An Australian journalist and TV presenter, Antonia Kidman is never far from the spotlight. She’s presented two TV series, The Little Things & The Bigger Things on issues surrounding raising children and is currently appearing on Foxtel’s Lifestyle You channel.
As the ambassador for Febusave, a mum, an engagee and someone who has recently taken charge of her finances Antonia Kidman is joining us today on Polka Dot Bride to share her thoughts on money!
Why did you become involved with ANZ’s Be Money Confident Program and subsequently Febusave?
A couple of years ago I experienced change in my life and realised that I needed to have more of a plan in place when it came to my long-term finances. It was an area that I wasn’t too confident about. The language and terminology of finance can be daunting and sometimes it’s easy just to put it to one side and deal with it later, which of course is never. I decided I needed to tackle it head-on and so I began to educate myself and learn as much as I could. I also made a commitment to take complete responsibility of my money. It is a wonderful feeling, very empowering!
What have you learnt about money and finances since you joined?
So much, where to begin? The most important lesson is to take the first step. No matter how small just writing down some goals, seeking help on how to achieve them and then implementing that advice can be wonderfully reinforcing. Once you know you can do it then it grows from there.
Are you a budgeter or do you just cut down on your spending?
I’m a total budgeter. I always have been. I guess I’ve inherited that from my parents. I’m very capable of sticking to a budget. I’ve always been able to manage my day-to-day budgets my lack of knowledge relates more to the long-term stuff like investments and putting strategies in place to ensure my future financial security.
Do you feel more confident in dealing with your everyday finances?
I’ve always been pretty good at that. I can cut down when necessary and put money aside too. It is great to ‘set and forget’ by having your savings automatically transferred into another account so you don’t get tempted to spend it – and then get a pleasant surprise when you see how much it has grown over time!
Do you have your own financial advisor or are you relying on your fiancés?
I have my own financial advisor.
Do you have an estate plan in place to look after your children if you become incapacitated or pass away?
Yes, I do. I have all that stuff up-to-date which gives me great peace of mind. It is so important.
As someone who has been married before and is planning her second marriage, what is the greatest lesson you have learnt about money and marriage?
I think no matter what situation you are in married, dating, single or widowed it’s important to be part of the decision making process.
Is it important to maintain this during a marriage/relationship? Why?
I think it’s important for both people in a partnership to share responsibility for most things and money is one of those things.
How do we maintain it – some practical tips?
I’m no expert but I guess it’s like anything communication is critical.
How have your perceptions of money and weddings changed?
Weddings are very personal so it’s important to set a goal that reflects both party’s desires. Above all they are occasions that should be full of love, happiness and hope.
Did you set a budget for your wedding?
Like planning for anything setting a budget is a good idea, and keeping track of all expenses as they occur.
How did you prioritise what was important to you (with wedding spending)?
Categorizing items or tasks helps determine what is important and it’s also a good way to manage your time.
Where have you splurged?
Some of the best weddings I’ve been to have been very simple affairs. What have made them so unique are the people, the love, the speeches, the dancing!
Where have you saved?
It’s important to remember…”don’t sweat the small stuff”.
How do you think we can empower ourselves with wedding spending?
Set a goal and a budget and work out the most effective way to marry the two.
What discussions do you think are important to have about finances with your fiancé? What discussions have you had?
Talking about finances can be difficult it’s not an area many people feel comfortable discussing. It’s about trust, honesty and sharing responsibility.
Thank you for joining us today on Polka Dot Bride Antonia!
So the question to you dear readers is – have you talked about finances with your fiance? Was it something you needed to do or did it just happen? Have you talked about future planning? Is money uncomfortable for you too?
Hi Miss Polka, I think this is great topic, how wonderful for you to be involved.
Finances have always been a difficult thing to discuss. Its always just been a ‘here and now’ thing, as long as the mortgage and bills are paid for whats to worry about??
More recently though with our wedding to plan and pay for, a new house to buy ready for kids, and the topic of actually having kids and setting us up for our future money is now very important not just for now, but for years to come.
I look forward to learning more with Febusave and to see how other readers feel too.