Twenty years ago, Hermelinda Soto knew nothing about the ins and outs of life insurance or financial planning. Life insurance was an unfamiliar concept to her growing up in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
But she said that even if she had been aware of the benefits of purchasing life insurance, she never would have believed it was for her family—it simply would have felt out of reach.
Even after immigrating to the United States with her husband, Andres, they had more important things to focus on—both worked multiple jobs to provide for the basic day-to-day needs of their growing family.
Knowledge is Power
Once Hermelinda and Andres settled into life in Milwaukee, WI, doors began to open, and the family began to thrive.
As a practicing Catholic, Hermelinda volunteered at her local parish where she met Martha Ruvalcaba—a Catholic Financial Life advisor.
“Martha explained to me the options and benefits of life insurance,” Hermelinda said. “I was surprised to learn it was more reasonably priced than I had imagined.”
Martha was able to help Hermelinda overcome the language barrier. It also helped that both the Catholic Financial Life website and policy were available in Spanish.
Hermelinda’s main goal was to purchase life insurance to ensure that her youngest daughter, Elizabeth, would be financially protected should something unexpected happen to her or Andres. “My other children are adults, but Elizabeth is still a child. With this policy, I know that she will be okay, and our funeral costs will be covered.”
But she didn’t stop there. Hermelinda’s goal is to buy life insurance for each of her 12 grandchildren, and she’s halfway there!
Passing Knowledge to the Next Generation
“My mom used to say that a Catholic education, Catholic values, and faith is what she had to leave behind, not money,” Hermelinda said. “I believe that, too, but life insurance gives my daughter and grandchildren tools to advance in life and make the most of their opportunities. Opportunities I never had.”
Hermelinda’s actions give her daughter and grandchildren a head start in learning how to plan for the future. And as Catholic Financial Life members, they can take advantage of other benefits, like the scholarship program.
In 2022, her daughter and four grandchildren all applied for and received Catholic Financial Life scholarships. Her oldest grandchild is attending the University of Milwaukee.
Hermelinda never imagined that she would one day have the opportunity to look after her family through life insurance. “I’m thankful for this organization that welcomed me, an immigrant worker, to learn about life insurance and protect my family. I’m so grateful.”