Money Week Q&A: Art Green

The Bachelor

Art Green was introduced to New Zealand audiences in 2015, riding shirtless on a horse in the trailer for the first season of The Bachelor on TV3. The reality show was hugely successful, bringing in over 900,000 viewers for its finale, in which Art picked Matilda Rice to be his leading lady.

Art and Matilda have just celebrated their second anniversary and remain a popular celebrity couple. You can follow their adorable antics on their Facebook page. At his day job, Art is the co-owner of whole food product company Clean Paleo.

What’s the most satisfying thing you’ve spent money on?

The most satisfying thing I’ve ever spent money on was my student loan. I finished uni with about a 50k loan, it was pretty daunting. A couple of years after uni I landed a job in the mines in Australia and found myself in a position where I was able to save a bunch of money as I was paid well and had few expenses. So I saved up the entire loan and paid it off in one go — I had actually planned on getting the sum out in cash and walking into Studylink to pay it off in person but decided it was too much admin. Paying that off was so satisfying and freeing.

What’s the worst thing you’ve spent money on?

I recently spent $110 on a haircut but didn’t like it so got another cut for $20 the next day to fix it up. I don’t spend $110 on haircuts anymore.

What’s the best money advice you’ve received?

The best money advice I’ve been given has been from my mum, and it was to get an accountant. I’m not very financially minded and to be honest don’t understand tax or anything very well — by paying an accountant I’ve actually saved money. I’m a big believer in surrounding myself with experts in their respective fields so that it allows me to focus on the stuff I’m better at.

What did you do with your first paycheck?

I used my first paycheck to buy myself some undies. I had been a poor student for many years and undies are expensive — so with my first paycheck I bought myself some undies and threw away my old holey ones.

What is a money goal you are currently working towards?

I’m working towards a goal of about 100k for a deposit on a house. I know this is probably going to take a few years, but I figure you have to start somewhere.

Read more from our Money Week series. Keep up to date with Art via instagram and Twitter 😜