A man who starred on Channel 5’s Rich House Poor House has shared how he has now helped transform his ‘poorer’ counterpart’s life too – helping her get out of debt after meeting on the show.
Lewis Crompton operates a thriving international business that aims to help people make money with ‘simple, 30-minutes per day’ trading strategies.
The 36-year-old says he completely changed his own life when he discovered trading and quickly became a millionaire – and now, after meeting Nicole Smith, also 36, on the hit show, he’s been able to share his wealth of knowledge.
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Since their week swapping lives, Lewis has started mentoring Nicole, teaching her the tricks of the trade – literally.
“I haven’t given her any special treatment – she’s done it all herself,” Lewis, from north London, told Need To Know.
“She didn’t need handouts – she needed a hand up.”
Lewis founded STARTrading, a company providing trading courses for beginners, and wants to help others by sharing his expertise.
When Lewis was approached to feature on Rich House Poor House, he decided to go ahead when he realised he could help others.
He added: “I wanted to be reminded of my life before, and the reality that most people live.
“I had seen the show before – and an appeal was definitely to be able to share what I’ve learnt and help a family.
“It was also a form of validation, because I didn’t think I was worthy or successful enough – when you’re in my ecosystem you don’t stop to smell the roses.”
Lewis was the counterpart to Nicole, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, who appeared on the show with her husband and children.
The two switched homes and lives, and Lewis was able to see how others live.
He said: “It wasn’t drastically different from how I grew up.
“My parents were both teachers and were able to get onto the property ladder, but we still had significant financial limitations.
“The reality is, the cost of living is impacting us all, so the experience was more of a stark reminder of the realities for the majority of people in the UK.
“I’ve been able to exceed expectations and now support my parents, which was always a goal of mine.
“Going on the show gave me a platform to teach others about finance and provide some hope.”
During the experience, Lewis introduced Nicole to trading and offered her a role in STARTrading’s mentorship programme – something she has now thrown herself into.
Nicole called her experience “scary and eye-opening” and said that she had previously “put herself down” for not having qualifications or a clear career path – but that has now changed.
She said: “It was a relief not to worry about money or bills for a week [during the show], but it also made us realise that we don’t actually live that differently – it’s just about timescales.
“Rich people can have things instantly, whereas we have to save and work towards them.
“What I’ve taken from the show is that I don’t need to wait – I can create my own path.”
Nicole says Lewis has had a “huge” impact on her life and she now feels “much more financially confident” thanks to the experience.
She added: “He helped me realise that I’m capable of more than I thought.
“I’m now in a position where I can give my kids more of the life they deserve, and I feel less weighed down by stress around debt and money.
“It’s not a quick fix.
“Before starting, I wouldn’t have imagined being able to take the kids away, but now I can see that on the horizon.
“Things are changing, and it’s still early days.
“The things Lewis did for us might seem small to some people, but they’ve been life-changing for us.
“Our day-to-day life hasn’t completely changed, but our mindset has.
“When you’re in debt, it can completely consume you – you feel like you’re sinking deeper and deeper.
“Now I’m thinking differently.
“I’m planning, I’m being more structured, and I’m actively working my way out of debt.
“We’re on a positive path towards better financial health.”
Nicole added that she continues to work in schools and isn’t planning on changing that.
She said: “I’ll definitely keep working.
“Even if trading goes really well, I don’t think I’d stop.
“Trading gives me a financial cushion and the option to step back if I ever need to, but working in schools is my passion.
“I love working with children and helping them grow – I don’t dread it, it’s part of who I am.”
Lewis believes proper financial education isn’t something taught in schools and often needs to be searched out – and he wants to change this.
He says it feels “amazing” to have helped Nicole and he is hoping that their journey can inspire others to change their lives.
He has also offered his advice to anyone struggling with debt and wanting to change their lives.
The main tip? Understand where your money is going each month.
Lewis added: “Look at what you can eliminate, minimise, or delay.
“If you’re in serious debt, speak to a debt management service to agree new, manageable terms.
“Also look at ways to increase your income – whether that’s through a pay rise, promotion, or side hustles like trading.
“The most important ingredient in all of this is education, combined with realism.
“Social media and the manosphere often promote unrealistic timelines, which can hinder growth, damage mental health, and make people feel like failures.”
Lewis’ experience on Rich House Poor House has stuck with him and says he now focuses less on material things, and more on “what really matters.”
He said: “[I’ve learned] that council housing in the UK can sometimes hold people back rather than empower them.
“Even simple improvements to living conditions aren’t always prioritised – like having a shower instead of just a bath, which is quicker and more efficient.
“I had planned to build an extension on my house before going on the show, but afterwards I questioned the point.
“What really matters is a home feeling like a home, shared with the people I love.
“I’m now more focused on experiences than material things, like the latest iPhone.
“I’ve also realised just how lacking the education system can be in practical areas.
“We need to learn more about budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and the emotional side of spending.”
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