I inherited $250,000 from my grandmother and regret how I spent it. I wish I had overcome my fears around money sooner.

• Sara Faith Jacobsen inherited $250,000 in January 2021 but didn't have a plan for the money.
• After spending most of her inheritance, she sought help from a financial advisor to rebuild.
• Now, she has a new job and an understanding of money with plans to save and invest.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sara Faith Jacobsen, a 40-year-old corporate consultant in Texas. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Growing up, I knew very little about money. In the 5th grade, I learned how to balance a checkbook — that was about all of my financial literacy.