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Are you a saver or a spender?
A spender, for sure. I obviously save to secure my future welfare, but I find shopping and spending a far more pleasurable experience.
Do you shop around for better value?
Yes, value is very important to me, particularly on everyday items. I am very much that person whose eye is drawn to a special offer deal or a 50 per cent off label, so I always look for value when I shop. At the same time, I can also be impulsive if something grabs me. For example, I would happily ditch my pursuit of value and indulge without hesitation in the right pair of shoes.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I love cars. My father and brothers are mechanics and, growing up, the garage beside our house was the family business. I guess my most extravagant spend was my Tesla car, although I don’t consider it too extravagant as it saves on fuel costs and is cleaner for our environment, which is really important for me.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My home, which has appreciated in value for me. Besides that, I bought a portable power bank recently because I travel a lot but I’m forever losing power on my laptop or phone at inconvenient times. Now the power bank goes everywhere with me. It has already saved me on more than a few occasions, so that has been invaluable really.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
My online shopping certainly jumped up during Covid-19 and I have found some new online shops and services that I will stick with in future. For the most part, though, I prefer to be in-store where I can see items directly for myself, in particular clothes. Too often, clothes bought online disappoint me, so I don’t do that any more.
Do you haggle over prices?
I would haggle if I thought the price was too high for something I wanted or needed, but not just for the sake of it – it’s part of the search for value, really. The internet makes price comparison a very easy thing to do, so it’s easier to know if you’re being overcharged and easier to shop around for the value you need for everyday things. In business, however, you owe it to your yourself to get the best deal possible, so when it comes to my business, I definitely haggle and negotiate.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
Yes, during Covid-19, I found some specialist vegan online shops that I will continue to use. It’s normally much harder to shop as a vegan, but having to shop online for vegan food suppliers directed me to some good new Irish stores. I also found an excellent online healthier dog food supplier that my dogs, who are fussy eaters, really love, so I’ll be keeping that up.
Do you invest in shares?
I dabbled a little on a couple of share-trading apps, but nothing too significant. I prefer to focus my time on growing my own business.
Cash or card?
Ha-ha, well, it depends on whether I am paying you or you are paying me! What about the phone? I like the convenience of paying with a card linked to my phone these days, so it’s card, I guess.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Coffee. No, it was not good value, but I needed to feed my addiction.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Other than the deposit for my home, no, not really. A holiday I might pay for in chunks, but that’s not saving up specifically for a big purchase, is it?
Have you ever lost money?
No, never, ever… Touch wood.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
No, but for fun, my family and I picked seven horses for the Grand National this year. Not one of them even finished!
Is money important to you?
Money makes the world go round but it doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy the spin. What’s important to me are family, friends, health and happiness.
How much money do you have on you now?
Not a single cent.
in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea