Me & my money

Sallyanne Clarke, Restaurateur

Are you a saver or a spender?

A spender, definitely. Spend and God will send. I think it’s the only way to get ourselves out of this recession.

Do you shop around for better value?

It depends on the purchase. Time is money so I don’t waste time looking to save cents, but I will travel to save a couple of euro if it makes sense.

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

My Toyota Landcruiser. I bought it new in 2007 for €80,000. We live in the Dublin mountains so we get the best and the worst of the weather and living 1,000 feet up means I need a jeep to get through the snow, especially in the last couple of years. Five years later it is still in great condition and as reliable as ever and, thankfully, paid for.

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

I find Kildare Village great value for money and I found Christmas shopping there very easy. I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren leather jeans reduced by hundreds of euro in their sale. They were a great buy.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

I love Belfast and was at the Down Royal races before Christmas. If I see something I will buy it but I have never specifically travelled across the Border to shop.

Do you haggle over prices?

Only in the markets in Antibes. They expect it.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Absolutely. I buy what I need more so these days as opposed to “retail therapy” in the past. However, I do indulge myself, my family and others for Christmas and birthdays, but try to be practical in my purchases. I have to look good for work so clothes are a need and I find myself looking at clothing options that will take me anywhere. Skincare is another must – especially at my age.

Do you invest in shares?

No. Never. I worked for a futures brokers a long time ago and saw people’s entire fortunes wiped out overnight. Scary stuff.

Cash or card?

Card. I find it is easier to keep control of spending that way.

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

A pair of black patent leather boots in House of Fraser’s sale. They are so comfy and look great too when I am working.

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

Yes, we saved up for the deposit to open l’Ecrivain and then again saved really hard for a deposit on our first house. Those were the days when the banks only gave you 80 per cent of the mortgage.

Have you ever lost money?

Not that I remember. I am careful with cash, but I prefer to carry a credit card. Safer and easier.

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

I play the lotto every week even though I cannot win an argument! We go horse racing quite regularly and I love a flutter on the tote, but I wouldn’t consider myself a gambler, even though I have had a few nice wins.

Is money important to you?

Yes and no. It is not my god, and during nearly 25 years of marriage, money is something Derry and I have never argued over. The joys of not having much money probably, but I do know its value and we work hard to make it.

Best money saving tip you’ve ever heard?

Join the credit union. They are wonderful at helping you save and then their loan system is easier than the bank.

How much money do you have on you now?

€50 and some coins for parking. Enough to pay for lunch for two at l’Ecrivain.

The new spring menu lunch at l'Ecrivain is €25 for three courses; dinner is €55 for two courses and €65 for three courses. lecrivain.com