In this interview, Lillian Nguyen shares her experiences as a Vietnamese mortgage advisor and breaking into the finance industry in New Zealand. Lillian discusses how she helps self-employed clients navigate the complex mortgage process and lends advice on what to consider before buying a house. Apart from her professional life, Lillian talks about her personal experiences, including her fear of swimming and how she overcame it, her childhood days in Vietnam, and the fascinating details of her journey to New Zealand. Lillian also explores cultural differences, such as how Vietnam's street food scene compares to New Zealand's more formal dining culture. This interview is not only an insightful view into Lillian's life but provides valuable information for prospective home buyers, especially those who are self-employed. Guest details: https://www.mintfinancial.co.nz/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:00 Meet Lillian: A Mortgage Advisor 00:47 Lillian's Origin Story: From Vietnam to New Zealand 01:16 Overcoming Fear: Lillian's Swimming Journey 05:30 Education Differences: Vietnam vs New Zealand 12:59 Cultural Adaptation: Fitting into a New Society 18:35 Exploring Vietnam: A Native's Perspective 24:15 Discussing the Intricacies of Tunnels 24:47 Understanding Different Cultures 25:07 Exploring Personal Education and Career Paths 26:10 The Journey from Checkout Manager to Bank Employee 28:59 Insights into Helping Self-Employed Clients 30:24 The Importance of Financial Statements and Open Communication 31:09 The Balance Between Paying Taxes and Getting a Mortgage 34:14 The Pros and Cons of Buying a House 36:52 Understanding the Current Property Market 51:08 The Debate: Renting vs Buying a House 52:45 Final Thoughts and Advice for First-Time Home Buyers