Me & My Money: Emma Ledden, author

Are you a saver or a spender?
I am a little of both. I save a regular amount each month and I also have a monthly budget I stick to.

Do you shop around for better value?
I don't really shop around. I tend to find a provider and then stick to them unless I feel I am being really ripped off. I have had the same bank, insurance company and health insurer for the past 18 years.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I bought a one-bedroom apartment in London in an area called Crouch End in 2001 at a cost of £170,000. I was in my early 20s so it was a big decision at the time, but I am really glad I did it.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I just got a new website designed and I am really happy with it in terms of value for money and service. The end result far exceeded my expectations and the web designer offered me an excellent price.

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I buy music and books online but everything else I buy locally. I like going into shops especially when buying clothes.

Do you haggle over prices?
The only thing I have ever haggled over was buying a car. I managed to get him to knock €1,500 off the price, although I am sure he still got a good deal out of me.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
The recession has been and still is quite tough to navigate. I have to be very careful what I spend. I am building a business so I need to invest a certain amount of money, but I also have to be careful not to over extend myself. It's a balancing act.

Do you invest in shares?
No, I don't and I never have. I don't really have a good understanding of shares so this is not an investment route I would go down. When I invest again I think it will be in a house.

Cash or card?
Day-to-day I use cash and Laser card. I have a business credit card that is paid in full every month, but I don't have a personal credit card. I think it is scary how easily you can run up a credit card bill.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought breakfast this morning and it was €5 for eggs on toast and endless pots of tea, which I think is great value.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, my apartment in London. I saved for 12 months to get the deposit, legal fees, stamp duty and money to decorate. It was a lovely feeling to have my own home.

Is money important to you?
Yes, I strive to have a certain amount of money to allow me to do nice things like eat out or go on holiday. It is not my ultimate driver, but it is a part of it.

Emma Ledden is author of The Presentation Book, published by Pearson

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea