Actress and TV presenter Mmarona Kgwele hosts ‘Rands with Sense’, a show that aims to help South Africans overcome their financial difficulties. Business Times asked her how she handles her own money. Do you manage your own financial affairs, and would you say you're good at handling money?Yes, I do, together with my husband. Our broker advises us from time to time on the best available investments and policies. I've become a whole lot better now at managing my finances than when I was still at school. The thought of debt would often keep me edgy and awake at night, so now I do everything in my power to remain free of debt.Is there extra pressure on you to handle your money wisely as the host of Rands with Sense?I'd call it added responsibility. I believe it would be hypocritical and irresponsible of me to act carelessly in my spending while encouraging others to be money-savvy. Fortunately, the opportunity of presenting the show came at a point where I was far wiser and more disciplined about using money.What are the pros and cons of getting paid per job?Working as a freelancer/contractor is not easy. The nature of the industry is inconsistent, therefore you do not have the comfort of being paid a monthly salary because you are paid per job that you work. This means your income is usually not the same amount, not from the same client, nor does it come in at the same time.It was a bit difficult when I first started in this industry, but over time I have adjusted and learnt the trick, which is to constantly have savings available and keep as little debt as possible.However, the advantage about working in this industry is the flexibility it gives you to venture into other projects simultaneously. This means that you can juggle three to four or even more jobs at once.It also gives you the advantage of venturing into projects that can pay you lump sums of money that will carry you for months to come.The disadvantage is that if you don't have a back-up plan or savings in place, you may find yourself experiencing a few months without work. Your debit orders could lapse and you could find yourself having some of your assets repossessed.How do you get through the rough times - do you have to borrow?The entertainment industry has taught me the importance of saving and paying things off immediately or as soon as possible. I've always been the kind of person who hates bothering people, especially financially. Having grown up in a family that didn't have disposable income readily available, I learnt to live within my means and work harder towards achieving or acquiring better things.This taught me to save more and spend less, and that my happiness is not guaranteed or defined by the size of my bank account.I have a very supportive husband who ensures that our needs as a family are taken care of. If I ever have to tap into my savings, I do my best to not make it a habit.What did your childhood experience teach you about handling money?From a very young age I learnt the difference between needs and wants, which helped me to be responsible in my spending. I had a part-time job in my high school years that assisted me to not bother my parents financially.At times it took its toll on my studies, but it also taught me the discipline of hustling and making things come together. I maximised on the little money I had and used it to bring in more money. I also learnt the gift of generosity when I was young.What was the best money advice you were ever given?Take care of the cents and the rands will take care of themselves.Do you save or invest? If so, how?Yes, I save on a monthly basis, through savings accounts and investment plans and unit trusts.What's the best thing you've ever bought or spent money on? And the worst?The best thing I've bought with my husband is property. The worst thing I spent on was rent and clothing accounts in my younger years.Have you taken on any jobs or work and thought: "Never again"?I took on a couple of jobs in the past that left me asking myself why I even bothered. Not only was I ripped off, but the individuals I worked with turned out to be thieves and liars.Has your cost of living expanded quite a lot over the past few years?As you grow, you require and acquire more, especially when you start a family...