Loving biltong but loathing Zimbabwe
TV presenter, radio personality, producer, DJ and writer Kia Johnson from Cape Town, who co-anchors Radio 2000’s breakfast show with Justice ‘Iceman’ Ramohlola, tells Lucky Biyase how she manages her finances
Are you a saver or a spender?
Saver. What is your biggest extravagance?
Shoes. What is the best thing you’ve spent money on in your life?
My car. Do you invest in shares or other assets?
Yes. I have a really good broker who has assisted me with some good investment advice. What local goods and services do you miss the most when you are on an overseas trip?
Biltong and oysters. How do you prefer to pay — cash or card?
Cash. Do you tip easily, or do waiters and waitresses have to work hard with you?
An attentive and enthusiastic waitress or waiter will receive a very good tip from me. Have you ever been really short of cash?
Yes, a few times before I learnt how to ensure financial security. What was the most lucrative job you have ever done? What did you do with the cash?
A television position at an educational youth programme. I stayed in Johannesburg at the time, so I got a really nice apartment and bought a few nice clothes, shoes and accessories. I also opened up a really good retirement annuity fund. Do you give money to beggars?
I have to admit that sometimes I do — there are people out there who have just [ended up in] unfortunate circumstances. It doesn’t mean you have to give to every single beggar, though. What is the most important lesson you have learnt about money?
I must have control over my spending habits and must not let money control me. Do you have a financial adviser, or do you look after your own finances?
A bit of both. What did your childhood teach you about money?
My parents only gave pocket money when I earned it. That taught me to take care of what money I had. What is the best money advice you have ever received?
To always keep some cash left over in your bank account for the rest of the month. You never know when an emergency can pop up and you might need it. If you won R10-million, what would you spend it on?
Paying off whatever debt I had, buying a house and investing some of it in a policy for my baby. Where in the world would you most like to own property?
Franschhoek, in South Africa, or Italy. What place in the world could you never be paid enough to live in?
Zimbabwe.