Me & My Money: Eoin Clarke, managing director of switcher.ie

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m a bit of both, really. However, I am careful about my spending and I do put money into savings each month. Apart from mortgage payments and bills, travel is my biggest expense.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, almost always. Since I started working at Switcher, I’ve really seen the benefit of it. It almost always leads to a better deal – not just on price, but in terms of getting extra features or perks, too.

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

Aside from my house, my most extravagant purchase was my car, a Volkswagen Scirocco, which I bought in 2011. I say extravagant because I use public transport most days to get to and from work, so it was a big purchase considering how much I drive.

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

Paying for my diploma in digital marketing in 2007 was definitely money well spent. The course opened new doors in my career.

How do you prefer to shop – online or local?

Again, it’s a bit of both. I tend to find that buying online saves me time and money, but I still like to visit local shops and buy local produce.

Do you haggle over prices?

It depends on what I’m purchasing.

If there is an opportunity to haggle, I will try to negotiate a better deal. I’m a firm believer in the saying ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

The recession definitely changed my spending habits. Like everyone, I cut down on non-essentials, and I try to make sure I’m getting the best deal before I buy a product or service.

Do you invest in shares?

I have shares in Diageo. My father worked for Guinness, and encouraged me to invest in shares.

Cash or card?

I find paying by debit card is really convenient, so it’s great from that point of view. I also find it helps me control my spend – I keep a track of all my purchases through online banking.

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

Last thing I bought was groceries in SuperValu. The food was delicious, so I’d have to say it was very good value for money!

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

The biggest thing I saved for was the deposit for my house, which I bought in 2002.

Have you ever lost money?

Luckily, I’ve never lost a large sum of money on an investment or anything like that. I have, however, lost the odd coin that has rolled down a drain and was never to be seen again!

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

The Grand National is about as far as I go. My last win was back in 1995 when Royal Athlete crossed the finishing line at 40/1.

Is money important to you?

I think money probably matters to me about as much as it does to anyone. It’s obviously vital and necessary for us to live and prosper but, at the same time, it’s not my single most important driving force.

How much money do you have on you now?

Not a lot, about €10 to cover lunch.

in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea