DJ Annie Nightingale made history in 1970 as the first female presenter on BBC Radio One and she remains its longest-serving presenter. At 83 years old, she has no plans to retire, no pension, and considers every week in her job to be “a new adventure”.
In an interview with Donna Ferguson, Nightingale reveals that she was forced to sell her five-storey Victorian townhouse in Brighton when interest rates skyrocketed in the early 1990s, making the mortgage unaffordable. However, she considers buying her current two-bedroom flat in West London in 1998 to be the best financial decision she ever made.
Record: Annie is the BBC’s longest serving presenter
What financial lessons did you learn from your parents?
Nightingale’s father believed that money was the root of all evil. Despite coming from a successful business family, her father took over the family business but struggled as he was too gentle for the tough world of business. Nightingale had a suburban upbringing in Twickenham, South-West London, where material possessions were used to judge people. However, Nightingale rebelled against consumerism and prioritized adventure and excitement instead.
Have you faced financial challenges before?
Certainly, Nightingale has faced several financial difficulties. One of the worst was during the early 1990s when interest rates reached a staggering 15%. Despite working on Radio One, doing a weekly TV show, and writing a column for a national newspaper, she was unable to afford her mortgage and had to sell her property in Brighton and temporarily rent a place.
Annie Nightingale at work in 1970
What’s the most enjoyable financial perk you’ve received?
Nightingale had the opportunity to do a show for Virgin Atlantic, which could only be heard on flights. In addition to a small fee, she received free tickets to anywhere in the world. Although she mainly visited Los Angeles, she cherished the opportunity to explore different places.
Have you made any significant financial mistakes?
Nightingale believes her biggest mistake was not giving enough importance to money and failing to invest for the long term when she was younger. However, she also acknowledges that investing in stocks or property carries its own risks. She is grateful to still be able to work and dislikes the idea of retirement.
When do you plan to retire?
Nightingale emphasizes that her retirement is not up to her but up to the BBC. As long as she continues to perform well and the BBC wants her, she hopes to continue working. She finds excitement in pop music and remains interested in its evolution.
What is your best financial decision?
Nightingale considers buying her current flat in West London without a mortgage in 1998 to be her best financial decision. She sold her father’s house after he passed away, enabling her to make this purchase. The current value of the apartment remains undisclosed.
Do you have a pension?
Being self-employed throughout her life, Nightingale never thought she had enough money to invest in a pension. As a freelancer, she lives day to day and week to week. She is entitled to the full state pension and receives royalties from her books.
Do you invest in the stock market?
Nightingale admits to lacking the knowledge and understanding needed to invest directly in the stock market. Instead, she has some savings in a stocks and shares ISA that is managed by a financial adviser. However, she hasn’t made significant profits from her investments.
If you were Chancellor, what would be your first priority?
If given the opportunity, Nightingale would prioritize funding safe havens for women and children escaping domestic abuse. She believes that it is crucial to ensure sufficient resources are available for all those in need.
What is your number one financial focus?
Nightingale’s main financial priorities are to stay financially stable, pay her bills, and continue doing what she loves.
Hey Hi Hello: Five Decades Of Pop Culture From Britain’s First Female DJ by Annie Nightingale is out now.
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