1. What has being an actor taught you about money?
Nothing – all that credit goes to my parents. My parents steered me towards financial independence and I’m so grateful.
Unlike a lot of actors, I was regularly employed for many years. When I left and experienced the realities of irregular work, I realised I’d been conditioned to operate on a weekly wage. The freelance life was not for me.
Ironically, in my new job as a real estate salesperson, I’m yet again self-employed. But it’s different because I’m more in control of the opportunity.
2. Are you a saver or a spender?
A saver through and through. No matter how little I’m earning, I save a portion of my earnings.
Once again, my parents taught me about the need for a reserve fund. Things can happen out of the blue and a little stash helps alleviate the stress.
As I get older, my earning and lending time decreases and saving becomes even more important.
I have no idea what my retirement looks like, but I’d like not to be worried about how I’m going to look after myself.
3. What’s been your biggest financial lesson, success or failure?
My biggest learning is not to live in fear of money.
Money is not to be feared – to each person, it’s a vehicle to provide for life.
There’s a few hard truths that come with living in a world full of wonderful objects and experiences that cost.
At certain times in life, these things are affordable and at other times, they’re not. It’s important to be really clear on when they’re not, and not pine for them.
4. What do you know about money now that you wish you’d known sooner?
That money is a ‘vehicle’ to get me places in life, not a medal.
If someone has lots of money, it doesn’t make them more important.
People can be driven by money to the point where they take on work they don’t care about and eventually feel like a sell-out.
Learning to live on less and not live in want can take a long time to learn.
I think it’s helpful to think about money at some point in life, decide how you want it to feature and work from there.
5. A recent purchase you consider was value for money?
I’ve not made any big purchases in …….