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Takaya Honda opens up about learning to budget as an actor

Takaya Honda, an actor and Dementia Australia ambassador, discusses his career insights and spending habits, reflecting on lessons learnt.

  • Takaya Honda describes himself as a conservative spender who only makes purchases after proving he can afford them and doing plenty of research to get the best value.
  • A podcast reshaped Takaya’s financial approach: rather than saving a fixed percentage, he now gives himself a weekly allowance and automatically saves the rest.
  • Takaya wishes he’d learnt about investing sooner and is currently taking beginner steps into shares, valuing knowledge even if there’s a risk of losses along the way.

Takaya Honda has carved out an impressive career across television, theatre and advocacy. The Neighbours actor, Playschool host and Dementia Australia ambassador chats with Brighter about how his attitude to spending has changed and what he wishes he knew when starting out his career.

How would you describe your spending style?

My spending style is pretty conservative. If there’s something that I really want, I need to prove to myself that I can afford it before I buy it. I’ll do a lot of research and make sure that I’m getting the best value for money. Overall, I’m pretty good with my money and making sure I use it wisely.

What’s the best money lesson you’ve ever learnt?

The best money lesson I’ve learnt was from a podcast. It taught me that rather than saving 20 per cent of what you earn, you should give yourself an allowance each week and then the rest of your money goes into savings or an offset or whatever. As an actor, because your money comes in random amounts, if you have a consistent amount you’re used to getting each week, you won’t wind up spending all this money when you earn a big amount. 

What do you wish you’d known when you first started earning money?

I wish I knew more about investing and how to do it wisely. Being an actor, generally, you’re just trying to pay the bills. But the sooner you can put that money to work the better. Time is your friend.

What’s something you’re still figuring out when it comes to financial fitness?

I’m still figuring out shares and investing. I’m still in the beginner stage; baby steps. For now, I’m keeping it fairly simple. I don’t know if understanding more about it will help me make more money but having a better understanding about it is always helpful.

What does success look like to you?

Success, to me, is just happiness and health. I was a really sick kid and as a new parent, I tell others that if your baby or child isn’t in the hospital, they’re great. Health is super important. What really matters is that you can keep yourself healthy and happy.

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Published: 23 February 2026

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