Tina Malone’s life in money

The former Shameless actress discusses frivolous spending, her wariness of online shopping and finally paying off debts

SAVING ISN’T MY THING

I’ve always been a bit stupid where spending is concerned. The more money I’ve made, the more I’ve spent. I’m a grafter, but I was generous – sometimes beyond all comprehension. I can make money, I just can’t keep hold of it. I used to buy more than 100 Christmas presents.

MOST OF MY CASH GOES ON MY DAUGHTER

Flame [Tina’s five-year-old daughter] has the odd Marc Jacobs outfit or Ralph Lauren dress, but I buy most of her clothes from Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. I’d rather pay for her gym lessons and dance classes than buy designer clothes.

I NO LONGER SHOP IN DESIGNER STORES

Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Liberty London are shopping heaven. Until five years ago, when I was declared bankrupt, I’d buy everything from those stores. I also did my weekly food shop in M&S. When I stopped going there, they probably had to lay off staff! Now, you’ll find me in B&M and Home Bargains. I haven’t bought furniture for seven years, though, because I’ve collected good stuff along the way. With certain products, if you buy cheap, you buy twice. I either buy top of the range or the very bottom. If I buy a pair of shoes and they fall apart, I’d rather they cost £3 than £300.

RETAIL THERAPY WEARS OFF FAST

Buying something is a shortterm fix if you’re looking for pleasure. When I lost a lot of weight, I went on spending sprees to get clothes to fit my new figure. It was irresponsible. This year, I’m going to try saving for the first time. I think that if you work towards something, you’ll value it far more.

I DON’T AGREE WITH SHOPPING ONLINE

A lot is said about gambling addiction, but with online shopping it’s just as easy to be foolish and impulsive with your money. I’m a technophobe, so I’ve never bought a thing on eBay or Amazon. Online shopping has destroyed our high street. It’s incredibly sad.

LAVISH HOLIDAYS ARE IN MY PAST

I’ve spent a lot on holidays. I used to have my own personal travel agents, and I’d stay in the best hotels all over the world. Certain holidays you can’t do on the cheap, and if it’s a beach holiday, I want it to be lavish – but I can’t afford to go away at the moment. It’s been a tough adjustment, because I travelled the world from a young age with my parents.

I’VE MADE A MILLION BAD DECISIONS

My biggest problem has been borrowing money. I’ve been irresponsible, and I can just afford to pay my bills and my debts. In a year’s time, I’ll finally be debt-free and then I’ll be a saver. I will never again get into the same financial messes through my own stupidity.