Me & my money

Eva Jane Gaffney, Actor

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m good at both! At the moment I’m a spender but if I need to save I can be hard on myself.

Do you shop around for better value?

Not really, if I like something I usually just buy it. Everything is disposable these days, so I don’t waste time looking around for a better model.

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

I bought a dress in Oxfam a few months ago, it was only €50 but it is without doubt the most extravagant thing I own. It is floor-length, long-sleeved and covered in blue beading. It is AMAZING!

I have no idea when I’ll get to wear it!

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

Red or Dead cowboy boots that I bought years ago, they’re still holding up well. Or my iPod Touch . . . Both work well together as I can walk, talk, touch and listen like no other when both are in use together.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

Yes. I’ve been to Newry and Belfast a few times . . . I’m not sure if this is considered crossing the Border but I have gone to London for shopping, I’d never been before and I raided Camden Town and Brick Lane. And Primark.

I came home broke but it was worth it.

Do you haggle over prices?

Yeah, all the time, at food or clothing markets. That’s the fun of it! Got it from my Dad.

I’d love to go to one of the big souks in Marrakesh and spend all day bargaining and shopping as it’s their culture to do this more than here.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

No, I don’t really buy silly stuff I don’t need so it hasn’t made me cut down, as I was never an extravagant person.

Do you invest in shares?

No . . . not sure where to start. Maybe one day.

Cash or card?

Card! Debit, not credit. I will never get a credit card – I wouldn’t trust myself.

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

The very last thing I bought was a 750ml bottle of RiverRock water on special for one euro, so that was great value, actually, and just what the body needed!

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

The only thing I save for is holidays or festivals, really. I wouldn’t save for a phone or clothes etc. I don’t think theyre worth putting money away for. I’d rather save for a good time.

The last thing I saved for was the Galway Film Fleadh and that was a great success.

Have you ever lost money?

Probably a fiver or a tenner, but no huge amounts. Still feels awful, though.

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

No, I buy scratch cards sometimes. That’s about as wild as it gets.

Is money important to you?

Definitely, it’s important to everyone. No matter how much we hate admitting it – money is key. I always like to know I’m secure when it comes to money.

Most of my money goes on buses, taxis and food.

How much money do you have on you now?

Right now? Four cents in my pocket. I need to sort that problem out pronto.

Eva Jane Gaffney stars in Una McKevitt's latest production, Singlehood, which runs as part of Absolut Fringe 2012. Bookings and further details at fringefest.com