Lemar quotes:

I didn't get paid for my first gig supporting Usher Raymond in the Temple in Tottenham when I was 17 or 18. I bugged the promoter to let me play and it went down a storm. And after that I got loads of gigs, which were paid.

I'm a great believer in everything at the right time. Go on a crazy spree if it's the right time to do it but choose your moment carefully and beware of impulse buying.

I've always been very sensible with money.

I'm pretty conservative when it comes to money. My parents were very working class and constantly working. There was always a very strong work ethic and that's put a more conservative, "save for a rainy day" mentality into me.

Being able to check your balance on the phone is the best invention ever.

You can't predict tomorrow. And because you can't predict tomorrow, you have to be realistic with what you have today. It doesn't mean don't enjoy yourself but enjoy yourself at the right time.

I hate any kind of owing of anything.

I think money is pretty straightforward. Get some money in; pay off what you owe, the rest is yours.

I used to prefer cash but I'm more and more drawn to cards because with certain cards you get the full lists which you can then pass on to your accountant so you don't have to do the whole receipt, receipt, receipt thing as it's all itemised.

If you want something you have to wait.

Let the fame calm down first and then do something. I don't act on emotion, I don't spend on impulse.

Sometimes you don't get the value of the art or the painting you buy. The value you get from it is on the wall and you're looking at it. It's the same with your car. You're using it, so it goes down in value but you've used it.