THE HOT SEAT
What inspired you to write your book?
The real inspiration came in 2013. That was the year that I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I’d come across this one book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations, at the time I was studying psychology and a lot of the sentiments in this book ended up being life-changing. I always remember what that book and many others have done for me when I’ve really needed perspective, inspiration, hope. That’s what I hope Unbounded is for someone else.
“We demonstrate power through the things we choose to spend our money on”
What was your first job?
My first job was at KFC. It’s so funny, I remember googling it and researching what to say in a job interview. I went there and I said to the manager, “Hi, I really love KFC and I want to grow in your organisation.” He gave me the job. I only lasted three weeks.
What was your earliest money lesson?
I have this distinct memory. I was at the canteen and it must have been a hot day because everyone was walking away with Zooper Doopers. I didn’t know you needed money to get a Zooper Dooper and the canteen lady turned me away. And therein was my first money lesson: you gotta have it.
How did your upbringing shape your relationship with money?
I had this real negative relationship with money where I was superstressed when I didn’t have it, I was very anxious when I did, obsessive when I’d spend it and almost guilty. I didn’t know that you could actually invest it. Growing up, I just thought I could aspire to have a good job where hopefully each pay cheque keeps me afloat, because that was my reality growing up.
What would you say was a big financial turning point for you?
For a long time I was very caught up in this facade of looking like I had enough. I started buying things that I couldn’t really afford, on credit to keep up with the people around me and the social circles I was running in. It led to me being in thousands of dollars of debt. That’s when I hit rock bottom because I’d moved back home and was working in a job that I didn’t love, and then I threw my hat in the ring for Miss Universe Australia. Suddenly, I had this thing to strive for ... It wasn’t even the moment that I won … If you’re in that place where you’re feeling stuck or you’ve got debt or you’re not happy, your moment doesn’t have to come in someone handing you an opportunity; your moment can come to you when you’ve decided you’re going to do something different.
Has celebrity status dramatically altered your lifestyle?
Not really. I don’t really buy myself much. I’ve chosen to reinvest that money into work, or into my own business, into saving for a house. I’m no longer somebody who wants to invest money in buying someone else’s perception of me. I will say one thing that has changed is that I’m a lot more relaxed with money. I can treat my friends to a dinner here and there. Help my parents when they need it. I can do a lot more for the people I love, and I love that freedom.
What’s the best money advice you’ve received?
To invest your money and make it work for you. One of the things that I want to do is look into getting my first property. It’s not letting your money sit in a giant savings account collecting dust.
What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?
Because I’m still house-hunting, I can’t say my house, but I will say probably Invisalign [teeth aligners]. I always say to people when it comes to yourself, invest in your health, hair, skin, teeth, don’t compromise on that sort of thing.
What’s the worst investment decision you’ve made?
Probably how much I order Uber Eats McDonald’s. I feel like whoever is looking at my bank statement, please don’t judge me. I just really love nuggets.
What is your favourite thing to spend on?
Buying my daily coffee. I’m not out there buying designer shoes and things like that, but my one little indulgence is I love going down chatting to my barista and having him make me a coffee. I just love that.
How would you use your last $50 to influence change?
We all have power and we demonstrate it through the things we choose to spend our money on. Something that I’ve been very vocal about, because it is still sadly a real silent killer: ovarian cancer. I’ve worked with the Ovarian Cancer Research foundation for two or three years now and I would give my last $50 to them because they are doing incredible work to change the prospects for people who are assigned female at birth.
What’s the next challenge you have set yourself?
I want to foray into acting. It’s nerve-wracking because it’s different, but I’ve trained in it and I’m excited to really concentrate on it now that the book is done. So, who knows what you’ll see from me next!
Can you finish this sentence? Money is good for …
Those who know how to spend, invest and grow it, and those who understand the value of it.