Harry Clark, the winner of the second series of The Traitors, has spoken about the life-altering financial and personal changes he has experienced since his victory. Clark, a 25-year-old former British Army engineer, secured the entire £95,150 prize by successfully deceiving fellow contestants as a Traitor.
Clark's journey on the show saw him form a close bond with Faithful contestant Mollie Pearce, whom he ultimately betrayed to win. Beyond The Traitors, he has also appeared on BBC's Harry Clark Goes To Rome and Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and co-hosts The Harry and Paul Show podcast with fellow Traitors star Paul Gorton.
Financial Foundations and Early Lessons
Clark attributes his financial awareness to his parents. His father, a banker, taught him the importance of saving, although Clark admits to occasionally overdrawing his accounts during his time in the Army, with his father often lending him money. His mother, a nurse, instilled a different perspective, emphasizing that money can be earned back, but time cannot.
During his military service, Clark lived in various locations across the UK before being deployed overseas. He noted that he did not prioritize saving, usually staying within £50 to £100 of his overdraft limit. His father's support was instrumental in managing these occasional shortfalls.
The Traitors Effect and Major Purchases
Clark identified The Traitors, which aired in January 2024, as the best year of his financial life. The show provided him with numerous opportunities in television and brand partnerships, significantly increasing his earning potential compared to his military career. He also published an autobiography and had a BBC One show where he traveled to Rome and met the Pope.
One of his first significant purchases was a Rolex watch, a long-held aspiration. He acquired a specific model with a blue dial, which he favored due to his support for Chelsea FC. The watch, costing in the low five figures, is considered by Clark to be a long-term investment intended for future generations.
Addressing Past Mistakes and Future Investments
Clark reflected on past spending habits, particularly on designer clothing and trainers, which he now considers a waste of money. He prefers more affordable brands like Zara and Uniqlo, valuing practicality over high-end labels.
A significant financial decision was paying off his parents' debts, a gesture to reciprocate their sacrifices. The prize money from The Traitors is currently in a savings account, earmarked for a house deposit. His father manages his finances to prevent impulsive spending.
Property Aspirations and Long-Term Goals
Clark and his girlfriend, Anna, are working towards purchasing their first home. He faces challenges in securing a mortgage as a self-employed individual without a consistent income history. The couple is considering locations like Brighton or the Windsor and Ascot area, with Clark also expressing a desire for a property abroad.
His primary financial goal is to enter the property market, with a vision of renovating rundown properties. He aims to build a portfolio of homes, inspired by family members who are laborers. Clark envisions a future with a home featuring a white picket fence and a large dinner table for family gatherings.
Clark also has a pension from his military service and invests in stocks and shares through a trading app, with projections indicating substantial wealth by 2056. He has partnered with Skipton Building Society to promote its Track Record mortgage for first-time buyers.