She’s arguably New Zealand’s most trusted money expert – sharing straight-forward advice on her regular National Radio slot, the author of seven books on personal finance and answering financial questions in her long-time Herald newspaper column – but Mary Holm is adamant that money doesn’t absorb her.
“You won’t find me reading finance books in my spare time, that’s for sure. I read novels,” laughs Mary, who is coy about revealing her age. (“Let’s just say I’ve been getting New Zealand Super for a while!”)
In fact, her advice to people is often to try and “forget” about their money – once they’ve worked on reducing debt or have set themselves up with a rainy-day fund – and focus on their wellbeing.
For her, that means connecting with others and keeping active. “Good relationships with family and friends are what really matters,” she says. “Although I can be very happy being alone in wild places, like the bush or a beach.
“And health, of course, is important. But I’m just not interested in having a bigger or flasher house, or the latest car – or the latest dress for that matter.
“You don’t want to get so caught up worrying about your money that you lose focus on enjoying the important things in life.”
When the Weekly chats to Mary at her coastal Auckland home, she’s just been for a swim and shares that one of her favourite memories growing up in Wellington was swimming after school at the local Seatoun Wharf.
This story is from the January 17, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 17, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Five minutes with...ASHLYN TYMMS
Standing ovation! The Aussie opera star’s singing the praises of hot chips and Kiwi ski slopes
JESS NAILS THE PRIZE
The young tradie can also put out fires should the need arise!
MEET THE FAMOUS SIBLINGS
But are they each others’ biggest fans or foes? Here they spill some home truths!
Go get 'em, cowboy!
Beyoncé is riding high despite the controversy surrounding her new country album.
TRUE SPIRIT
The Kiwi actress is bravely battling a mystery illness
KIA ORA, BRAVE KING!
The King is determined not to let his cancer stop him from making a trip to New Zealand later this year.
Holiday time FUN REIGNS!
Take the good times outside and create a magical world full of fantasy and whimsy with these fab projects
Compost SOS PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Making compost is not an exact science. Each batch will be different due to the seasonal availability of scraps, the changes in the weather and variations in your compost management.
Crunch TIME!
These flaky, tasty crackers are ideal to serve to guests or to tuck into a lunchbox
'WE CAN SURVIVE ANYTHING'
Having beaten the odds, the multi-sport champ’s teaching others how to overcome dark times