Bonnie Blue: I help pay for women’s IVF with my earnings

In our How I Manage My Money series, we aim to find out how people are spending, saving and investing money to meet their costs and achieve their goals. This week, we speak to adult content creator Bonnie Blue, who says she has become a millionaire through her work. Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, has become one of the most controversial figures in the adult content industry following a series of high-profile stunts and viral events. She has previously claimed to have made millions and has said she has no plans to retire. She has recently given birth to her first child – this interview took place before she gave birth. Blue’s provocative interview is in her own, unedited words. Shorts What’s the most lucrative piece of work you’ve done? When I first started, sleeping with non-creators was unheard of, especially “barely legals” [those who have just turned 18] despite it being really common in the industry for men to sleep with girls dressed as such. I quickly understood that, to make my content relatable and controversial, focusing on “barely legals” would allow me to stand out. Three years on, it’s made me millions and I don’t see myself stopping. How much has your relationship with money changed since becoming a successful creator? I’m a millionaire, but it hasn’t changed my attitude towards life. My main focus still remains freedom and flexibility. Money has taken away the majority of life’s day-to-day stresses. I’ll never have to worry about the cost of living or not being able to provide my child and or future children with a beautiful life. People say money comes and goes, but often that’s just because they’re not intelligent enough to make it stay. What’s the best purchase or investment you’ve ever made? Getting divorced. [Blue met her ex-husband as a teenager and got married at 23. They separated several years ago.] Have you invested your earnings in property, businesses or anything outside your career? I keep my investments to myself. I can’t be everyone’s blueprint on how to get rich and stay rich. What’s your biggest money regret and your biggest weakness? My biggest money regret would be having paid staff previously who quickly got carried away with the “Bonnie Blue lifestyle”, as opposed to doing what they were paid to do. I don’t have regrets when it comes to money. However, I did once pay for a private jet and simply didn’t get on it because I felt unwell that day. In terms of weakness, possibly clothes shopping, especially as my work uniform consists of no clothes. What’s the most extravagant thing you’ve bought? I have helped pay for women’s IVF treatments. How do you budget when you don’t know what you’ll earn from one month to the next? My income can vary, but when you’re earning millions, you never notice if one month, you’re a few hundred thousand down. Instead of worrying about my income, I focus on my next event. That way, my income is a lot less unpredictable. Do you have a set percentage of your income that you save? In all honesty, I ignore most of my finances. I know I’m saving and investing, and the rest is just money to burn through. Has becoming a mum-to-be changed the way you think about money and financial security? No, I’ve always known I do what I do to provide myself and my future children with an amazing life, so becoming pregnant has only confirmed that the decisions I’ve made have been the correct ones. I have started to think of ways to earn additional income that don’t involve me always being the one in front of the camera, and I’ll be launching my own marketing agency very soon. Are you putting money aside specifically for your child’s future? Of course, silly question. Has pregnancy made you think differently about how long you want to continue creating adult content? Since being pregnant, I have continued to film extreme stunts and that’ll always continue. I don’t plan on changing or adapting. I have a very strong brand and, unlike other creators who jump on and off trends, to me, this isn’t a trend and I’m not stopping. How are you saving and investing for retirement? What retirement? I plan to keep having sex until my last breath. Do you have a financial figure in mind that would allow you to walk away from the industry? No, I’m already financially secure and don’t want to walk away from the industry. I love my job, so why would I rush to leave it? What’s the best piece of financial advice you’ve ever been given or would give? If you’re married or getting married, get a prenup ASAP. Don’t just assume the money will last, especially if you’re a basic creator. You’ll quickly become old news. Most creators who suddenly start earning money start trying to live an Instagrammable lifestyle. It might look good, but don’t forget you’re a sex worker, and to maintain that life, you need to stay a sex worker.