At 25, Mahia Alfereti candidly acknowledges her struggle with long-term thinking. Growing up in Oinafa, Rotuma, with familial ties to Vanuabalavu in Lau, she has come a long way from her natural inclination to postpone decisions until absolutely necessary. As a graduate actuarial analyst at BSP Life, she recently began to grasp the importance of financial planning, especially in the context of life insurance.
“Planning ahead does not come naturally to me at all. I have always tended to concentrate on the present and deal with what’s in front of me,” she reflects. It wasn’t until she transitioned into the workforce that the reality of life insurance struck her. Initially engrossed in adapting to a corporate lifestyle, Mahia soon realized the importance of financial independence against the backdrop of her professional journey.
The idea of life insurance first loomed as a question mark for her, particularly regarding affordability. As a recent graduate, Mahia found herself in the early stages of building her financial foundation and was unsure if life insurance was a feasible option. After receiving a quotation, she took her time weighing the potential impacts on her finances. For the first time, she contemplated how this commitment could benefit her long-term goals, such as purchasing a home, supporting future children, and affording retirement.
Eager for guidance, Mahia turned to her parents. To her surprise, they were not only supportive but also revealed they had been customers of BSP Life themselves, with her father holding multiple policies. This familial encouragement solidified her belief that she was making a sound choice, finally leading her to sign her policy terms a month after receiving the initial quotation.
“Life is about community,” Mahia adds, reflecting on the values she carries. The communal norms of her culture motivate her to be someone who can support others during their moments of need, assuring her that she, too, would receive support in the face of challenges.
The experience of acquiring her life insurance policy offered more than just financial security; it sparked a significant mental shift for Mahia. “Taking on a life insurance policy was one of the first major financial choices I made independently. It felt invigorating and opened my eyes to more avenues for securing my finances in the future,” she shared.
Her encouragement to other young adults is straightforward: “Say yes and just get started. Lingering on the what-ifs and minor details can be more detrimental than beneficial.” This resilient outlook suggests that taking calculated risks can lead to fulfilling financial and personal growth opportunities. Mahia’s journey highlights the potential for young individuals to embrace responsibility and make empowered decisions about their financial futures.
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