‘I must admit I have never really been much of a saver’

Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender. I must admit I have never really been much of a saver! The majority of my spending goes on my family and my children, as there is nothing I enjoy more than making memories with them, especially on our summer holidays. I suppose my spending has changed as my life changes but, as I know from working for a discount retailer, spending doesn't always have to break the bank.

Do you shop around?
Yes, and I rarely pay full price for anything. I also never go to the same place for all my shopping. I shop around for the best prices out there.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A Louis Vuitton handbag. It cost a lot, but it's an investment that I will get a lot of use out of and it will never age.

What is your best value for money purchase?
I make sure I get value from every purchase, whether it's price per wear for an item of clothing or a handbag, or extras for a holiday I'm booking. Value is in my blood as is an eye for quality and value honed over many years in my career.

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How do you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I prefer to shop local in physical shops as supporting local retailers is very important to me and I don't like buying food online. There is nothing like heading to the shops and finding something that wasn't on your list but you couldn't resist.

I would say my food shopping has increased dramatically, particularly as we have been at home much more and regular family meals are very much a big part of our routine.

Do you haggle over prices?
In the right environment, yes. Obviously not in supermarkets or chain stores but certainly in furniture or other manager-owned shops where haggling is a key part of the process.

Do you invest in shares?
I do invest in shares, although it tends to be in the low-to-medium risk category.

Cash or card?
Card – practically always. I just find it a lot more convenient.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
No. As I say, I'm more of a spender than a saver. I have always worked incredibly hard for everything I've bought and, if I've borrowed for a big purchase such as a house or car, I've worked hard to pay it back.

Have you ever lost money?
No, thankfully not.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I have played poker from time to time socially, but it has never involved big money. Las Vegas has always been on the bucket list and I'm sure I'll visit a casino or two if I go there, but more for the experience than the thought of winning big.

Is money important to you?
Yes, it is, especially in terms of supporting my children although it is not about money for money's sake. It's more about the benefits I can give to my family.

How much money do you have on you now?
Not a single cent. I do have my cards, phone and watch that are the equivalent of instant cash, but I would really struggle to get a trolley in a supermarket!

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea