Many of us dream about being filthy rich. Wouldn’t it be great to have a bank account that just doesn’t ever seem to empty, no matter how hard you try? You want to take a private jet to Paris - go for it! Buy the latest Gucci collection - why not?
Who are the richest people you know? Definitely celebrities! Whether you get famous for acting or Instagram it seems to be true that fortune follows fame. But before you get you crazy about trying to be the next Kim Kardashian pause for a second to consider what happens when the elusive fame fades away. What happens when you get too old, when your meme isn’t trending or when your talent isn’t quite as sharp as it once was? As fame sweeps people up, it isn’t uncommon for them to start living above their means pretty quickly and that often means debts and big bills. Being famous means maintaining a certain lifestyle and sometimes celebs even lie and even cheat to maintain their image of wealth, even when it's obvious to everyone that they can no longer afford their extravagant lifestyles. Tori was born into fame and fortune thanks to her dad, legendary TV producer, Aaron Spelling. Her childhood was one of comfort and glamour, but when the time came for Tori to go out on her own - she delivered. The Valley Girl blonde killed it in Beverly Hills 90210. But it seems being born into money doesn't make you an expert and over the years Spelling has had major issues with her money management. It even got so bad she is apparently getting sued by American Express. “It’s no mystery why I have money problems,” she wrote in her memoir Spelling It Like It Is. “I grew up rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. I never knew anything else. Even when I try to embrace a simpler lifestyle, I can’t seem to let go of my expensive tastes. Even when my tastes aren’t fancy, they’re still costly. I moved houses to simplify my life, but lost almost a million dollars along the way.” Many of us dream about being filthy rich.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a bank account that just doesn’t ever seem to empty, no matter how hard you try? You want to take a private jet to Paris - go for it! Buy the latest Gucci collection - why not?
Who are the richest people you know? Definitely celebrities! Whether you get famous for acting or Instagram it seems to be true that fortune follows fame. But before you get you crazy about trying to be the next Kim Kardashian pause for a second to consider what happens when the elusive fame fades away. What happens when you get too old, when your meme isn’t trending or when your talent isn’t quite as sharp as it once was? As fame sweeps people up, it isn’t uncommon for them to start living above their means pretty quickly and that often means debts and big bills. Being famous means maintaining a certain lifestyle and sometimes celebs even lie and even cheat to maintain their image of wealth, even when it's obvious to everyone that they can no longer afford their extravagant lifestyles. Tori was born into fame and fortune thanks to her dad, legendary TV producer, Aaron Spelling. Her childhood was one of comfort and glamour, but when the time came for Tori to go out on her own - she delivered. The Valley Girl blonde killed it in Beverly Hills 90210. But it seems being born into money doesn't make you an expert and over the years Spelling has had major issues with her money management. It even got so bad she is apparently getting sued by American Express. “It’s no mystery why I have money problems,” she wrote in her memoir Spelling It Like It Is. “I grew up rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. I never knew anything else. Even when I try to embrace a simpler lifestyle, I can’t seem to let go of my expensive tastes. Even when my tastes aren’t fancy, they’re still costly. I moved houses to simplify my life, but lost almost a million dollars along the way.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County star looks like she is living the dream of big houses and an endless wardrobe. But don't’ let the veneer of money fool you. Bellino divorced her husband Jim in part due to their ongoing money problems that reportedly saw them default on the loan of the 4.6 million dollar mansion. The devout Christian and reality TV star is reportedly working hard to get her life back in order.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star looks like she is living the dream of big houses and an endless wardrobe. But don't’ let the veneer of money fool you. Bellino divorced her husband Jim in part due to their ongoing money problems that reportedly saw them default on the loan of the 4.6 million dollar mansion. The devout Christian and reality TV star is reportedly working hard to get her life back in order.
Nicolas Cage has graced the big screen with his famous over the top acting for decades appearing in classics like Con Air and FaceOff. But the seriously mad method actor hasn’t got a great history when it comes to money. Despite earning big bucks for many of his films, Cage ‘forgot’ to pay tax which resulted in a 14 million bill from the IRS. He also managed to spend his fortune buying more than 15 houses, including a $25 million waterfront home in Newport Beach, California, a $15.7 million countryside estate in Newport, Rhode Island, and an $8.5 million abode in Las Vegas.He paid $3 million on a private island in the Bahamas, spent $450,000 on a Lamborghini and bought a pet octopus for a cool $150,000.
