My Godfather poster cost a lot ... but it annoyed my cheating ex!
THE best financial decision TV presenter AMANDA BYRAM made was investing in property. Now 44, she spends her time between London and Los Angeles with husband Julian Okines, 37.
What did your parents teach you about money?
That I needed to work for it rather than relying on handouts. My parents had a great work ethic. My dad worked as a mortgage administrator at a building society while my mum was a seamstress and stay-at-home mother. My dad came from Iran and had to set up a new life in England where he met my mother who had moved from Ireland. They were out of their comfort zone and had to work hard.
What was your first paid work?
When I was 15, I worked in a Blockbuster video store in Dublin for £4 an hour. At the time, that felt like an incredible wage.
Ever struggled to make ends meet?
Not really. I started modelling when 18 and was quickly making £50 an hour which felt amazing. Most of my jobs involved doing some crazy photoshoots to help PR agencies get press coverage. So I would lie in a bath of Quality Street chocolates in a bikini in London’s Soho. Another time, I was photographed walking a goat down a London street wearing lederhosen.
Ever paid silly money for a job?
Yes. At 18, I was paid to drive a red Alfa Romeo sports car to high-profile restaurants, fancy bars and cafes around Dublin. I got the car’s use for a week and cash to spend on whatever I wanted at the restaurants, plus I was paid a couple of thousand pounds to go to all these places. It was the dreamiest, easiest job and the pay was crazy money. But after I dropped the car back I had to get the bus home!
Your best financial year?
It was 2002, the first year I was in Los Angeles when I worked on two hit TV shows for Fox, Paradise Hotel and The Swan. The money for TV in the US far exceeds what you get in the UK and Ireland. Although I was working long hours I was living my dream. It did not feel like work. I would rather not say how much I made but it was a good year. Every time I looked at my bank balance it made me happy. Afterwards, I was able to buy my own place in LA.
Most expensive personal purchase?
I once bought an original, two sheet, lifesize Il Padrino poster for The Godfather movie. I had it restored and framed. Altogether that cost $4,000 (€3,400). I originally bought it for an ex-boyfriend who had a reproduction of the poster in his bedroom. I thought it would be a nice gift for him if we ever got married. Eventually we broke up because I found out he was cheating on me. One of the first things I did afterwards was to put up that poster. It is massive and it takes up a whole wall. He came over to collect some stuff one day and I will never forget the look on his face when he saw it. I said: ‘Oh yeah, I was going to give that to you but tough s***, buddy.’ I have never seen anyone go so pale – the blood drained from his face. He was desperate to buy it off me but I refused. It was an expensive purchase, but well worth it.
Your biggest money mistake?
When I was 20, I lost almost all my money to a guy who did a coin vanishing trick as I was travelling around the United States on a bus. It was not a lot – less than $100 – but I had almost nothing to live on for weeks.
Best money decision you’ve made?
Buying my home, a one-bedroom apartment in Fulham, in London, in 2002. I scraped together all the money I had to buy it and paid less than £300,000. It has increased fourfold in value since then. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
Pension and stocks?
No. I prefer property because it gives me more control and is less risky. I am not a big fan of someone else being in charge of my money. I do not have a pension. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants.
Any other properties?
Yes, I own a two-bed townhouse in Santa Monica, which I bought when I was living there, and a one-bed apartment I let in Dublin.
Do you pay off your credit cards in full?
Yes, always. I would rather go without than buy something on credit. I hate owing anyone anything. A little treat for yourself? Wild salmon, once a week which costs at least €10.