I had started working in television but it did not pay that much. I was 27, renting this little one-bed flat in Shepherd's Bush, West London, with a bathroom so small only someone of my size could actually get in it.

I grew up in a world before people had credit cards. There were no magic cards - it was all about budgeting.

I have made six big home moves in my life and I have never lost money on one I have lived in.

Whether it's cushions you only use outside in the summer, or blankets that only come out in the winter, you've always got to think of where to store them.

A lot of people live in a property that will one day be part of their pension, and that is true for me too. I have an investment I can sell with ease.

One wise decision I made was buying a plot of land with planning permission in Richmond, and building my own five-bedroom home on it. I sold three years after I completed the building and more than doubled my money. I like Richmond and always have my eyes open for other properties in the area.

It's cool to have a well run, comfortable and inviting home.