Money and me: Dubai radio star likes sound of saving

Anita Buys, 26, is a Dubai-based media personality. She is ready to start saving now and cut up her credit card.

Anita Buys discusses her financial journey and how she has decided it is time to start saving. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Anita Buys, 26, is a Dubai-based media personality. She works as a TV and radio presenter and producer. The South African, who has lived in the UAE for six years, started her career in retail before making her debut as a radio presenter at 17.

Describe your financial journey so far?

aMy financial journey started at 16 when I landed my first job in retail. As soon as I became legal to work, I sent my CV to various fashion outlets. I was living in Cape Town, South Africa at the time and was eager to start earning my own money and gain valuable working experience. I was extremely blessed growing up with a great support system. My parents made sure I had everything I ever needed and wanted, but this did not make me a spoilt or pampered child. I knew I wanted to become a TV and radio presenter so I worked hard at school and kept my eye on South Africa’s thriving media industry. My retail job was bringing in about Dh1,500 to Dh2,000 every month which I used for my personal expenses as my parents covered the major living expenses. I made my debut as a radio presenter at 17. I worked my hardest during this period, motivated solely by my passion and not by the money I could make.

Are you a spender or saver?

Working during my teen years, I learnt the value of hard work, late-nights and countless social sacrifices, but one thing I didn’t learn was how to save. I’m definitely a spender. To be honest, at this point I haven’t saved a cent. I’m just enjoying the money that I make at the moment and putting it towards building my brand within the media industry. I moved to Dubai in 2009, changed jobs here and there, until I started working at a local English television station in 2011. I was 23 at the time so saving money was not a priority. In Dubai, you’ll always hear 20 somethings talking about spending money. You rarely hear discussions of saving or preparing for the future. I would like to start now at 26, even if it’s 10 to 20 per cent of my monthly income.

Is money important to you?

Yes it is, even though I have no dependents at this point. I still feel as though I need to make more money. There’s a saying: “If you’re good at something, never do it for free”. As a freelance media professional, I’m constantly negotiating the best rates for my services. As rewarding as my job is, I could never work for free on a project.

Have you made any financial mistakes along the way?

I like to believe that I make very calculated decisions when money is involved, especially if it’s a huge amount, but being human, we fall victim to temptation. It’s such a financial burden when you have debt. I’d like to be debt free and will be cutting up my credit card.

What is your philosophy towards money?

I hate seeing the negative effect that money has on some people. I’ve met some very wealthy people that are arrogant, rude and offer cash bribes to get what they want. Being dressed in designer labels they make it a point of letting you know what they’re wearing – I find this insecure behaviour very sad. When too much money is earned too quickly it changes you into a superficial, shallow person. My philosophy is not to allow money to control my personality and my life.

What has been your biggest financial lesson?

Getting into a bitter confrontation over a business deal. There was no contract that was signed between the two parties, therefore, it was a ‘he said, she said’, back and forth dispute. I’ve learnt to not be too trusting. I make sure to draw up a contract for everything. I also request 50 per cent or 100 per cent payment upfront. Cover yourself in all situations.

What do you enjoy spending money on?

Travelling, gifts for family and friends, my car, fitness activities, a good meal and any magazine that I’m featured in!