‘Don’t ignore money worries – face your finances head on’

How did your childhood influence your attitude to money?

My childhood in Middlesbrough was pivotal to the way I deal with money now. My mum was a radiographer and my dad was a teacher, so they didn’t earn massive salaries. I was aware that it was important not to be frivolous with money, that it was something not everyone has. My parents instilled in me that you should only spend what you have and that you need to earn money, not just rely on being given it. So, I never got any pocket money. I had to earn money by doing jumble sales or collecting apples from the tree out the back and selling them.

How do you think you got to where you are today?

By being brave. I took a risk and left engineering for my first job in the media because I was taught at school that I have transferable skills that I could use in any career, and that made me braver. I don’t think schools today focus enough on how skills come in different forms. Yes, exams are important, but they do not measure resilience, teamwork or an entrepreneurial attitude. Those skills can be important at work. That’s one of the reasons I’m doing a job clinic on my show. We’re trying to show people who have been hit hard by the pandemic that if, for example, you work in retail or hospitality, you have skills that will be useful in other sectors, too.

What’s your money mantra?

To keep on top of my incomings and outgoings. I look at my bank balance every day and keep track of what is coming in and going out in a spreadsheet. There are budgeting apps you can use, such as Money Dashboard and Emma. It’s vital to understand what you’re spending money on. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose track and waste money. Lots of small, regular costs, such as takeaway coffees, can add up.

What money mistakes have you made?

Buying my first house in Middlesbrough 16 years ago, when I was in my early 20s.

At the time, everyone was saying, ‘Get on the property ladder.’ I felt pressured to buy the only place I could afford, but the house I bought has gone down in value. I rent it out to a friend now. It was a useful mistake for me, because I learned it’s important to spread savings and not just invest in property. Property seemed like a safe investment option, but, for me, it wasn’t.

What advice would you give to others?

To face your finances head on. Don’t avoid dealing with any financial worries you have or assume things are going to get better. Deal with any money problems you have now and get help if you need to.

The next big trend in money is going to be…

A shift in the way we shop. The pandemic is changing the way we feel about the physicality of touching things. It’s killing off cash, even among older people who aren’t necessarily tech-savvy. As a result, shops will become more like showrooms. The focus will be on the experiences you can have in stores with friends, rather than the products you can buy – you’ll get those online later. When you go shopping, it will feel more like you’re going to an event.

What’s your top money tip?

When you spend money, get something from the transaction, whether that’s loyalty points, vouchers or cashback. No one should get your money for free. I always try to earn whenever I spend.

When you spend money, get something from the transaction