No.13: Elton John

Global rock star Elton John has captivated audiences around the world with his music, but behind his glamorous success was an astonishing spending habit. It was later revealed in a lawsuit that he spent approximately £30 million (about $38 million) in a 20-month period between 1996 and 1997, which amounts to over $1.9 million a month.

He amassed a collection of everything from mansions and luxury cars to works of art, and as a result, he racked up a massive debt. By 2002, he was reportedly pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. However, he overcame his financial crisis and steadily rebuilt his fortune with consistent income from his long-term residency in Las Vegas. Today, he is a living example of a “spendthrift who succeeded.” His story serves as both a warning that losing a sense of financial control can lead to a spectacular fall and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

