REPORTER Nomahlubi Jordaan interviews Michelle Campbell, the owner of Michelle Campbell Publicity, on her money matters.
Q: Are you a spender or a saver?
I am by nature a spender, but have had to learn to save and exercise fiscal discipline.
Q: Have you ever been in debt or really short of cash?
Absolutely! Very few people can say they haven't.
My father taught me though that when you are in a hole, you stop digging and approach the mountain of debt in bite-size chunks, until it is all cleared.
Q: Is there anything you would really like to splurge on if you could?
I love to travel and I am saving to be able to travel the world one day soon (I hope!).
Q: What do you think of internet banking?
It's fantastic and I see to all my financial matters on internet banking.
Q: How do you divide spending with your partner?
I am a single parent, so this has always been tricky.
But I have great admiration for couples who can make this work. This can make or break a relationship.
Q: How do you prefer to pay for things – cash, credit card or account?
In the past, credit card and accounts but now cash is king! I don't believe in accounts or credit cards any more.
Q: What do you think about South Africa's tax system?
In comparison to the rest of the world, it is high, and we do not get much back for what we pay for, like tertiary education or proper medical care which are commonplace in most first world countries.
Q: Will you have enough money when you retire?
I hope so! A scary thought.
Q: What car (and model) are you driving and is it expensive to maintain?
Fortunately, at the moment I have a sponsored vehicle which is a huge saving.
It is not uncommon for people in South Africa to pay more in car instalments than they do towards their bonds or rent.
Cars in South Africa are grossly overpriced in my opinion.
Q: What projects are you busy with?
After an extremely busy 2012, I am heading up all the publicity for Billabong Girls South Africa, a new brand called Element Eden and I am in the beginning stages of a very exciting project with a certain SA retailer and a renowned, international chef.
This is for a large event taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
All will be revealed soon!
