Keep a careful eye on the tooth fairy

Presenter Jonathan Boynton-Lee has been ‘living the dream’ as part of the ‘Top Billing’ team. He believes that spending time is often a better investment than spending money. He tells Loni Prinsloo about being a ’starving’ theatre actor and how his parent

Why did you pursue your current career and what did it teach you about money matters?

I pursued this career because it was my dream, my passion. I was never driven by money when it came to my career choice. I followed my heart. What did it teach me about money matters? Don’t ever choose a career based on how much money you think you’ll earn. The world has enough sad and lonely millionaires.

What was your first job and pay package?

My first official job was a “starving theatre actor”. The “starving” part pretty much sums up the pay package.

What has been your best career choice to date?

Braving the crowds, the cold and my own fears, and auditioning for Top Billing. If you hit the jackpot today, what would you spend it on?

I’ve watched too many movies, so I would probably freak out, drive to the desert, bury it in duffel bags and wait for a bunch of mobsters to track me down and recover the loot after torturing me. Honestly, I’d probably freak out, drop the money off with my dad and tell him to do what’s best for me. He’s my guy.

What are some of your money weaknesses?

Giving it away.

The world has enough sad, lonely millionaires

Do you have any career role models?

My parents — because they taught me how to live a life filled with love and dreams. And that’s what a career should be all about.

Did your childhood teach you anything about money?

Don’t spend all your pocket money at once; save a little for a rainy day. And make sure the tooth fairy doesn’t rip you off. Oh, and check all the vending machines, because there’s almost always a little change left over.

Have you ever been hard up?

With money, yes, but never with life. The two are completely separate entities for me. I don’t need money to be happy. All you’ve got is all you need. Live with this attitude of gratitude and the money will come. Trust me on this.

What has been your best money advice?

Pretty simple: if you don’t have the money then don’t spend it. Try spending more time, less money.

What do you view as some of your better investments?

The best investments in life are making time for what’s important. My best monetary investment is probably my apartment, which is in a fantastic position, on top of Northcliff hill, right on the edge of the cliff. And my Vespa that has saved me so much time — and time is money.

What are some of your career or money plans?

I’m in the entertainment industry, so I don’t really make plans. You can’t, because you’re living day to day, job to job. But it’s perfect for the way I live life — completely, in every moment. It’s an impulsive way to live, but it’s beautiful and it’s the only way I know how. And so far, things are working out pretty well, living the dream with Top Billing. And there may just be a movie round the corner.