Nicolas Cage has graced the big screen with his famous over the top acting for decades appearing in classics like Con Air and FaceOff. But the seriously mad method actor hasn’t got a great history when it comes to money. Despite earning big bucks for many of his films, Cage ‘forgot’ to pay tax which resulted in a 14 million bill from the IRS. He also managed to spend his fortune buying more than 15 houses, including a $25 million waterfront home in Newport Beach, California, a $15.7 million countryside estate in Newport, Rhode Island, and an $8.5 million abode in Las Vegas.He paid $3 million on a private island in the Bahamas, spent $450,000 on a Lamborghini and bought a pet octopus for a cool $150,000.
You can often tell when a celebrity is in money trouble when they start advertising products that seem - well just a little bit below them. This was the case with Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent when he appeared in a series of bizarre advertisements for hostel chain Hostelworld. Curtis lost a million of dollars in a lawsuit involving a woman he appeared in a sex tape with. He also declared bankruptcy when one of his many business went bankrupt. You can often tell when a celebrity is in money trouble when they start advertising products that seem - well just a little bit below them.
This was the case with Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent when he appeared in a series of bizarre advertisements for hostel chain Hostelworld. Curtis lost a million of dollars in a lawsuit involving a woman he appeared in a sex tape with. He also declared bankruptcy when one of his many business went bankrupt.
The ex-lover of Kylie Jenner Tyga was once at the height of fame and fortune. But his appetite for the high life proved too much and the rapper and model has reportedly hit the skids with debts in the hundreds of thousands. His Ferrari was repossessed and he has also been accused of not paying child support. The rapper’s career is also in question. Time to get an accountant Tyga.
The ex-lover of Kylie Jenner Tyga was once at the height of fame and fortune. But his appetite for the high life proved too much and the rapper and model has reportedly hit the skids with debts in the hundreds of thousands. His Ferrari was repossessed and he has also been accused of not paying child support. The rapper’s career is also in question. Time to get an accountant Tyga.
Hill has one of the most iconic voices of the 20th century. But it seems like many celebs she thinks paying tax is optional. The decision to avoid the taxman's not only led to a huge half a million dollar fine, Hill also spent time behind bars. Hill has one of the most iconic voices of the 20th century.
But it seems like many celebs she thinks paying tax is optional. The decision to avoid the taxman's not only led to a huge half a million dollar fine, Hill also spent time behind bars.
Host of the hit show Drake and Josh, Drake Bell’s fame didn’t last long. After a failed music career in 2014 Bell filed for bankruptcy with debts totaling more than half a million dollars. He lost his 2 million home as part of the settlement. The stress was obviously too much and a year later Bell was picked up for driving under the influence. We hope he can find a way back to safety and security. Host of the hit show Drake and Josh, Drake Bell’s fame didn’t last long.
After a failed music career in 2014 Bell filed for bankruptcy with debts totaling more than half a million dollars. He lost his 2 million home as part of the settlement. The stress was obviously too much and a year later Bell was picked up for driving under the influence. We hope he can find a way back to safety and security.
Daughter of ‘The King’ Elvis Presley and once husband of Michael Jackson, you’d think Lisa Marie would be rolling it. Unfortunatley the one time singer hasn’t had much luck in the money department and reportedly owns more than $17 million in unpaid mortgage and credit card payments. Lisa is trying to get out of this financial obstacle by suing her her financial manager, for a whopping $100 million!
Daughter of ‘The King’ Elvis Presley and once husband of Michael Jackson, you’d think Lisa Marie would be rolling it. Unfortunatley the one time singer hasn’t had much luck in the money department and reportedly owns more than $17 million in unpaid mortgage and credit card payments. Lisa is trying to get out of this financial obstacle by suing her her financial manager, for a whopping $100 million!
The star of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise seems to take his characters carefree attitude off the screen too. Once listed as one of the highest paid Hollywood actors Depp has been accused of being more than 40 million dollars in debt thanks to a failed record label business and an addiction to buying expensive property. The star of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise seems to take his characters carefree attitude off the screen too.
