually pushing me towards being self-employed. Thanks for your support, help, love, and everything this year!

My boyfriend for keeping me sane, and understanding me. For pushing me, and being my number one fan. For being my sometimes editor, and confidence booster.

The readers of Dear Debt. You keep me going. You inspire me more than you will ever know.

Kathleen for meeting with me and inspiring me to start a blog and being a great friend.

Tonya Rapley for being a light of encouragement and fountain of opportunity. This year was unreal because of you. I am so glad we met and am so inspired by everything you do!

The other Tonya who keeps me laughing and is always so supportive of everything I do.

Erin for being a great friend to talk to and share my deep dark fears.

Carrie for being my mentor, whether she intended to be one or not.

Kali for answering all my crazy questions about self-employment and being so helpful in every way!

Shannon for being a badass babe and awesome friend! Your support, love, and personality have given me so much.

Cat for being a great resource and amazing person! I don’t know how you do it!

Kayla for listening to me and cheering me on.

LaTisha for inviting me to the first ever #DumpDebt chat. Excited for more collaborations with you!

J Money for listening to my crazy ideas and never judging me, yet always supporting me.

Erin, formerly of Red Debted Stepchild for being a fantastic friend, who patiently answers my neurotic questions. I would not be where I am today without her friendship.

Laurie, for being a complete debt fighting rockstar and always inspiring me to do better. I appreciate your support and never ending friendship.

Michelle Jackson, for always keeping it real and taking part as the FIRST ever dear debt letter writing participant. You are beautiful inside and out and I’m so glad you are a friend!

For Wendy, who has shown me what it’s like to pay off debt with courage, class, and sass and for being a great supporter.

Anna for sticking around since the early days and being a great friend, confidante, and supporter.

Kassandra for your unwavering support and showing me that being debt free is possible.

Lisa for being a friend and supporter, and all around cool gal.

Brittany for the dance parties, karaoke dates, coffee conversations and fun times!

Natalie for blazing the trail towards debt freedom and being a true inspiration!

Stefanie for being a role model and showing me it’s possible to be in the arts and in this crazy personal finance world.

Stephanie for entertaining me with your fabulous comics and always keeping it real.

Brent for being one of the first people to give me a chance with my writing, and supporting me along this freelance journey.

The rest of the PDX blogger crew, including Eric, and Joe! You guys are so crazy smart and fun to be around. (and I love writing for you!)

The friendly folks at ReadyForZero for letting me share my voice and consistently supporting me and the dear debt letter project.

For my clients who have helped me on this journey and continue to give me work, push me, and validate why I do what I do.

I know I’m probably missing quite a few people, but I truly am thankful for everyone’s support and encouragement. Each share, each comment, each opportunity fills me with so much joy.

Because of this community, I am reminded that I am never really alone. My debt can feel so isolating, but you guys are cheering me on. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday.

May all your debt free dreams come true!

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Melanie

Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, Dear Debt. Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat, which helps bold women face their fears, own their dreams and figure out a plan to be in control of their finances. She is passionate about empowering women, helping others get out of debt, and focuses on the intersection of debt and mental health. Every September she organizes a Suicide Prevention Awareness Blog Tour, to help share resources for those struggling with debt and suicide. In addition to her love of personal finance, art and music, she is also a karaoke master and a cat mom to Miles and Thelonious.

Latest posts by Melanie (see all)

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