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When things don’t go to plan: real stories of financial shocks and recovery

Summary

Financial shocks can happen to anyone. In this recorded Money Month webinar, Willie Leota, Emma Letessier and Angela Smart share honest, real-life stories of what happens when things don’t go to plan – and how recovery can begin.

From job loss and illness to unexpected costs and caring responsibilities, this kōrero looks at the pressure people can face, what helped them through, and what they wish they had in place before things went wrong.

This is not a how-to session. It’s a judgment-free conversation about resilience, recovery and the reality of starting again.

About the panel

Willie Leota – founder of the Fresh Moni podcast

Willie has spent more than 17 years working in banking and mortgage broking, helping people make sense of home loans and take confident steps towards home ownership. He is the founder of Ethos Mortgages, where he supports individuals and families with buying their first home, refinancing and property investment. Willie also founded Fresh Moni, an award-winning podcast and financial education platform created to make money conversations easier and help Pasifika and Māori build wealth for future generations.

Emma Letessier – founder of She’s Worth It

Emma Letessier is the founder of She’s Worth It, a community that empowers women to rebuild their financial confidence after separation and divorce. Drawing on her own lived experience, she is passionate about making money conversations more accessible and helping women take control of their financial future.

Angela Smart – team lead at MoneyTalks

Ange has led the team at MoneyTalks for more than 20 years, and her background working in finance in the private, NGO and charitable sectors means there isn’t much she hasn’t seen. She says that, ultimately, it always comes back to people and how we can help those around us to enjoy life and be there to lift others up when times are tough.

About the host

This webinar was hosted by Sorted and chaired by Kate Hannah. Kate guided the kōrero, bringing together the panellists’ real-life experiences in a way that is honest, supportive and easy to follow.

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