Me & My Money

Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a saver and I'm not terribly good at impulse buying, either. I tend to mull over things.

Do you shop around for better value?
Within reason. Too much shopping around and you can lose the will to live.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A return airline ticket for a family of four to southeast Asia and Australia. It was worth every single penny.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My bicycle. It gets me places and keeps me fit.

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
Always local if I can. I much prefer talking to people than to machines. And the internet drives me insane.

Do you haggle over prices?
Yes. It all started in a New York pizza parlour. My husband selected the $12 large pizza to takeaway. When it arrived I said that it was too much (meaning the size) and the guy serving replied, "Okay lady, for you half price". I've haggled ever since!

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
I'm an actor and a writer and the arts never made much when times were good, so no, my habits are just the same – I'm still cautious.

Do you invest in shares?
No I don't, although I do feel I should try to make the effort to understand how it works.

Cash or card?
Cash mostly, at least you can physically see what you've got. Also, you're not as easily tempted to buy stuff you don't really need.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
School textbooks. It's all a bit of a scam. There are too many so-called "revised" textbooks that have to be bought. The revised part may only be a section. Just sell the new section!

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I always save for holidays and for Christmas. It's crucial to be able to plan ahead financially.

Have you ever lost money?
I walked away from an ATM once and forgot to take my money, so I guess that counts as losing money – and being a bit stupid!

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I'm not a gambler although I did end up in Atlantic City once – long story – and I won $30 on the one-armed bandits.

Is money important to you?
I I feel that being financially independent is vitally important for a sense of self worth.

How much money do you have on you now?
I have a faded but very clean tenner , which I had forgotten to take out before the jeans had gone into the washing machine.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

Michèle Forbes is the author of Ghost Moth, published by Orion Publishing Group, £12.99