'Those who know me tease that I enjoy the bargain more than the item'

ME AND MY MONEY:Trish Long, Vice President, Disney, Ireland

Are you a saver or a spender?Both. My mother taught me to respect what was always, for our family, a very scarce resource. I was encouraged (read, gently forced) not to spend all gifts of money I received for birthdays, communion, etc. I'm incapable of not saving some of my earnings. When I have spare/extra money, I love to spend it – especially on experiences for me and friends or family. Once the basics are covered, it's ok to splurge.

Do you shop around for better value?Absolutely. Those who know me tease that I enjoy the bargain more than the item. I'm happy to pay for quality but I hate paying over the odds, and believe there is almost always a way to get something more cost effectively.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?My sabbatical. Three years ago, before I took over my present position, I took a 10 week sabbatical, and travelled around south east Asia. I spent €10k.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Probably my first house in Limerick when I was 27. It cost £21,000 at a time when I was earning £6k pa. Interest rates were about 12 per cent, and I remember being unable to sleep for weeks with worry about repayments. But if I hadn't bought it I probably would not have managed (given how property went) to leverage it to the benefit of a securer life now.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No, I am in the happy position of being able to benefit from savings while travelling (which I do a lot for work and pleasure). But I believe strongly in buying quality and supporting local businesses and communities when possible.

Do you haggle over prices?Where appropriate, for example, in a market or if I believe a discount is justified. I am happy to work hard for my money but I don't waste it.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?Definitely. I now feel even more justified in using my saving and bargaining skills. I feel better equipped to deal with the recession because I learnt to cope with the recession in the 1980s (as I've worked from the age of 16 full-time, and from 14 part-time).

Do you invest in shares?I have shares, as Disney shares form part of my package, but following the disastrous loss the only time I ever purchased shares (Eircom), I don't invest.

Cash or card?Both. I need to use a credit card for travel, online purchases and flexibility, but I never pay the bank a cent interest as I clear it every month.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?A Fiat 500 in the original yellow, which after scrappage cost about €10,300. I consider it to be excellent value for money given – as with our previous car – it will likely be used for 10 years.

Is money important to you?Yes. Not for itself, but because it's a means of security, independence, and it enables me to buy things I want and do things I really enjoy with people I love, and to support some key charities.

How much money do you have on you now?€65, £20, $45, 800 yen, 200 rand, plus a one4all gift card and an Avoca voucher. Hmmm. I think I should clear out my purse and risk leaving (at least) the yen/rand at home.

• In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea