Erika Mina
Paraplanner
I work in the background by supporting advisers in getting all the papers ready and neat, and collaborate to ensure families are better off with the advice they have received.
After graduating with a degree in Marketing, I wanted to explore other business functions, and I stumbled upon Australian financial paraplanning. I grew to enjoy the job with the problem-solving involved, to adapt to the ever-changing legislation, and to help clients with their goals.
My experience over the past couple of years has exposed me to different workflows, licensees, and clients, but with the same objective of supporting advisers in preparing sound and compliant advice documents.
Question time
What’s a moment or experience that shaped who you are today?
I am an only child, yet among the youngest of around 20 maternal cousins. Seeing how my older cousins made their decisions gave me a general insight on what to do when I eventually reach a similar point in my life.
If your life right now had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it and why?
- “Together by Seventeen” – An optimistic pop song. Originally sung in Korean, an English version of this song was performed in a UNESCO Youth Forum.
- “Surrender My Heart: by Carly Rae Jepsen – A mature and romantic pop bliss anthem best heard live.
- “Ylang Ylang” by FKJ, ((( O ))) – The soft piano arrangement expresses a running melancholia, and personally, it reminds me that we lose some, and we win some.
What’s a hot take you’ll defend forever, even if everyone else disagrees?
Personally, I don’t, but Bruce the Shark from the movie Finding Nemo has, and it’s “Fish are friends, not food”. But if there’s something I will defend forever, it’s “Roads are meant to move people, not cars.”
For some, taking public transport is a more affordable option to get from point A to B. For most, it is the only way to commute, as they cannot afford motor vehicles.
Most of the time, public transport is not friendly towards people with temporary and permanent physical incapacities. Aside from taking public transport myself, I support active mobility and advocate for a people-centric approach in designing public spaces.
What’s one small habit or decision that’s quietly helped your financial life (even if it wasn’t intentional)?
Window-shopping! I like to just look at new and nice things, and not be compelled to buy something that catches my eye straight away. Sometimes I don’t need it or I’ll stumble upon a more affordable version.
What’s something you’re completely obsessed with at the moment: a show, hobby, book, podcast, or random niche interest?
Stephanie Soo’s Youtube channels (one talks about East Asian celebrity gossip, another dedicated for true crime, and a separate one for her book, movie, and TV series summaries). I like how she tells stories and how her team does the research so I don’t have to.
If your younger self asked you for one piece of money advice that isn’t boring or preachy, what would you tell them?
Organise your stuff so you will never have to buy unnecessary extras.