Moneypenny Minute: Your Finance Moment
March 16, 2026This International Women’s Month, we celebrate stories of resilience, vision, and legacy, both in life and in wealth. One story that continues to inspire us comes from Seattle’s Pham family.
Theresa Cat Vu and Augustine Nien Pham arrived in Seattle in October 1980 after fleeing Saigon and spending time in a refugee camp in the Philippines. Their story began with survival. They came to a new country with no money, limited English, and immense uncertainty, but they also carried courage and conviction. In 1982, they opened a small sandwich shop, serving weekend pots of phở to fellow members of the community. The flavors and care they poured into their food quickly gained a following. Within a few months, they transformed their shop entirely into Phở Bắc, Seattle’s first phở serving restaurant.
Looking back on her family’s journey, Quyen Pham reflects on how far they have come. What started as a fight for stability evolved into a successful, multigenerational family business. Her parents faced setbacks and obstacles, yet they never gave up on their dream of opening the first phở restaurant in Seattle. Forty four years later, Phở Bắc still stands on the same corner, a testament to perseverance, grit, and unwavering belief.
That belief is something Quyen carries with her today. “What I’ve learned thus far is to believe in yourself,” she shares. “Oftentimes we doubt our abilities or question whether we can succeed in what we want.” She recalls developing a new bar concept a few years ago when someone asked if she worried it might fail. Her answer was immediate, no. It never crossed her mind that she couldn’t do it. While she acknowledges that risk is always present, she chooses not to let fear of the unknown sway her from her dreams and goals. Instead, she focuses on doing her best and trusting that effort and optimism will carry her forward.
The Pham family’s story reminds us that building a life of purpose takes both vision and action. It requires courage in the face of uncertainty and the confidence to move forward even when outcomes are not guaranteed.
For women, owning our financial story is no different. Financial empowerment is about more than security; it is about creating choices, independence, and the ability to leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation. At Singer Wealth Management, Alicia’s mission reflects this very principle. As a woman helping others define their futures, she believes that creating a legacy means aligning your wealth with your values, protecting what matters most, and making intentional decisions that shape both your life and the lives of the next generation.
As we reflect on the Pham family’s journey, we are reminded that perseverance, courage, and intentional choices are at the heart of every meaningful legacy. Just as they turned vision into lasting impact, each of us has the opportunity to define our own path personally, professionally, and financially. At Singer Wealth Management, we are honored to support our clients in owning their financial stories, making empowered decisions, and building legacies that reflect their values and aspirations for generations to come.