Mom Is Pressuring Her to Buy a House

Hoang’s Vietnamese mother wants her to buy a house, but she’s unsure if that makes sense for her and her family at the moment. And financial planner Thao Truong speaks with Juleyka about this often symbolic purchase among immigrant families, and offers practical advice for discussing the decision with our loved ones.

Featured Expert: Thao Truong is a certified financial planner recently nationally recognized by InvestmentNews as part of their 40 Under 40 cohort. Growing up in Vietnam, Thao wanted to be a doctor. But when her mother fell into a bad business deal, she aspired to be the family’s savior. For college, she immigrated to the U.S. to learn about wealth, and realized salvation wouldn’t happen overnight. But in time, she would learn to help empower her family — and others — to better manage money and make informed decisions. As a wealth adviser in the Los Angeles area, one of her passion's is working with women, especially those going through life changes, such as divorce — something she’s gone through herself. Thao teaches women to feel more comfortable with financial topics and gain more confidence, comfort and clarity around financial and life goals. In addition to her work at Morton Wells, Thao also takes on pro bono clients. “Because this type of financial knowledge should be extended to everybody, not just people who can afford it.” Learn more about Thao's work here.

If you loved this episode, listen to Talking to Mamí about Her Money and When They Send Money Back Home But It Hurts You.