Three of each is just too much
Radio 702 and Cape Talk 567 business news presenter Mashudu Masutha talks to Thekiso Anthony Lefifi about the importance of financial education and the ways in which she spends her money
What is the worst thing you have done with money?
I am always mindful of what I spend my money on, so I would not say I have made bad decisions thus far in my life — except that on one occasion I found myself buying three pairs of shoes, matching bags and belts, which was wasteful because I needed only one of each. What has been the highlight of your career?
Interviewing and engaging with people from around the world. Some of them have become mentors, friends and role models helping to shape my career path. How do you prefer to pay for things, cash or card?
Card. It is less clutter and easy to manage. Being in the limelight, do you find that people scrutinise you a lot in the way you spend money?
No, I have not experienced that because I am quite conservative. Does being famous get in the way of doing your job?
Not at all. I believe I am a humble person who strives to ensure that my work gets done, fame or no fame. Do you believe in personal financial advisers?
Yes, I do. They can help you plan for your retirement by helping you to pick the right investments and policies. What is the most expensive item you have ever bought?
I have a very large shoe and leather jacket collection.
How do you invest?
I have my money saved in shares and a retirement annuity, and I have a few investment accounts.
How important is financial education to you? Very, very important. It has made me aware of what I need to do in order to use my money wisely and to plan for a healthy retirement. If money were not an issue, what is the most expensive item you would buy yourself?
I would buy a plane ticket to travel around the world. I would also buy a holiday home overlooking the beach in Cape Town with the change. How do you tip? Are you an easy tipper
or do they have to work hard for it?
I am an easy tipper. I always get flak from friends because I tip too much. I think we can blame my mom because she does it too. How did your childhood experience influence your attitude towards money? A great deal. My parents are from that old school of thought that you have to work hard for your money. Growing up in a family of six and extended, which my parents had to support using money wisely, was a big part of our life. My parents worked very hard to make sure that all of us were well taken care of, with each and every one of us afforded the same opportunities. We all had a small piggy bank and later opened our own savings accounts. I recall having a yellow bank book from NBS bank, now called Nedbank. Funnily enough, I still have a savings account with them. Do you have a monthly budget and do you stick to it?
Yes and yes — all thanks to my older sister, who is very big on monitoring what you do with your money.