Nicholas Owen, a veteran journalist and broadcaster, has reflected on his career and personal finances, sharing insights drawn from more than five decades in the media industry. Now 79, Owen began his professional journey in 1964 as a trainee at the Surrey Mirror before moving on to notable outlets including the Evening Standard, The Daily Telegraph, and the Financial Times. He later joined the BBC in the 1980s, followed by Channel Four News and ITV, where he served as royal correspondent during coverage of Princess Diana’s death. Owen also hosted a weekly program on Classic FM for over ten years and continues to appear regularly on GB News.
Owen describes his approach to money as cautious, a trait he attributes to his upbringing in a household where financial limitations were a reality. His father worked for the Rothschild family but earned a modest income, which meant the family often had to forgo luxuries such as holidays. Despite this, Owen acknowledges feeling fortunate to have a close family circle, including his wife Brenda, four children, and nine grandchildren.
His first job was delivering newspapers, an early indication of his affinity for journalism. After completing his O-levels, he secured a trainee position at the Surrey Mirror, earning about seven pounds and five shillings a week. He notes that while he has acquired property over the years, owning a home has never been a particular passion. He and Brenda have lived in the same semi-detached house in Surrey for over four decades, which they have extensively modernized. He stresses that buying a home requires genuine affection for the property, noting the ongoing costs associated with maintenance.
In his early career, Owen experienced financial challenges but supplemented his income through freelance reporting for national newspapers. Despite a successful career, he says he has never truly felt wealthy, though he recognizes his good fortune.
Owen also highlighted the importance of pensions, especially final-salary plans, which he benefits from thanks to his tenure with several employers. He expressed concern for future generations, particularly his grandchildren, regarding the decline of workplace pensions in the modern economy. While he was initially hesitant to invest in stocks due to potential conflicts as a financial journalist, he now holds investments managed by his bank and remains attentive to market developments.
Regarding retirement planning, Owen favors pensions over property, citing the costs and challenges involved in owning and maintaining real estate. His acknowledged spending indulgence has been cars, particularly sports models, starting with a red Toyota Celica after securing a presenter’s contract in the early 1990s. He currently owns a red Toyota GT and tends to keep his automobile expenditures below £20,000.
Owen’s most memorable vacation was a 2000 trip to Israel and Petra, Jordan, where he received the news of his first grandchild’s birth. Over the years, he has enjoyed cruises, recognizing that such holidays can be expensive, often costing upwards of £10,000. Throughout his extensive career and personal life, Owen’s experiences reflect a pragmatic balance between financial caution and enjoying life’s rewards.