SA dance instructor Angelo Collins missed out on the $300 000 (about R3m) winner’s prize in the reality show Big Brother Africa when he was evicted last Sunday.

The artist tells Loni Prinsloo that he would have used some of the money to help his mother, and most of the rest would have gone to youth development and trust options.

He says his major money problem is not having very much of it.

Are you good with money or irresponsible?

I consider myself responsible, I believe you should respect money and be smart in how you use it.

Why do you want to make money in life?

Money is important because it allows opportunity for growth and independence.

What has been your best business or career choice to date?

To start a business with a designer friend of mine. It is still a work in progress but the response has been great.

What has been your biggest extravagance?

I’m still hoping to buy a beautiful house.

What did your childhood teach you about money?

Money determines a lot of things in our lives and without money it’s really hard.

What is the one thing that you wish you can afford?

A better life, I would say.

Are you disappointed that you did not win the prize money in Big Brother Africa?

I am not disappointed at all, but it would have been great, it would have changed my current situation.

What plans did you have for the prize money?

To start a trust fund, invest in developing travel around Africa and make a difference by setting up workshops teaching leadership skills and investing my time in building the youth. The money would have helped me to give my mom a better life and change her current situation.

What will be your next money or career adventure?

I want to open a dance school. Or have my own TV show that involves Bimp from Ethiopia for our “One Love, One Blood, One Africa” initiative.

Have you learnt any difficult lessons about money through mistakes you’ve made?

Yes, most definitely. The lesson I’ve learnt is not to live a lifestyle you can’t afford; always live within your means.

What is your money weakness?

My money weakness is that I don’t have much money to start with.

What was your first job and how much did you earn?

My first job was a trolley boy for Shoprite. I earned about R3 an hour.

Have you ever been in debt or really hard up?

Yes, I’ve been hard up because of bad money decisions. I learnt a lot from it.

How do you tip?

I tip according to service. Good service deserves good money and it motivates the person to continue that service.

What was the most lucrative job you have ever done? Did you use the fee for anything special?

I did a foreign TV commercial and started a T-shirt label called “Daydreamer”.

Do you manage your own financial affairs?

Yes, I do. It’s important that one learns how to manage one’s own finances. I don’t like doing it, but it teaches you how to keep things in order.

Are you a saver or spender?

I try to save for rainy days.

What is the best money advice you have ever been given?

If you always have money in your bank account it will attract more money into your account ... also to have a set spending allowance a day.

Who is your business or career role model?

DJ Sbu. He started as a radio DJ and now owns a record label and clothing label. And he is still planting more seeds. I like it that he is always looking towards growth.

• This article was first published in Sunday Times: Money & Careers