Once listed as one of the highest paid Hollywood actors Depp has been accused of being more than 40 million dollars in debt thanks to a failed record label business and an addiction to buying expensive property.
Everyone’s favourite child actor had a tough time transitioning to adulthood. The actor hasn’t worked much recently but that hasn’t slowed down her taste for the high life. But perhaps that is all about to change, Lindsay has apparently been trying hard to make some money for self from her nightclub in Athens appropriately named ‘Lohan’.
Everyone’s favourite child actor had a tough time transitioning to adulthood. The actor hasn’t worked much recently but that hasn’t slowed down her taste for the high life. But perhaps that is all about to change, Lindsay has apparently been trying hard to make some money for self from her nightclub in Athens appropriately named ‘Lohan’.
Star of the short-lived but much loved reality TV show ‘A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila’ Tila Tequila (we assume not her real name!) got used to the life of fame and fortune. But like many reality TV stars once her days were over it was hard to adjust to a regular income and the debts increased. It got so bad that in 2016 the plucky star asked her fans on social media to help pay her rent by contributing to a GoFundme page. Star of the short-lived but much loved reality TV show ‘A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila’ Tila Tequila (we assume not her real name!) got used to the life of fame and fortune.
But like many reality TV stars once her days were over it was hard to adjust to a regular income and the debts increased. It got so bad that in 2016 the plucky star asked her fans on social media to help pay her rent by contributing to a GoFundme page.
Another celebrity that has struggled with the concept of tax. Tucker - beloved comedian and actor of the ‘00s - has had to back back more than 14 million dollars to the tax department. No laughing matter at all. Another celebrity that has struggled with the concept of tax.
Tucker - beloved comedian and actor of the ‘00s - has had to back back more than 14 million dollars to the tax department. No laughing matter at all.
The rapper who has had almost as many name changes as Snoop Dogg was caught catching a ‘regular’ flight despite posting pictures of a private jet on his Instagram page. While the social media world laughed, perhaps Bow Wow is actually smart, saving his money for better things - like child support. The musician apparently owes more than $300, 000 in back pay to the mother of his child. Come on Bow Wow get it together!
The rapper who has had almost as many name changes as Snoop Dogg was caught catching a ‘regular’ flight despite posting pictures of a private jet on his Instagram page. While the social media world laughed, perhaps Bow Wow is actually smart, saving his money for better things - like child support. The musician apparently owes more than $300, 000 in back pay to the mother of his child. Come on Bow Wow get it together!
Wife of former Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, Love made her own money through the success with her band Hole. However run-ins with the tax department and dodging lawsuits have taken a hit to her personal finances. But from the looks of Love’s recent Instagram posts it seems the singer and once wild girl is sober and out there to remake her name. Wife of former Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, Love made her own money through the success with her band Hole.
However run-ins with the tax department and dodging lawsuits have taken a hit to her personal finances. But from the looks of Love’s recent Instagram posts it seems the singer and once wild girl is sober and out there to remake her name.
Hit maker Toni Braxton reportedly signed some bad deals and that led to her receiving only a fraction of what she should have been paid in royalties. Despite selling millions of copies of her songs Braxton isn’t wealthy and has looked to top up her income from reality Tv and other private ventures. Hit maker Toni Braxton reportedly signed some bad deals and that led to her receiving only a fraction of what she should have been paid in royalties.
Despite selling millions of copies of her songs Braxton isn’t wealthy and has looked to top up her income from reality Tv and other private ventures.
Kim shot to fame as a model and then cashed in as an actor starring in memorable films like Never Say Never and 9 1/2 weeks. However her dream of creating her own magical land saw her pay tens of millions of dollars for a whole town in Georgia. When her dreams couldn’t be realised she sold the massive property for much less than she bought it for.
Kim shot to fame as a model and then cashed in as an actor starring in memorable films like Never Say Never and 9 1/2 weeks. However her dream of creating her own magical land saw her pay tens of millions of dollars for a whole town in Georgia. When her dreams couldn’t be realised she sold the massive property for much less than she bought it for.
Mischa Barton melted our screens as high-school babe in Orange County in the ‘00s. But her quick rise to fame didn’t lead to an enduring career and her public struggle with eating disorders cost her her both her health and fortune. Mischa Barton melted our screens as high-school babe in Orange County in the ‘00s.
