Jennifer Maguire

Are you a saver or a spender?

I think I am more of a saver than spender. Being self-employed since I was 18, I have a very good habit of putting money away. There is no sick or holiday pay, so you need to have a few bob put aside for rainy days!

Do you shop around for better value?

I am an impulse buyer and, if I see something I like, I buy instead of shopping around, which is a terrible habit. I rarely have the time to shop around, so I definitely lose money by being impatient.

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

Probably my house in Ranelagh or my apartment in the UK. I don’t want to say how much I paid, but it wasn’t cheap and I had to give blood to get the mortgage sorted.

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

Again my two properties were great buys as they are in prime rental areas and I know they will always rent. My property in Bristol is in a place called Clifton and it’s been the best investment ever.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

No, I can’t be bothered and don’t have time. Plus the only way to get this country back on its feet is to spend money in it, so I am trying to be more aware of buying Irish and locally, to do my bit.

Do you haggle over prices?

Not with smaller businesses because, as a business owner of Bella Makeover Studio in Dublin and Limerick, I know how hard it is to run a small business in this country. The cost of everything, from rates to taxes to high rent, can make it very difficult for small businesses to survive, so I don’t like taking the Mick.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

It’s made me more aware of how important it is not to live on credit! If you don’t have it, don’t buy it.

Do you invest in shares?

No, because I don’t know enough about them.

Cash or card?

Cash. I don’t own a credit card.

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

I bought a pair of coral jeans from Ted Baker for €100, which was good value as you will have jeans forever if you spend a few quid on them. I bought a cheap pair recently and, after an interview for Republic of Telly last week, I discovered a hole in the crotch. I was the last one to discover it, by the way.

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

Yes, all the time. I feel a great sense of achievement when I can save. My mother always said money gives you freedom to do what you want to do.

Have you ever lost money?

I lost €20 when I was out on Sunday, I was raging. Anyone who finds it on the floor in Lillie’s, it’s mine!

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

I was on a cruise with my sister years ago and won around $1,000 on roulette. Lucky we did because we spent so much on that trip the win helped pay the bill at the end. I used to love blackjack and roulette. The key to it is play to lose and walk away when you have doubled your money.

Is money important to you?

No . . . Yes . . . No . . . Yes . . . Yes.

How much money do you have on you now?

20 cents.

Jennifer Maguire owns Bella, the Makeover Studio in Dublin and Limerick, and is on Republic of Telly on Monday nights on RTÉ2.