Remix sits down with Stan Walker to discuss saving over spending
A man of many talents, the NZ-born singer and actor talks to Local Editor Amber Baker about shopping without looking at the price tag and why he’s saving, instead of spending.
Stan, let’s go back to the beginning. When you first rose to fame as the winner of Australian Idol in 2009, what was your life like before the show?
It was average to say the least to be honest ... I worked in retail part time and I did a few gigs here & there [laughs].
If you think back to yourself as a young teen, is this where you imagined you would be?
I couldn’t have even imagined the life I am living now. My mind wouldn’t be able to even comprehend such a life...
What alternative route do you think your life or career could have taken?
Maybe a realestate agent? A youth worker? An actor? A part-time singer? I honestly don’t know!
Suddenly coming into that big-name musician kind of money... how did that change/affect your life?
Well - a lot obviously! From nothing to just about anything. It changed everything & kind of changed nothing [laughs]
Be honest… are you a saver or a spender?
I have always been a spender... It’s one of my gifts [laughs]. But my mum has since turned me into a saver and now my partner too! They are both hard on me when it comes to that, which is amazing and helpful.
What was your understanding of saving money when you were growing up?
My mum used to save all the time on what little we had. But if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have had a roof over our heads. So my understanding was, it was mum investing into our futures.
Do you remember what your first big-time purchase was?
I can’t remember exactly, but I remember just being able to go clothes shopping and buying whatever I wanted without looking at how much it would cost! [laughs].
Why is it important to you to lay down roots with a house?
Because its stability - its home, its safety, its security and it’s a foundation.
Why did you decide to partner with Mercer to promote Kiwi Saver?
I decided to partner with Mercer and promote Kiwi Saver because the time in your life when you can make the most difference to have a brilliant retirement - is when you are in your late twenties and early thirties - and in most cases retirement is the last thing on your mind... I want every kiwi to have a mentor that helps them make smart decisions that will give them the best retirement!
Can you tell us more about the Mercer KiwiSaver scheme?
I am so proud of NZ for introducing the KiwiSaver scheme in 2007. Retirement should be a golden time not a time of financial stress. I know the Mercer team have New Zealanders’ best interests at heart and that the Mercer KiwiSaver scheme has consistently performed well. It’s easy for you to learn more about KiwiSaver through a series of short videos I’ve made for you to view at mercerkiwisaver.co.nz
To learn more about the Mercer KiwiSaver scheme and view the product disclosure statement visit www.mercerkiwisaver.co.nz or phone 0800 755 560.
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