Melanie Lockert is the author of the book “Dear Debt,” founder of the personal finance seminar Lola Retreat, and host of the podcast the Mental Health and Wealth Show. She is a full-time freelance writer who covers personal finance, small business, mental health, and relationships. Her work has appeared on Business Insider, Vice, Allure, and more. A graduate of New York University, Melanie holds a master’s degree in performance studies. She lives in Los Angeles with her two cats, Miles and Thelonious.