FINANCIAL SECURITY: Tarryn Lamb, middle, with her fellow BlackByrd band members Samantha Heldsinger, left, and Tamsyn Maker
FINANCIAL SECURITY: Tarryn Lamb, middle, with her fellow BlackByrd band members Samantha Heldsinger, left, and Tamsyn Maker

TARRYN Lamb is part of one of the hottest groups on the South African music circuit, BlackByrd. She told Loni Prinsloo more about her brief stint in the world of singing telegrams, how she wanted to become a dancer as a child and why she does not think it is necessary to always keep up with the Kardashians

If you won the jackpot, what would you spend it on?

If I won the jackpot, I would make sure everyone in my family was financially taken care of and then we would go on the most amazing holiday ever.

What are some of the more “creative” ways you have tried to make money?

I once did a singing-telegram gig. This couple called me up one day and wanted me to dress up like a mermaid and deliver a bottle of whiskey and flowers to their best friend’s house and then sing to them a thank-you song, because their friends had bought them a holiday at an island resort.

It really was a fantastic experience, even though I was totally out of my comfort zone: I earned R2,000 for 45 seconds.

What has been your biggest money success to date?

Money success: that moment when you find R50 in your jeans' pocket.

Would you prefer to have fame or fortune?

Uh, fortune.

What do you like to spend your money on ?

Experiences, fashion and travelling.

What has been your biggest money lesson or best money advice to date?

Aaah, there have been so many. The biggest money lesson I have learnt is that you must save for that rainy day and not live beyond your means. You do not have to “keep up with the Kardashians”.

What has been your biggest expense?

My biggest expense thus far was buying my car.

Do you believe the South African entertainment industry is a lucrative one?

Definitely. Like any industry, the stronger you build a brand the more successful you can become.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a professional ballroom and Latin American dancer, and then my love for music simply took over.

Do you have a monthly budget and do you stick to it?

I do have a monthly budget. I started implementing one this year, because I discovered that I spent way too much money on rubbish.

So I am a lot more conscious of what I spend my money on.

Have you ever been in serious money trouble and, if so, how did you deal with it?

I have never been in any serious money trouble before, but what I can say is do not “bury your head in the sand” regarding your debts. There are so many ways and companies out there that can assist you in responsibly managing your relationship with money. It’s never too late to learn.

• This article was first published in Sunday Times: Business Times.