At just 25 years old, Mahia Alfereti reflects on her journey of embracing long-term planning and financial responsibility. Originally from Oinafa, Rotuma, with family ties to Vanuabalavu, Lau, Mahia has established her career as a graduate actuarial analyst at BSP Life. She candidly shares that embracing forward-thinking and long-term financial planning was not a natural inclination for her.
In her youth, Mahia struggled with uncertainty, often postponing decisions until absolutely necessary. “I was the type to put things off,” she admits, noting that her mindset revolved around focusing on immediate tasks rather than planning ahead. However, this perspective evolved significantly after she entered the workforce, where life insurance became a pivotal topic of consideration.
Initially, Mahia viewed life insurance as an unrealistic aspect of financial planning. It wasn’t until she transitioned from student life to a corporate environment that she began to comprehend its importance. “My focus shifted to building my life as a young professional,” she explains, revealing the challenge of balancing financial independence with the demands of her new career. Affordability posed a significant concern; as a recent graduate, Mahia was still in the early stages of developing her savings and was uncertain if investing in life insurance was viable.
After receiving a quotation for a policy, she took time to weigh her options carefully, contemplating how her finances would be impacted by such a commitment. For the first time, Mahia visualized her long-term goals, such as buying a home, supporting future children, and planning for retirement.
When considering this significant decision, Mahia turned to her parents for advice. Their encouragement was crucial in solidifying her choice. Surprisingly, she discovered that her father was already a customer of BSP Life with multiple policies. This reassurance was instrumental in her decision-making process, and after about a month of contemplation, she finalized her policy terms.
Mahia’s choice also aligns with her cultural values, emphasizing community and support. “The ‘it takes a village’ culture greatly influences how I view my role within my family and community,” she states. The aspiration to be a supportive figure for others resonates deeply with her, particularly when considering the mutual support she hopes to receive in return during life’s inevitable challenges.
She highlights that her decision to obtain life insurance was more about a shift in mindset than simply a financial transaction. “Taking on a life insurance policy was one of the first major financial choices I made independently,” she remarks. This milestone not only felt empowering but also opened her eyes to the broader landscape of securing her financial future.
Mahia’s advice to young people embarking on similar journeys is straightforward: “Say yes and just get started.” She emphasizes that lingering on uncertainties and minute details can often be more detrimental than beneficial, urging others to take proactive steps toward their financial well-being.
Through Mahia’s experience, it’s clear that embracing financial planning can lead to personal growth and empowerment. As more young professionals consider their financial futures, stories like hers inspire a collective shift towards greater responsibility and support within communities.