Boyle Loves Strict Allowance

The Scottish spinster became a global phenomenon after appearing on U.K. TV contest Britain's Got Talent last year (09) and has since sold more than 8.5 million copies of her debut album, I Dreamed A Dream.

But despite amassing more than $15 million (£10 million) in her bank account, the 49 year old survives on a $450 (£300) weekly allowance handed to her by her management team.

And Boyle is adamant she would have it no other way.

She says, "I'm quite happy with that amount. I chose it for myself. It's a good way of doing things. It keeps everything in order. I get what I need when I want it.

"I don't want a credit card, oh no! I'd be like a baby in a sweet shop. I'm happy the way I am. I've never been a big spender anyway. It's nice, all the luxury. But it's nicer to stay grounded. I need my roots. If you don't have that, you lose your sense of balance, you see."