My saab has horrible brakes,how can I fix them?

What is your question?

I was told they needed to be 'fixed' before winter. However, if I can fix the problem sooner and on my own, I'd love too. When I'm driving, I'll be going fifty, and the light will change to yellow, and I'll know instinctively I'm far enough back I should stop. But the brakes are bad enough that if I did attempt to brake I would end up in the intersection. So I'm taking a lot of risks with going through yellows. I'm wondering how I can fix this problem on my own and not have to pay a fortune to take it back in to the 'foreign car repair shop'. Thanks!