Me and my money

Brendan Courtney,TV Presenter

Are you a spender or a saver?

A dreadful spender! Coming from a very ordinary working-class background, anything I earned above my rent I traditionally saw as a bonus, so in my 20s (particularly) and (to a lesser part in my) early 30s I splurged. And I DO regret it! However, I began to become more aware of how I spent my money in my late 30s.

Do you shop around for better value?

No, I am ashamed to say. I don’t understand people who waste time and petrol driving to a cheaper gas station. I couldn’t be bothered. I don’t really bargain- shop but I am definitely more frugal than before. For example, I now never buy anything I don’t need (well rarely) and I save my money for experiences!

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

Well, I surprised by best mate and flew us both to Sydney first class, which was a shocking waste, but lovely! When I was younger and really stupid, I bought a Gucci cashmere coat for £2,500. I also buy art from time to time and I bought a Bansky a few years ago, but I can’t bring myself to tell you how much it was. However, it was a good investment because shortly after Angelina Jolie bought a ton of his stuff and the value tripled!

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

My apartment! It was originally on the market for €480K (apparently) but I got it for €217K, every cloud and all that. If the property market hadn’t plummeted, people like me would have never have been able to afford a home.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

I wouldn’t dream of it. Retailers in the Republic have a lot more choice and value to offer. From really cute boutiques, vintage shops and high street stores, why go elsewhere?

Do you haggle over prices?

Only if it’s good craic. Haggling in Boots over Head and Shoulders shampoo always causes a bit of drama!

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Absolutely! I now live to a more realistic budget. We have taken another pay cut this year so it has been a tough one but I don’t have kids and I am well used to ducking and diving, so it’s not a problem for me. It is families in negative equity and people who have lost all their earnings who have been hit the hardest. I actually don’t know how they cope and I commend them, so I would never moan.

Do you invest in shares?

Never got the appeal and I was right. It was bound to go wrong!

Cash or card?

As much as I hate them, you actually need a credit card to survive in the First World, so I have a credit limit of €1,000 and that’s my lot.

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

I bought two really great shirts in Indigo and Cloth and yes, great value for a brilliant label. I might even wear one of them at Blossom Hill Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show where I will be MC for the day.

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

Yes, I saved the deposit for my flat. It nearly crippled me but it was worth it. I don’t know if I could ever do it again.

Have you ever lost money?

Of course! I walked away from an ATM once and left €100 for the lucky guy coming behind me. I really hate that kind of stuff.

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

Not really. I go to a lot of race meetings for work but I just don’t get involved. If I’m on holidays in Las Vegas I’ll have a flutter. It would be rude not to!

Is money important to you?

No, and that has been a problem in the long run. Money has never motivated me. To be happy in what I do is the most important thing to me. Therefore I have wasted a lot of money but I am very happy, so go figure!

How much money have you on you now?

None!!!

Brendan Courtney is MC at the Blossom Hill Ladies Day which takes place at the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS on August 16th.