DEBBIE MOORE is a former model who became famous for being the first woman to launch a company on the London Stock Exchange.
Moore is the author of two books, The Pineapple Dance Book and her autobiography, When a Woman Means Business. She was appointed OBE in 2009.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m in no way a shopaholic or extravagant, but I like to use my money to enjoy myself.
I also make sure that I’m covered with insurance and life policies so that when I go, my daughter is well taken care of. She’s disabled and needs a lot of money spent on her health issues.
How much did you earn last year?
I earn a fluctuating six-figure sum according to dividends from Pineapple.
Have you ever been really hard up?
Yes, when my first husband ran off with a younger girl — I was 21 and she was 17. I came to London to find my fame and fortune but I started to put on weight so I had to give up modelling, take in a lodger and do a double waitressing job.
Do you own a property?
I’ve got a beautiful Georgian mews house in Belgravia, which I’ve had for about 10 years. I bought it for about £1.5m and I had it valued recently and it’s now worth £3.2m. I own my daughter’s house in Cricklewood, north London, and have a five-bedroom villa in the south of France, which I bought nearly two years ago for £1.5m.
Are you better off than your parents?
Yes. They lived in Manchester, in the shadow of Old Trafford, Manchester United’s ground. My father was a plumbing contractor and my mum was a clerk.
What’s been your best investment?
In my health — and my daughter’s. I do homoeopathic and complementary medicine. I don’t believe in doctors who dish out statins and antibiotics like sweeties.
What’s the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?
My villa in the south of France.
Do you manage your own financial affairs?
I’ve got an in-house team of advisers, plus my accountants.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt about money?
There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
