"I don't jump ship just for a lower price"

ME AND MY MONEY:SIMON EGAN, Managing Director, Highlife Ski Snowboard

Are you a saver or a spender?Definitely a spender. I used to be terrible with money, but my wife and business partners are slowly changing me.

Do you shop around for better value?Sometimes, but there are some things that I always buy from the same company, as I know they are worth it. I believe that you get what you pay for.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?One Saturday morning we came out of the house, and the 12 year-old car refused to start. Again. We cycled up to the local garage for a look, and came home with a (second-hand) Golf GTi. My main extravagances have been on treating ourselves by staying in some really nice hotels (such as The Park in Kenmare) for a few nights every year, and really blowing the budget but appreciating great service and hospitality.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My surfboard – I know I will never need to buy a better one, and it gives you access to some of the best views and places in Ireland and elsewhere.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No. I have brought some great wines back from France in the days that we drove over and spent five months running the chalets ourselves.

Do you haggle over prices?Not always but sometimes. I am loyal, however, to my favourite shops/restaurants/suppliers based on their service levels, so I don't jump ship just for a lower price.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?I definitely shop around more, especially for baby things for some reason. I feel I owe it to Theo's inheritance to get him the best value eco-nappies, that work, available online. I found them, by the way, on earthmother.ie, one of my favourite sites.

Do you invest in shares?I still own 1.47 IBM shares from my old job, so I guess that is a no.

Cash or card?Both – I misplaced my laser card last week so at the moment I get pocket money from Caragh, my wife.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I recently booked (not paid!) for me, my wife, our baby Theo and seven other couples (with 11 kids in tow) to stay at the Lodge at Doonbeg over the October bank holiday weekend. I first stayed there five years ago, and go back every year at least once as the service is amazing, the setting and accommodation are beautiful, and the surf is usually great.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?Yes. I saved enough to contribute my third to starting Highlife, and I bought a house with my wife in 2006 (suckers).

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I won 150 Australian dollars in 1995 in a casino in Queensland, which felt like a lot at the time as I was backpacking, but since then I have only been in a casino a few times and had sense enough to leave after I had lost only a bit more than I had planned.

Is money important to you?No – but I have been broke plenty of times and really appreciate going to the hole in the wall and seeing money coming out.

How much money do you have on you now?€7.21 and my Visa card – time to look for more pocket money.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. www.highlife.ie