Coleen Nolan, the 59-year-old performer and TV personality, has had a diverse career spanning decades. Rising to fame as a member of the girl group The Nolans, alongside her sisters, she experienced early success with a string of hits from 1979 to 1982. The group's popularity extended internationally, particularly in Japan, contributing to their impressive sales of 30 million records.
Since 2000, Nolan has been a familiar face on British television, serving as a panelist on the daytime talk show Loose Women. Her TV career has also included appearances on popular reality shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, where she finished fourth in 2009.
Nolan's upbringing significantly shaped her attitude towards money. Born into a working-class family in Blackpool, she began performing at the tender age of two. The family's earnings from their musical endeavors were pooled to cover living expenses. This early exposure to financial challenges instilled in her a strong appreciation for money.
"We lived in a little terraced house in Blackpool and I later learned that my mum pawned her wedding rings to get us Christmas presents. But I never heard my parents moan."
Despite the group's commercial success, Nolan reveals that financial mismanagement led to disappointment. "We sold 30 million records and didn't end up with anything," she admits, echoing a common story in the music industry of that era.
Nolan's property journey began just before her 18th birthday when she purchased a Georgian house in Hillingdon, west London, for £50,000. This investment has since appreciated significantly, with recent estimates valuing it at around half a million pounds.
In terms of spending habits, Nolan describes herself as a mix of saver and spender. She recently downsized from a house in Cheshire to a smaller property with six acres in Staffordshire, fulfilling her dream of owning a small farm. Her passion for animals often influences her spending decisions.
Nolan candidly admits to struggling with financial management, likening meetings with accountants to confusing math lessons. Despite this, she has made provisions for the future, including a pension plan, though she expresses frustration with the associated tax implications.
Reflecting on past earnings, Nolan recalls a time when celebrity interviews and advertisements could command substantial fees. However, she notes that economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted such opportunities.
When it comes to luxury items, Nolan maintains a practical approach. She drives a leased Toyota RAV4, valuing functionality over prestige. This attitude extends to her overall view on wealth, as she emphasizes that money, while providing comfort and options, cannot solve all of life's challenges.
Nolan's latest venture is a book about dealing with grief, titled "A Hand to Hold: All I've Learnt About Grief," set to be released on August 29, 2024. This project adds to her diverse portfolio, which includes work as a newspaper columnist and solo artist.
In conclusion, Coleen Nolan's journey from pop star to TV personality has been marked by financial highs and lows. Her experiences have shaped a pragmatic view of money, emphasizing its role in providing comfort while recognizing its limitations in ensuring happiness.
"Money can make you more comfortable and give you options. But Shane and I were very well off when our marriage went terrible and no amount of money could have made that heartbreak any easier."