What happens when grief turns into guidance? In this episode, Sarah Brady shares her deeply personal story of surviving a 74-car accident that took her father's life, and receiving a six-figure wrongful death settlement at just 17. She opens up about the emotional complexity of grief and money, the mistakes she made with her windfall, and the importance of preparing for the unexpected through wills, estate planning, and honest conversations. This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial education must meet people with empathy, and that preparing your legacy is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.

Sarah is a nationally recognized credit and finance expert, writer, and former certified credit and housing counselor. Since 2016, she’s written trusted personal finance content for top outlets like Forbes Advisor, Yahoo! Finance, USA Today Blueprint, Experian, Credit Karma, and Investopedia. With a background in loan underwriting, SEO content, and financial education, Sarah makes complex money topics clear and relatable, especially around credit, debt, scams, and the emotional side of money.

Substack: https://sarahcbrady.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scbrady

Estate planning websites mentioned in the recording:

https://trustandwill.com/

https://www.estateguru.com/

************************************

The Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast's mission is to empower women to approach money confidently, reframe their financial habits, and build a future where their money is a tool for opportunity and security.

Through Dr. Sev Talks Money YouTube channel and Podcast, I provide actionable advice and inspiration to help you achieve financial freedom.

Join me for one-on-one coaching, group sessions, workshops, or speaking engagements as we journey to financial empowerment together. It’s never too late to begin again—let’s make it happen!

Here is one way you can support the Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast and YouTube channel:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DrSevTalksMoney

My website: www.sevtalksmoney.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSeverineBryan--SevTalksMoney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinebryan-financialcoach/

From heartbreak to hope, this episode shares the powerful story of how Letty Vélez rebuilt her life and business after deep personal and financial loss in the millions. We talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it really looks like to rise again when life doesn’t go as planned. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to start over, this conversation will remind you of your strength, your purpose, and the possibility waiting on the other side of courage.

Letty is a powerhouse entrepreneur known as the “Latina Robin Hood,” who has helped clients secure over $9 million in funding. After rebuilding her life and career from deep personal loss, she now teaches others how to rise, rebuild, and fight for what they deserve. She’s the CEO of Vélez Global Enterprises and a champion for women, underserved communities, and access to capital.

Her website: VelezGlobalEnterprises.com/grants

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lettyvelez/

************************************

The Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast's mission is to empower women to approach money confidently, reframe their financial habits, and build a future where their money is a tool for opportunity and security.

Through Dr. Sev Talks Money YouTube channel and Podcast, I provide actionable advice and inspiration to help you achieve financial freedom.

Join me for one-on-one coaching, group sessions, workshops, or speaking engagements as we journey to financial empowerment together. It’s never too late to begin again—let’s make it happen!

Here is one way you can support the Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast and YouTube channel:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DrSevTalksMoney

My website: www.sevtalksmoney.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSeverineBryan--SevTalksMoney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinebryan/

Our financial story can be rewritten at any stage of life. This episode explores how resilience, mindset, and mindfulness shape the way we handle money and life’s challenges. From learning to navigate financial independence to overcoming setbacks, we talk about what it means to bounce back stronger and build confidence through every stage of our financial journey.

My guest is Dr. Shanae Jefferies—a sociologist, public speaker, and professor. As a first-generation college graduate and daughter of two Army veterans, she brings a unique perspective on resilience and equity. She’s also the founder of Shanae Shantel LLC, where she transforms research into real-world tools that help people and communities thrive.

Connect with her on TikTok and Instagram @awkward_phd

************************************

The Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast's mission is to empower women to approach money confidently, reframe their financial habits, and build a future where their money is a tool for opportunity and security.

Through Dr. Sev Talks Money YouTube channel and Podcast, I provide actionable advice and inspiration to help you achieve financial freedom.

Join me for one-on-one coaching, group sessions, workshops, or speaking engagements as we journey to financial empowerment together. It’s never too late to begin again—let’s make it happen!

Here is one way you can support the Dr. Sev Talks Money podcast and YouTube channel:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DrSevTalksMoney

My website: www.sevtalksmoney.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSeverineBryan--SevTalksMoney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinebryan/