Me & My Money

Comedian Kevin Gildea

Are you a saver or a spender?

I spend, I save. I like lattes and books. Otherwise I save. But at the moment, it comes in it goes out, so there’s little saving action happening these days.

Do you shop around for better value?

Always. Sometimes I get stuck – a few years ago I was buying a laptop and spent a fortune on computer magazines to make sure I got the best value. I once got a flight to Afghanistan because I heard they had cheap carpets. Something like that can be counterproductive.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?

It was either my car (which cost thousands) or a hat (I think I was overcharged for that hat).

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

Skinny jeans, books, laptop and my new football.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

Yes – the border between saving and spending. But not the other Border.

Do you haggle over prices?

Seldom – I’m a bit shy. I don’t want to appear stingy.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Yes. It’s definitely a bit tighter these days in Spendy Town.

Do you invest in shares?

That’s a good one.

Cash or card?

Both. I can’t go anywhere without cash – I need to pay my way. And the card is necessary when you want something you shouldn’t buy. And bills!

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

A book. Most definitely.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

In the 1980s I was on the dole and I saved up to buy 12 sausages.

Have you ever lost money?

Yes. I hide it and then I can’t find it.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I am an irregular flutterer. One day at Cheltenham a year or two ago, I had a day of each-ways that came in but still left me behind. Then in the last race the sweet Oiseau de Nuit came in at 16/1 – I won €80!

Is money important to you?

It wasn’t until the Celtic Tiger. Then the price of everything went up and people who didn’t care about money were forced to care about it. Now thanks to the greedy guts we’re all worried about money. Thanks, Greedy Guys.

How much money do you have on you now?

€42.86 and £29.15 (I’m off to England).

Kevin Gildea plays The Model arts centre, Sligo, July 14th; City Limits, Cork, July 28th; the Vodafone Comedy Festival, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, July 29th