Yeardley Smith, actress and voice of Lisa Simpson, grew up in Washington DC. After failing to graduate to college, Yeardley turned to acting and, by 20, was working on Broadway.

When the Simpsons series was conceived, she was first approached to audition for the voice of Lisa's brother, Bart.

While remaining with The Simpsons, Yeardley also appears in the TV comedy series Herman's Head, screened locally on Seven.

She has made a guest appearance on Murphy Brown and played a small role in the movie City Slickers.

How did you learn about money?

"Through my mother. She opened bank accounts for us when we were quite young and the deal was: `It's your money. Do what you want with it but if you spend it all in one place and then see something else you want, then too bad.'"

"So I learnt to pace myself because I never wanted to find the thing that I would really die for and not be able to get it."

The worst thing you have done with money?

"Get married. Divorce is very expensive."

The best thing?

"Have dinner. It is instantly gratifying and nothing breaks."

Your investment philosophy?

"Real estate, I guess. I have a house which I adore but I have had to put on a new roof. I recently had to re-pipe the sewer system and the fire department wanted to haul my butt off to jail for not complying with their brushfire laws. I have had my share of home-owner hell.

"I do have a lovely collection of antique costume jewellery and it is a great investment because I wear it. And diamonds, too, but I only have a few because I can't afford them."