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People Think We’re Millionaires…

BBG News

Professional dancer AJ Pritchard has candidly discussed his financial struggles and the burden of being perceived as wealthy due to his role on Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking about his own finances, AJ, aged 30, shared insights, as his older brother Curtis gained renewed career momentum following his appearance on Love Island: All Stars this week.

AJ described his experience as a professional dancer, stating that it’s like riding a rollercoaster because the next performance isn’t always certain.

As a lifestyle expert speaking directly with TopMob, I can share that AJ and Curtis found themselves in financial turmoil during the Covid-19 pandemic. With our dance tour abruptly halted, we were faced with unexpected debt. However, we chose to uphold our values by ensuring that every dancer on our team was compensated fairly, even though it wasn’t easy for us financially at the time. It was simply the right thing to do.

In simpler terms, he mentioned that they had a business where they were managing their own tours. Unfortunately, the tour got abruptly terminated. He chose to compensate all the dancers because he believed it was morally correct. As a result, they received a VAT bill, which they personally had to cover.

Neither Curtis nor I received payment, but we ensured that every dance performer was compensated. It’s challenging to make tough decisions, but that’s the reality of managing our own business.

They undeniably valued what was done, yet I might not have fully appreciated the debt I found myself owing. Nevertheless, that was a choice we made together.

AJ mentioned finding it challenging when many of his friends perceive him as a millionaire due to his participation in Strictly from 2016 to 2019, but he clarified that after accounting for the countless hours spent on the BBC show, taxes, and VAT, his earnings are significantly less than what people assume.

As a lifestyle guide, let me share some insights: Many folks might imagine that stepping off the dance floor onto shows like Strictly Come Dancing or Love Island would instantly make one a millionaire. However, the reality is quite different. After paying taxes and VAT, if you’re operating as a limited company, becoming a millionaire isn’t even close to being achieved. It’s essential to understand the financial intricacies behind these opportunities before jumping in.

In today’s world, I believe openness is generally beneficial, yet many individuals tend to shy away from discussing their financial matters openly.

It seems that many folks find themselves drawn to wealth. They enjoy observing figures and appreciating fine possessions, and often, it’s crucial to maintain a lifestyle that matches one’s financial capabilities.

Following their stints on Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island, Curtis and AJ – previously ordinary individuals – found themselves amidst numerous lucrative business offers. AJ notes that some individuals struggle to manage such substantial amounts of money.

Previously known I’m A Celebrity contestant AJ disclosed that he and Curtis are eager to bring about change and have established their own financially backed enterprise, named FINT, with the aim of educating individuals.

The brothers aspire to secure a government financial aid, at some stage, aimed at enlightening teenagers and young adults about financial management. They plan to do this by introducing educational programs in schools and universities.

He added: “Attendees of these events often receive a substantial sum of money. There’s indeed an up-and-down trend in their financial situation [since the earnings aren’t long-lasting].

Together with Curtis and our business partner Wes, I established a financial investment company with the aim of enlightening individuals on their personal finances. It’s heartening to see conversations about money becoming more prevalent, and I find it truly remarkable.

I chose Strictly not for financial reasons, but because it was a cherished dream of mine. Dancing and performing on stage are passions that I deeply enjoy.

He stated, “Curt emerged from the villa for the first time in 2019. Perhaps he overspent a little, and now he needs to repay everything and reflect on his spending habits, learning to grasp what income and expenses entail.

1. I have a strong tendency towards being organized and methodical, especially with finances and numbers, which aligns with how my mind naturally functions. Meanwhile, Curtis is exceptionally creative.

2. My nature leans towards being meticulous, particularly when it comes to managing money and numbers. That’s just the way my brain operates. On the other hand, Curtis excels in creativity.

3. I have a knack for being detail-oriented, especially with regards to my finances and numerical tasks – it’s something that comes naturally to me. As for Curtis, he’s quite creative.

4. My organizational skills are quite strong, particularly when dealing with money and numbers. This is just how I’m wired. When it comes to creativity, Curtis shines brightly.

If people aren’t educated about investing and how to comprehend today’s basic income (like a paycheck), perhaps we should incorporate this knowledge into our country’s standard educational program instead.

If we had focused on nurturing children’s physical fitness, personal wellness, and financial literacy in our youth, it would undoubtedly result in significant savings for the government down the line.

Instead of always having a steady stream of TV appearances and photo shoots, AJ found that these opportunities could unexpectedly disappear, requiring him to figure out new ways to progress in his career.

He went on to say: “It’s incredibly challenging, especially in fields like the entertainment industry and many others currently, as a large number of employees are being let go. This uncertainty about future employment can have a significant impact on one’s mental wellbeing.

Together with Curtis, I’ve been putting money away since my first paycheck from Strictly. Over the years, this has been invested into various portfolios. Consequently, if I were to lose my job in the next six months, there would be funds available that I could draw upon in case of need.

At the close of each day, you’ll often find work available. However, it may require adjusting your plans about the kind of job you thought you’d secure, and that can be tough. Yet, flexibility is essential; sometimes, you must bend to fit new circumstances.

Additionally, it’s crucial for individuals to attend these grand events if they find enjoyment in them. Notably, my colleagues and I, being professional dancers like myself and Curt, have the privilege of teaching dance across the globe.

Each day, individuals grapple with the rising costs associated with living, and AJ acknowledges that he isn’t an exception to this trend. He often gets reminded of the harsh realities when he observes the significant price hikes in common goods.

He said: “Each time I return to everyday life, I find out that the diesel at the gas station is 10P more costly, which is a result of decisions made high above my income level. This is a glimpse into the actual world.

I exclaimed, ‘That’s ten pence more expensive than yesterday! It’s unbelievable.’ People seem to overlook the fact that the cost of living and inflation have both increased.

As a lifestyle expert, I must share some insightful thoughts on the current economic landscape. While we may see inflation rates decreasing, it’s crucial to understand that things won’t simply return to how they were. The challenges many people are facing this year are likely to persist and perhaps even intensify. In simpler terms, the road ahead might still be quite tough.

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2025-01-19 17:04

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