MY MONEY THE VIVIENNE

THE RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK WINNER KNOWS ALL ABOUT THE ANGUISH OF HAVING BAILIFFS AT THE DOOR...

THE VIVIENNE has had more ups and downs with her finances than outfit changes. Before winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season one, she found out the hard way that unpaid electricity and broadband bills contributed to a low credit score – she wasn’t even able to take out a mobile phone contract. She also borrowed £3,000 to spend on her wardrobe when she got the role on Drag Race.

Now back on track with her finances, she is helping others by launching a new campaign with consumer credit reporting company Experian about being ‘money-positive’, aiming to banish the British stigma that comes with talking about finances.

You’ve been in debtt – why should people be more open about it?

I’ve experienced a roller-coaster r-coaster relationship with money. y. When I was younger, I fell into debt because I didn’t pay bills s on time, and eventually had da a bailiff knocking on my door. I didn’t speak enough about bout my problems, with the exception of close family ly members. It was difficult lt to be open about my money ey issues. I’d urge others not ot to make the same mistakes, as there’s always help available.

If you can’t make a payment on time, speak to your lender as soon as possible, they might offer a payment plan to avoid you getting into a bigger mess.

How would you describe the feeling of having a low credit score and unpaid bills?

It was horrible. Emotionally, the constant anxiety of not being able to cover myself financially affected my mental health and I used to lose sleep over my money worries. And from a practical perspective, it meant I wasn’t able to do all the things I wanted. I was even denied a phone contract once due to my poor credit score, which was a direct consequence of not paying my bills on time. I moved to Liverpool at 16 and was completely unprepared to support myself. No one taught me about money management at school.

Have you found financial security now?

I have always put a lot of time into my drag artistry and RuPaul’s Drag Race

UK offered a fantastic platform in terms of showing people my talent. However, to get on the show I borrowed £3,000 to spend on outfits and wigs, which I’ve since been able to pay back. I saw it as an investment in my future, but I would advise anyone doing the same to make sure they have a plan in place to make the repayments.

Are you still looking to improve your credit score?

My financial security has definitely improved, but I’m still looking to improve my credit score. I’m aiming to get a mortgage and buy a house in Liverpool with my husband. If you’re trying to improve your credit score, too, then I would recommend trying the new free service Experian Boost, which could instantly improve your score when you sign up. It works by taking into consideration more of your regular payments, such as those to digital entertainment services like Netflix and Spotify, for the first time.

So, no more sleepless nights for you?

It’s great to have paid back everything.

With no more sleepless nights I get the full beauty sleep a drag queen needs. I’ve learnt the hard way, but since I took control of my money, I am a step closer to being a homeowner, which is just a dream come true.

Are you a spender or a saver these days?

I am a bit of both as I have to spend a lot on my look – it isn’t cheap looking this cheap. But I have also learnt lessons, and now I’ll burrow money away for a rainy day and save.

Do you invest money?

I’m currently investing in my music career. I’ve just launched a new single called Bitch On Heels.

Why do so many people in the UK face debt?

A lot of people are facing financial troubles which aren’t simply their own doing. Like me, many people haven’t been aware of what being in debt means. Splashing out on credit cards for things you can’t afford and leaving bills unpaid can mean debt mounts up quickly, and it’s hard to pay back. Also, not knowing simple things, such as how to budget, how to improve your credit score and how to consolidate existing debts, can make things much worse.

What wouwould you buy if money was no obobject?

I would go all out on buying a dream home in L Liverpool with my husband husband, David. Complete with a studio, p practice stage and make-up room.

Is there anything you regret buying?

I have no regrets. If I hadn’t bought all of those dresses and make-up for the show, I would never have won it and landed in th the fortunate position that I am in now.

Cash oor card?

Card all the way. It’s much easier to carry than lots of cash, I think it is safer and it helps me keep track of my own spending.

What would you buy with your last 50 quid?

Make-up, of course.

How much money means happiness?

For me, having control of my finances and feeling money-positive equals happiness. Living within my means allows me to splash out occasionally on extra bits here and there as a treat, but finally becoming debt free and financially independent is such a weight off my mind.

It’s vital to open up about your money problems. There’s always help available

Private island or private jet?

I’m a people person, so taking a private jet around the world with friends and family would be nice, wouldn’t it? I wouldn’t say no to a private island, though.

Ferrari or a limousine?

Well, I need plenty of space to get drag-ready so the limousine would be pretty much perfect. And the Ferrari might be a little bit too fast while I’m trying to apply the all-important finishing touches.