HOW DID YOUR CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES INFLUENCE YOUR ATTITUDE TO MONEY?
When I was growing up as a kid we never went without, but it was a bit of a struggle for my parents sometimes as they never had loads of money. So I suppose it's made me spend money more wisely and be responsible with it now that I'm an adult.
HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU'VE BEEN PARTICULARLY HARD UP?
Yes, there was one year it was really bad. I was at university and obviously training as well. I did have a part-time job but because of training and competing I had to stop my job for a while so I could concentrate on training and my studies. So I had no money at all.
I remember I had to borrow money from my parents to get everyone Christmas presents, but then I owed loads of money – which is not good. People didn't get very good presents that Christmas!
ARE YOU A SAVER OR A SPENDER?
I would say that I am a bit of both because I do think it's important when you work hard for your money that you should enjoy it, but sensibly. So I enjoy treating myself along with my friends and family, but I also think it's important to save your money and manage it sensibly.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
My house, definitely.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST BUY?
I would have to say Mila, my chocolate Labrador. We got her when she was a puppy. She was definitely a good buy. I wasn't sure whether to get her or not and I suppose she is rather expensive to keep, but she is gorgeous, and I love having her.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST BUY?
I've got lots of annoying things I've bought but never used, like items of clothes that I thought I loved but have never worn so they hang in the wardrobe with the tags still on.
HOW ARE YOU SAVING FOR YOUR RETIREMENT?
I don't spend everything I earn, I put it away.
Saving for retirement is important and I try to look at low-risk avenues to invest in. At the moment I'm putting my money in property.
That said, I know you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket so I am keen to keep my options open.
GIVEN THE SHORT CAREER AN ATHLETE HAS ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU'LL DO WHEN YOU HANG UP YOUR SPIKES?
It is quite difficult as I'm not 100 per cent sure what I'll do when I retire. But obviously I would like to stay involved within the sport at some level. I did my degree in psychology so I would perhaps like to use that one day.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED COACHING OR WORKING AS A SPORTS PRESENTER?
I would not like to be a coach as I don't think I would be very good. I would like to be involved in the sport though as I would find it quite difficult to be completely cut off, so I would like to think there will be some way for me to be involved afterwards.
No, I have not considered becoming a television presenter as a future career. To be honest, I have not really given a lot of thought about what comes next – my head is down and focusing on the London 2012 Olympics.
DO YOU SAVE INTO A PENSION YET?
No, but I do think about the future so I am investing in other ways, such as property. It's important to think about saving sooner rather than later – particularly in a career such as mine when people can retire at a young age.
ARE YOU A GENEROUS TIPPER?
I am if the service has been good. If I have had a great time and the food has been good then yes, I will tip. But, on the flip side, if it's been poor and I've not enjoyed it then I don't just tip for the sake of it.
DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR OWN FINANCES OR DO YOU HAVE A FINANCIAL ADVISER?
I have a financial adviser.
HOW DO YOU PREFER TO PAY FOR THINGS – CASH, CHEQUE OR CREDIT CARD?
Card.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY?
Definitely Mauritius. A year or two ago I went for two weeks and it was the best holiday ever. Gorgeous hotel, the weather was amazing, beautiful beaches, great food, everything was just amazing – I'll definitely go back there.
IS ATHLETICS WELL PAID? OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE VERY GOOD AT IT BUT DID YOU THINK OF OTHER CAREER OPTIONS?
I think that it's often a struggle as you're coming up the system in athletics. When you're at school and trying to train it's hard to do a job as well so it can be quite difficult financially. But when you reach a certain level you can earn a decent amount of money in sponsorship endorsements, in prize money and that kind of thing.
It's very different from other professional sports where you get paid a wage as well. But there is the opportunity to earn well in athletics. I was so young when I discovered athletics so realistically I did not have the time to think about an alternative sport.
Jessica Ennis is an ambassador for Aviva, which has been supporting British athletes since 1999. To follow Jessica's story and find out more visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics
