Sydnie Christmas, crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent in June, secured £250,000 after impressing judges with her stunning rendition of “Tomorrow” from Annie, earning a coveted “golden buzzer” during her audition. The 29-year-old singer and actress has had a vibrant career, previously performing in productions of Grease and Starlight Express on cruise ships. Currently, she is promoting her new album, touring, and set to appear in a panto in Kent this Christmas. Sydnie expressed immense gratitude to her grandmothers, Breda and Maureen, who were present to support her during her performance.

“I haven’t used cash since the pandemic; I prefer to pay with my card, even for tips at restaurants,” she shared.

What credit cards do you use?

“I’ve only ever relied on a debit card. I’m not well-versed in credit cards at all.”

Are you a saver or a spender?

“During lockdown, I got into a habit of impulse buying. I spent hundreds on summer clothes that didn’t fit, which I eventually donated. Now, I focus on saving, especially since I need to manage finances between performances. My most recent purchase was a pair of £499 Apple headphones, which I deliberated over for quite a while. They are fantastic for listening to music and for noise cancellation on trains.”

Do you own property?

“Not yet. Right now, I’m renting a one-bedroom flat in Stamford Hill with my partner for £1,900 a month plus bills. It’s very pricey! I spent four years living in Bochum, Germany, where rental prices were much lower. If I could, I would transport my old flat here! My partner and I aim to purchase a property outside London in the next couple of years, preferably near Ebbsfleet, Kent, although the train fares into London are quite steep.”

Are you better off than your parents?

“Not really. I grew up in a family of six, with two brothers and three sisters, and while we had a comfortable upbringing in Gravesend, I know raising all of us was a challenge. My father, Mark, is a businessman in the jewelry industry, and my mother, Janet, works as a teacher. They have always supported my aspirations in the entertainment industry, which many young people might not have.”

How much did you earn last year?

“Nothing compared to the £250,000 I received from Britain’s Got Talent this year!”

What was your first job?

“At 14, I worked at an egg farm with my mother, earning about £45 a week. My parents taught me the importance of earning to get nice things. I later worked at Cash Converters and in a pub. My first performing job was singing on a cruise ship at 19, which helped me save since I didn’t have to pay for accommodation or food.”

When did you first feel wealthy?

“When I saw the £250,000 prize in my bank account while working as a cleaner between gigs; it was an unbelievable moment.”

Have you ever worried about making ends meet?

“Absolutely. There have been numerous times when I had to take low-wage jobs like bartending after losing singing gigs. I can’t afford to rest in between performances.”

What has been your most lucrative work?

“It has to be my time on Britain’s Got Talent; nothing else comes close. That money is earmarked for the deposit on our future home.”

Do you invest in shares?

“No, I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

What’s better for retirement: property or pension?

“It would be ideal to have both, but if I had to choose, I would prefer property.”

What has been your best business decision?

“Auditioning for BGT. I applied four times but always backed out due to nerves. Finally, I found the courage to audition, although I wasn’t guaranteed airtime. I almost gave up on my dream of being in showbusiness as I wanted to start a family soon and felt stuck in my career.”

And your best investment?

“Taking singing lessons has been invaluable; they can be quite expensive, ranging from £80 to £300 per hour, but I view my voice as an instrument that needs nurturing. Additionally, I’ve invested a lot of time and effort into my debut album, which is a collection of covers that I hope to share with younger audiences.”

What about your worst investment?

“When I was 20, I paid a producer £250 to set my songs to music, but he failed to deliver and refused to refund me.”

What’s your money weakness?

“I enjoy socializing, especially going out for drinks or meals with friends. I used to spend around £50 for a night out, but now I try to limit myself to social outings every two weeks.”

What’s your most extravagant ever purchase?

“The most extravagant purchase hasn’t happened yet! I’m not one to buy things I don’t need, typically.”

What’s your financial priority in the years ahead?

“Securing a stable income is crucial so that my partner and I can buy a home, manage a mortgage, and build a family while planning for a comfortable retirement.”

What would you do if you won the lottery jackpot?

“I’d take my family on a dream holiday to an exotic destination they wouldn’t typically consider. I would also purchase a lovely family home on the London-Kent border and support a charity focused on autism, as I understand the challenges faced by those affected by it.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt about money?

“If I want to buy something, I wait a month to make sure it’s really what I want; often my interest fades after a couple of weeks!”

Sydnie Christmas’s debut album, My Way, is available now. She is set to tour starting February next year.