'I try to purchase quality and not be a sucker'

ME AND MY MONEY: JERRY FISH - MUSCIAN

Are you a saver or a spender?I'm a little bit of both, give a penny, keep a penny.

Do you shop around for better value?No, not really, I try to purchase quality and not be a sucker. So maybe my answer should be yes, I do shop around for better value. One thing is for certain – I am an indecisive shopper.

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

I started life as a beach bum. I love sleeping under the stars, so I guess my most extravagant purchase is my house, which like a lot of houses in Ireland cost a lot of money.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?That would be my house again. How much is it worth now? I have no idea and don't care. My wife and I bought a home rather than a house.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?Not specifically to shop.

Do you haggle over prices?I think shopping is a fundamental part of life, I love to haggle, it's fun.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?I have a friend, Bobby, who lives in California. He has a saying: "Money ain't the root of all evil, greed is". Yes, the recession has changed everything, but on a positive note there is a lot more empathy for people with less.

Do you invest in shares?I don't invest in shares, but I do have a pension and investments in shares are made on my behalf. Let's just say, that it hasn't been much fun.

Cash or card?I use both. If you're asking which I prefer, it makes no difference to me.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I'm pretty good at saving when I put my mind to it. I restored a 1946 Triumph Motorcycle piece by piece, but it took me six years. Just like the tortoise in Aesop's fable The Tortoise and The Hare, my philosophy is that slow and steady wins the race.

Have you ever lost money?Yes, I practically lost everything I had once. I often say it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It taught me that what is important in life cannot be bought.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I don't gamble with money, but I often take a risk with other things, and yes I have had a big win – a beautiful wife and four gorgeous children.

Is money important to you?No. You can't take it with you.

How much money do you have on you now?Five cents.

In interview with Tony Clayton-Lea. Jerry Fish is touring Ireland this summer, promoting his current release The Beautiful Untrue.