"I'm more about making money than saving it.
"Investing well is key to ensuring the flow of money stays positive."
Annah Stretton, CEO and founder, Stretton Group Limited.
Money. It's the driving factor behind many life choices, but is it the be-all and end-all?
'Me and My Money' is a new feature that investigates Kiwi attitudes towards money and what drives the choices they make.
Newshub spoke to Annah Stretton, founder and CEO of the Stretton Fashion Group, about being mindful of waste whilst spending on things she loves. She also talks about focusing on making and investing money rather than purely on saving it.
Goals that I've achieved this year:
The transition of my daughter, Sami who now leads the fashion label. This has released me to work, through my foundation, with some of our most vulnerable communities and our hardest to reach, most excluded people.
Annah's charitable ventures include RAW, which helps socially disadvantaged Kiwi women break the cycle of intergenerational offending and Kia Puāwai, which includes a group wellness programme to help Kiwis overcome obesity and other health challenges.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I don't waste money, but I don't go without if it's something I love.
You need a new dishwasher. Are you mainly driven by quality, price or both?
Both - but the quality, brand, and the visual would play the main part.
Give an example of a recent purchase that you consider was great value for money:
My Allbirds shoes - I wear them most days: they work with all my outfits and most of my working spaces.
Have your buying habits changed from in-store to online?
Absolutely, there is so much diversity online - and time is not my friend. It makes a lot more sense to shop this way - but possibly not after a glass of wine.
If you have spare money to invest, what would you invest in?
Definitely property.
What was your last impulse or 'fritter' purchase and how did you feel about it afterwards?
A pair of velvet ankle boots from a European label at an insane price...that I have never worn.
Do you have a household budget?
No, but I'm incredibly mindful of waste - a lot more than cost.
Does having more money increase happiness?
In my case, no. Happiness is measured in so many other ways - but I guess it's easier [for people] to say that when they have enough money to see [them] out.
What's your golden rule for saving money?
I'm more about making money than saving. So investing well is key to ensuring the flow of money stays positive.
How much cash do you have on you right now?
$200.
