My Full Story

Written By Braden Vitelli

I grew up in the suburbs of Chester County, PA with a passion for entrepreneurship. My best friend Jake and I shared this internal drive to work hard and be successful. In middle school, we created a small landscaping business in our neighborhood which eventually spread into neighboring areas around Chester County. We worked hard promoting our business, brainstorming new ideas, and enjoying the fruits of our labor. When it came time to go to college, we stopped. I wasn’t necessarily thrilled about college. I look back and do think it was beneficial in many ways, but it seriously put a strain on my mental health.

I became very dependent on alcohol. My anxiety was terrible every day, from social anxiety to full blown panic attacks and depersonalization/derealization. My drinking was out of control and I used it as a way to numb my anxiety. Inevitably, this led to quite a severe depression and suicidal ideation.

I was never fulfilled with what I was doing, I did not fit in, and the external pressure from those around me to keep working at something I wasn’t passionate about drove me crazy. I kept trying in school and graduated on time, but the pain I suffered through was not worth the outcome.

I graduated severely depressed, a raging alcoholic, and had been dreading the idea of living the “normal life” which I was heavily influenced into doing. Regardless of my feelings, I put on a fake smile and applied to finance jobs in the area. I shortly received an offer letter from Vanguard and accepted it immediately. I remember only being happy because it relieved me of the pressure I was put under.

Soon after taking on the job, which everyone was congratulating me for, I was still severely depressed. The alcohol abuse continued and I was extremely unhappy with my life. I attempted to drink myself to death multiple nights, hoping I would die in my sleep. It never worked.

One day when I was overly intoxicated, I attempted to leave the house and try to kill myself. Fortunately, my car did not start. For sake of keeping my personal business out of public view, I was no longer welcomed in the house, so I moved out promptly the next morning. Finally escaped an extremely anxiety inducing living situation.

One week later I was checked into the hospital. I spent a week there receiving treatment and came to the conclusion that I must get sober. My depression and anxiety were at an all time high, but I was surrounded by the right people and can proudly say that I am officially 100 days sober (as of 11/21/2025).

I lost my eligibility to continue my early career at Vanguard as I missed the Series 7 exam by 2 points. I was not bothered by this to be completely honest. I am starting to follow my gut and show my true potential.

So here I am, making finance content because that is what I love doing. As you can imagine, living on my own is a much more expensive life than I was used to, but I am so much happier doing what I am doing now, and I will make things work regardless of what happens.

I want to keep all of my content completely free. I do have donations set up if you have the means, but it is never expected. I have massive plans for the future and I am overly excited to make them come true!

If you’re reading this, it really means the world to me. I want to end here with something I think everyone needs to hear. You are not alone. You are not to blame for your mental illness. It is not your fault, you need the right people around you. Whether it’s debilitating anxiety, depression or addiction, I know the feeling of wanting it all to end. Please be safe and get the help you need. You’re loved by many. Keep that unconditional love around you.