But her quick rise to fame didn’t lead to an enduring career and her public struggle with eating disorders cost her her both her health and fortune.
Fraser is one of those highly recognizable faces that you might struggle to match to a film’s title. Despite having a big profile Fraser has a small bank account. The actor has been in financial trouble ever since splitting from his wife. After agreeing to pay almost a million dollars a year in settlement Fraser quickly realised he just didn’t have the money and went back to the judge to ask for the amount to be lowered.
Fraser is one of those highly recognizable faces that you might struggle to match to a film’s title. Despite having a big profile Fraser has a small bank account. The actor has been in financial trouble ever since splitting from his wife. After agreeing to pay almost a million dollars a year in settlement Fraser quickly realised he just didn’t have the money and went back to the judge to ask for the amount to be lowered.
Tyson isn’t broke, he has a an estimated net worth of 3 million dollars which is more than most of us can ever hope for. But this is pretty paltry amount for a professional boxer who earned millions for just turning up to fight. Tyson lost his firtune through a series of failed business, expensive tastes and several lawsuits. Tyson isn’t broke, he has a an estimated net worth of 3 million dollars which is more than most of us can ever hope for.
But this is pretty paltry amount for a professional boxer who earned millions for just turning up to fight. Tyson lost his firtune through a series of failed business, expensive tastes and several lawsuits.
Best known for her role on th televsion show Baywatch, the model and actor has recently been cosying up to Julian Assange. Despite the huge profile Anderson carries, rumors have it that Pam-An doesn't have much cash. Tax bills and living a champagne lifestyle has cost the star her millions. Best known for her role on th televsion show Baywatch, the model and actor has recently been cosying up to Julian Assange.
Despite the huge profile Anderson carries, rumors have it that Pam-An doesn't have much cash. Tax bills and living a champagne lifestyle has cost the star her millions.
Star of the reality TV show Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller hid more than $700,000 in a secret bank account to avoid tax charges. However the secret caught up to her and Miller was sentenced to a year in jail for fraud charges. As well as the year behind bars she had to pay a fine of $40,000 and pay back an additional $120,000 related to another offence. Star of the reality TV show Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller hid more than $700,000 in a secret bank account to avoid tax charges.
However the secret caught up to her and Miller was sentenced to a year in jail for fraud charges. As well as the year behind bars she had to pay a fine of $40,000 and pay back an additional $120,000 related to another offence.
The talented singer captivated America in the mid-90’s but the fame couldn’t stick and its rumored Rimes has serious money troubles. Rimes shasn’t had a hit for years and her profile does not bring a paycheck. You can’t fight the moonlight and you can’t fight with an empty bank account.
The talented singer captivated America in the mid-90’s but the fame couldn’t stick and its rumored Rimes has serious money troubles. Rimes shasn’t had a hit for years and her profile does not bring a paycheck. You can’t fight the moonlight and you can’t fight with an empty bank account.
The seemingly happily married couple shot to fame as the stars of a reality Tv show about their big family. The couple has eight children and earned as much as $75,000 per episode to show them off to the world. However when their marriage broke up the lucrative Tv contract did too and the couple are now apparently very broke with a lot of hungry mouths to feed.
The seemingly happily married couple shot to fame as the stars of a reality Tv show about their big family. The couple has eight children and earned as much as $75,000 per episode to show them off to the world. However when their marriage broke up the lucrative Tv contract did too and the couple are now apparently very broke with a lot of hungry mouths to feed.
Nelson is the voice of country America. Although he is an instantly recognisable figure with a career spanning decades the guitar playing singer forgot to pay his tax and is now faced with whopping $16.7 million bill. In true Nelson style he wrote a whole album of songs about his experience with fighting the IRS and that has helped in part pay back some of the money. Nelson is the voice of country America.
Although he is an instantly recognisable figure with a career spanning decades the guitar playing singer forgot to pay his tax and is now faced with whopping $16.7 million bill. In true Nelson style he wrote a whole album of songs about his experience with fighting the IRS and that has helped in part pay back some of the money.
