Saija Tuupanen learned during the corona virus what saving for a bad day actually means.
– I have been really sensitive. As soon as I think about these past 20 years, chills run through my body.
This is how Saija Tuupanen, who was crowned tango queen in 2003, describes the mood of her 20th anniversary year.
Tuupanen is known on dance stages as a bright artist. Another singer performing in even more stunning dresses has been waiting all winter once again for the summer stages to fill up and for people to dance to Korean.
In addition to performing, Tuupanen is a hard-working businesswoman who, since her coronation, has been an entrepreneur and employer of her band’s players for 20 years.
Tuupanen says that he hasn’t talked about his money matters in public before, even though money talk is an everyday thing in a relationship and family. However, he is open about his spending and income.
Money taps open
Tuupanen since he was young Raimo-father has taught his daughter to save “for a bad day”. For years, Tuupanen had to think to himself what this “bad day” could really be.
At the beginning of 2020, Tuupanen really understood what a bad day – or actually bad years – are.
– When the corona started, I immediately understood that today is a really bad day. I called my father and thanked him for advising me on saving, Tuupanen states.
Saija Tuupase has a lot of different performance outfits. – I have also decorated mom and dad’s upstairs with my dresses. Mom often asks me to prune them a little. I take a few off, but soon I put them back, because every dress has its own story, Tuupanen laughs. Inka Soveri
Corona took Tuupanen’s savings account back to square one, even though some support came to the artist. Tuupanen says that at that time he thought very carefully about what to use his money for.
– Now those savings are being collected back again. Of course, I’m also someone who likes to enjoy life and because of the rigors of work, I love to pamper myself with different treatments and massages.
10,000 marks
At the age of 21, the young woman who was crowned tango queen spent her gig fees on any and all purchases. Cash flows opened up and gig fees were up to FIM 5,000–10,000.
– They were huge sums. The gig fee is, of course, proportional to the fact that you can fill up all the time and the car takes a big notch, Tuupanen describes.
These days, Tuupanen is more specific about where to put his money, but for example, the artist owns a huge amount of performance outfits.
In everyday life, a large part of the expenses consists not only of travel expenses, but also accommodation expenses, snacks, gas station catering, make-up by the female artist and performance clothes.
– Sure, these things are compensated for in taxation, but a lot of money is spent on the road. Band equipment also wears out constantly, and for example I recently invested a large amount of money in lighting equipment, he continues.
Tuupanen says that he started making snacks for his work trips. – When you eat hundreds of gas station breads a year, mom’s Karelian pies taste especially good! Inka Soveri
Tupanen would like to be able to tell young people aspiring to the music business about entrepreneurship and financial management related to artistry, for example through courses.
– This job is not about going on stage, changing between dresses and singing two sets of favorite songs. This job requires much more, and branding yourself in particular can be really challenging, Tuupanen reflects.
“Unnecessary expenses”
During the Corona period, Tuupanen concretely realized what his own consumption habits are like. And they had to change.
After a little research, Tuupanen noticed that he has “useless expenses” for several years.
– My phone bill goes by direct debit from my account. When I looked at the bill, I noticed a completely unnecessary fee of just under ten euros, which I had been paying for years. It’s not a big amount once a month, but it’s completely unnecessary! he reveals.
As a result of the review, Tuupanen eliminated all unnecessary expenses. After the Corona period, observing the economy has remained a positive aspect of life.
– Today, I get along well with my income. More important than how much I earn is that I can regulate the amount of work and take time off and recover.
Tuition paid
Tuupanen and his common-law partner Sami Hedbergin in a relationship, spending money is relaxed, but all choices are conscious.
– We have a joint account from which we shop for food. We are not the kind of people who would show each other every grocery bill, Tuupanen describes.
In a couple’s relationship, money is talked about when necessary and it is not taboo. Especially during the corona period, when the incomes of both people working in the culture and entertainment industry collapsed to zero at the same time, the family had to make a strict line about how money is spent.
– We went to do the month’s grocery shopping in one shopping trip. It was really educational and saved a lot of money.
Tuupanen says that he is the one in a relationship who goes to the grocery store more. Inka Soveri
Although Tuupanen’s income is good, he has not experienced that his income or position has ever been particularly taken advantage of. However, one miserable experience comes to mind.
– I’ve made mistakes in my life and put my name on such a piece of paper that I’ve become a pay woman. I’ve learned from those situations the hard way and I haven’t loaned anyone money since. The tuition fees have been paid.
For vacation
Tuupanen understood during the corona period that money should not rest as an empty deposit in a bank account. He says that he started investing in mutual funds during the corona virus and that he would also like to learn more about that.
At the moment, Tuupase has his funds tied up in a summer cottage and an investment apartment in North Karelia.
– I don’t know much about investing yet, but I am soon going to learn more about investing with an expert. It would be great if my own money could produce something. Housing investment is also something I want to learn more about.
This year is the first summer in ten years when Tuupanen does not take part in summer theater productions. – It’s really special, but maybe this also belongs to my jubilee year in some way. Inka Soveri
A jam-packed gig calendar and entrepreneurship keep Tuupanen busy. However, the anniversary year is special, because for the first time in 20 years, Tuupanen was able to clear space from the summer of gigs for a two and a half week summer vacation. Holiday patterns put a big smile on her face.
– In my life, the most valuable thing in terms of finances is that I no longer have to do thirty gigs a month, but can really take time for myself and my loved ones. I am most grateful for that, Tuupanen concludes.
Saija Tuupanen Makeup and hair: Tiina-Maria Valanti