#51: How an Immigrant Single Mom Got on Track to Retire Early - Erika's Story

Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call In this episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino sits down with longtime client and friend Erika Padilla, founder of Vive Poderosa, to share a grounded and powerful story of rebuilding financial security as an immigrant single mom. Erika shares what it was like immigrating from Mexico to Los Angeles at nine years old, growing up with financial scarcity, and working as an undocumented teenager to help support her family. She reflects on how those early experiences shaped her relationship with money, responsibility, and survival. The conversation also explores the turning point that came after leaving a 16-year relationship with no savings, no assets, and two daughters to provide for. Erika walks through how learning her numbers, paying off high-interest debt, building savings, and investing for retirement helped her move from financial instability to long-term security. Today, Erika is a business owner, consistently saving and investing, and on track to retire early—a reality she once thought was unattainable for someone from her background. This episode highlights what’s possible when first-generation wealth builders have access to education, support, and systems that honor both financial security and wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Para Todos 00:21 Meet Erika Padilla and her immigration story 01:23 Growing up with scarcity and early money lessons 02:34 Working as an undocumented teen and family responsibility 05:48 Leaving a long-term relationship and starting over financially 08:53 Building financial security: debt payoff, savings, and investing 14:04 Becoming a business owner and planning for early retirement 20:09 Final reflections and encouragement for first-gen wealth builders