Dickson is considered by many to be the first ‘supermodel’. With a career that has lasted decades you'd expect her to be loaded. It seems not. Dickson became obsessed with plastic surgery and in 2013 filed for bankruptcy after she failed to pay more than 1 million dollars in doctors bills. The once gorgeous star has fallen from grace as she tried to outrun the aging process Dickson is considered by many to be the first ‘supermodel’.
With a career that has lasted decades you'd expect her to be loaded. It seems not. Dickson became obsessed with plastic surgery and in 2013 filed for bankruptcy after she failed to pay more than 1 million dollars in doctors bills. The once gorgeous star has fallen from grace as she tried to outrun the aging process
Don Johnson was huge in the 1980’s playing James "Sonny" Crockett in the television series Miami Vice. Johnson made a small fortune for the role and other successes he had. Unfortunately for the actor he got embroiled in a money laundering case that ruined his career. Despite being cleared of all charges, not being able to work cause Johnson to rack up huge debts that he is apparently still trying to pay off.
Don Johnson was huge in the 1980’s playing James "Sonny" Crockett in the television series Miami Vice. Johnson made a small fortune for the role and other successes he had. Unfortunately for the actor he got embroiled in a money laundering case that ruined his career. Despite being cleared of all charges, not being able to work cause Johnson to rack up huge debts that he is apparently still trying to pay off.
The track ‘Ice Ice baby’ still gets a dance floor moving, but its creator, Vanilla Ice or Robert Matthew Van Winkle went through a nasty divorce that cost him a huge chunk of his fortune. Despite the hiccup he is still thought to be worth just shy of 20 million dollars. Not bad for only releasing one good song. The track ‘Ice Ice baby’ still gets a dance floor moving, but its creator, Vanilla Ice or Robert Matthew Van Winkle went through a nasty divorce that cost him a huge chunk of his fortune.
Despite the hiccup he is still thought to be worth just shy of 20 million dollars. Not bad for only releasing one good song.
Star of General Hospital the fledgling actor got a little too big for her scrubs and tried to sue the show for underpayment so she could leave a take up a more lucrative offer elsewhere. Unfortunately the plan backfired and career was forced to pay the show money instead. Bummer. Star of General Hospital the fledgling actor got a little too big for her scrubs and tried to sue the show for underpayment so she could leave a take up a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
Unfortunately the plan backfired and career was forced to pay the show money instead. Bummer.
Another reality Tv star that once he got a taste of the good life couldn’t put it back. Not paying the tax man created a sticky situation for Sorrentino who even had to spend time in jail for his failure to comply with the law. Another reality Tv star that once he got a taste of the good life couldn’t put it back.
Not paying the tax man created a sticky situation for Sorrentino who even had to spend time in jail for his failure to comply with the law.
Adored by teenagers around the world in the late 1990’s the future looked bright for the talented dancer, singer and rapper. But again a failure to pay more than million dollars in tax caused the star to go bankrupt in 2013. While he has reportedly paid off his debt, there doesn't look like a comeback to be had any time soon. Adored by teenagers around the world in the late 1990’s the future looked bright for the talented dancer, singer and rapper.
But again a failure to pay more than million dollars in tax caused the star to go bankrupt in 2013. While he has reportedly paid off his debt, there doesn't look like a comeback to be had any time soon.
A child star from the 1980’s Lawrence did what many stars without true talent have to resort to: reality TV. But a low income and a high lifestyle led the Brotherly Love star to resort to having to sell his personal possessions on eBay just to pay the rent.
A child star from the 1980’s Lawrence did what many stars without true talent have to resort to: reality TV. But a low income and a high lifestyle led the Brotherly Love star to resort to having to sell his personal possessions on eBay just to pay the rent.
Star of a string of hits in the 1990’s, Snipes didn't’ feel like he needed to share his new found fortune with the IRS instead he submitted falsified tax returns. The IRS aren’t stupid though and the attempted sneaky move resulted in Snipes spending three years behind bars and a huge fine that cost him a fair whack of his savings. Star of a string of hits in the 1990’s, Snipes didn't’ feel like he needed to share his new found fortune with the IRS instead he submitted falsified tax returns.
The IRS aren’t stupid though and the attempted sneaky move resulted in Snipes spending three years behind bars and a huge fine that cost him a fair whack of his savings.