'I have never had a credit card'

ME AND MY MONEY;Colette Fitzpatrick, TV3 presenter, talks to TONY CLAYTON-LEA

Are you a saver or a spender?A bit of both. I have my "running away money" for a rainy day, on the advice of my mother! I do tend to splurge on clothes and socialising. But I bring my lunch to work, most days.

Do you shop around for better value?On certain things, yes. I shop in Lidl and Aldi for fruit and veg, beer and tinned foods. I always go to Aldi for their "Super 6" fortnightly discounted fruit and veg. But I won't compromise on certain products like Greek yogurt and rump steak burgers. I get those in Marks Spencer.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?My home. We bought in 2005 and it's definitely worth less than what we paid for it, but we hope to upgrade in the future so really we're not that badly off. At least we're not in that negative equity trap that is crucifying people who bought at the peak.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My car. A 1999 Volkswagen Polo that I have had for nine years. Must be that German efficiency. It's still flying and I have no intention of trading it in.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?Never. I don't need baby products and don't drink enough to make it worthwhile.

Do you haggle over prices?If I was in a boutique, definitely. Especially if I was buying more than one item. And certainly if I was buying a car or jewellery. I'd also try to get a few quid off, or get a treatment thrown in, if I was booking a hotel for a weekend away.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?Yes. We had pay cuts in TV3 so I had to. I'm definitely more price aware and look out for deals.

Do you invest in shares?Never. To be honest, I wouldn't know how to go about it. Thankfully my ignorance has paid off. I never bought Eircom shares – another narrow escape.

Cash or card?I have never had a credit card. I use laser all of the time. We have one credit card in the house for booking flights or buying on the Internet. My mantra is, if it's not in my back pocket, I don't have it.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I had a deposit for my home, but it was a fraction of the cost. I had to get a car loan, too. Now the only noose around my neck is my mortgage.

Is money important to you?Yes, in the sense that I don't want to lie awake at night with a knot in my stomach because of financial worries. I do want to earn enough to be able to go on holidays every year and not to dread bills coming through the letterbox.

How much money do you have on you now?About €3 in my wallet. I have my laser card with me, though. I have change in my car for parking and tolls.