'I come up with all my ideas for songs when I'm cycling'

ME AND MY MONEY: Karen Egan singer, songwriter

Are you a saver or a spender?I rarely have enough money to save but when I do I think buying quality products always saves you money in the long run.

Do you shop around for better value?These days, all the time. But I do worry about eating food that's cheaply produced, so I spend a bit more on that.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?£120 on a top hat. It's collapsible.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My bike. It's the fastest and cheapest way of getting around town, and it's my site of inspiration. I usually come up with all my ideas for songs when I'm cycling.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No. That would be a bit of a cycle.

Do you haggle over prices?Yes, but I'm hopeless at it.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?Yes, I'm now even more stretched than ever.

Do you invest in shares?No. Not my world. I invest all my money in my costumes.

Cash or card?When I'm flush, cash. When I'm not, the dreaded credit card.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?A big sack of smokeless coal. My flat is freezing and I need to stay alive until this Saturday!

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?All my money goes into the shows. So really my biggest extravagance is my musicians. But they're worth it. And anyway I was tired of playing the double bass and piano at the same time.

Have you ever lost money?No. I frequently find money though. I once found two fivers on a street but handed them to the nearest garda. Yes. I know.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?Placing a bet on the Grand National is the extent of my gambling. I think Red Rum earned me a few quid in my childhood.

Is money important to you?Not really, or else I would have made different decisions a long time ago. I qualified as a barrister but chose the lucrative and stable career of being a singer instead.

How much money do you have on you now?€1.78 which I will use to purchase some matches.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

Karen Egan the Cian Boylan Quintet play Temptationat the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, December 4th. paviliontheatre.ie