A UK social media influencer has revealed she faces a "bleak" financial start to 2026 after spending an astonishing £15,000 on Christmas presents and activities for her two-year-old son.
The Lavish Festive Splurge
Jodie Weston, 32, from London, told NeedToKnow.co.uk that her savings are rapidly "dwindling" following an extravagant festive season. Her spending included a £2,000 trip to Centre Parcs, a £450 dinosaur soft play pass, and a forthcoming visit to Lapland. She also purchased matching Cartier bracelets and designer pyjamas for herself and her son, Koa-Zayde.
The content creator, known for appearances on Channel 5's Rich Kids Go Skint and BBC shows, even researched having their photo beamed onto the moon. The gifts were part of a weekly advent calendar in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
Income Drops and AI Impact
Weston's financial concerns are compounded by a significant drop in her monthly income. She reported that her earnings have plummeted by £1,000 recently, a change she attributes largely to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on her work as a content creator.
"In the last two months, things have been seriously drying up. It's a scary time for me," she admitted. "AI has caused such a huge, and sudden, change. I have to think quickly about other avenues of income, as I'm on the verge of losing my job overnight."
Maintaining a Lifestyle Amidst Worry
Despite her anxieties, Weston plans to maintain her lifestyle for now. She is set to jet off to Abu Dhabi to celebrate the New Year. "I like to start off the year on a good note," she said, "and when we get home, then I'll let reality hit."
She expressed a desire to shield her son from the financial strain, stating, "I don't want to let Koa-Zayde be affected by this... Right now, I'm focusing on living – and in style." The influencer, who has faced criticism from other mothers, believes much of the backlash stems from envy.
Looking ahead, Weston conceded she must change her spending habits quickly. With work typically quiet at the start of the year, she acknowledged, "I think I'll have to change my ways – and fast."
