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Restaurateur

1. What's in your wallet right now?

A lottery ticket.

2. What do you wish your parents taught you about money?

How to save some of it.

3. What is your worst habit around finances?

Not being able to do math.

4. What makes you happy?

Time at home with my son; our dog, Leo, and parrot, Ozzy, and writing.

5. Personal philosophy around money?

Don't take it for granted.

6. Where does money come from?

So far, not trees.

7. What would you do with a million dollars?

Set up a trust for my son, pay off the mortgage, buy a new dress, and spread some around good causes.

8. What is your most prized possession?

My home.

9. Who is your role model?

People who chart their own course.

10. What is your greatest achievement?

Above all, being a mother. But I'm proud of writing my memoir, "Innocent Spouse," and putting it on my website.

11. How did Nathans start and how did you take it over?

Nathans was started by my husband, Howard, in 1969. He died suddenly from pneumonia in February 1997, and I, at the time a producer for Larry King, inherited the business.

12. What contributions to society do you want to make?

Oh, gosh, I wish I had money to give in a meaningful way. Until then, I hope I can show others that, like a boat going into a big sea, it's important to face the scary stuff head on.

13. If you could buy one thing right now what would it be?

The building that houses Nathans, because then I would be free of a very painful lease.

14. Favorite activity that doesn't cost a dime?

Napping.

15. How do you indulge yourself?

Cooking, eating out, walking, dancing; being with people I love who make me laugh.

In 1997, when Carol was a producer for Larry King Live, her husband, J. Howard Joynt III, died suddenly from pneumonia and Joynt inherited his restaurant, Nathans, home of the Community Lunch, which she owns and operates to this day. When not at Nathans, Joynt focuses her time on raising her son, Spencer and on writing. Her memoir Innocent Spouse can be read in its entirety at www.nathanslunch.com.