Comic Akmal Saleh is a presenter on Nova.

What was your first job? At the government stores in Sydney. I was 17 1/2. It was the closest thing to maximum security.

What did you get paid? I can't remember - I only lasted four days.

Are you a saver or a spender? I am a big spender and so is my wife.

What do you spend your money on? We eat out a lot, go on trips and spend on everything and anything.

What was your worst purchase? I was paid a lump sum for The 50 Foot Show and spent the money on a Mazda MX-5. Everyone told me to put the money towards a deposit for a house. I sold the car two weeks later and lost $6000.

Credit cards are: a) great; b) helpful; c) a poor investment or; d) work of the devil. Before the purchase they are useful but the credit card is the devil when you have to pay it back.

Does budgeting work for you? I've never tried budgeting. I'm not very disciplined. As a comedian you don't get a regular income so as soon as I was paid I would have to buy something. It always felt like the money wouldn't last so I spent it.

What's the best piece of investment advice you have heard? Purchasing the entire collection of Monty Python DVDs. I bought them while I was at school and they structured my thinking, assisting me to hone my comic skills.

What's the best piece of investment advice you have actually acted on? When I sold the MX-5 and put a deposit on a unit with the money. It got me into the real estate market and was the first adult thing I had done.

If I was given $20,000 I would buy ... I've always wanted to go to West Africa - and would then go to Egypt, Israel and Europe. Or I'd travel first-class to Perth!

If I was given $20,000 I would invest in ... My mortgage.