ME AND MY MONEY: PATRICK FEENEY,singer
Are you a saver or a spender?I'm a spender but with the downturn I'm a little more careful and have started saving. I work hard so I treat myself from time to time.
Do you shop around for better value?Yes. It's amazing the value that can be achieved by shopping around.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?My car. It is an Audi A5 sport's coupé. I do a huge amount of travelling so I think I need a nice comfortable car – it's my baby.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?That would have to be the lighting and PA system for my band. It was expensive at the time but everyone who is self-employed knows unless you speculate, you don't accumulate and that system has brought my show to a new level so hopefully it will more than pay for itself eventually.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?I tour a lot in Northern Ireland so I stay over a lot. I am a great believer in shopping locally, so where possible I try to buy as much as I can in my hometown of Sligo.
Do you haggle over prices?Not if I'm buying clothes. If I was buying a TV or anything for my house I would, as there are so many good bargains to be had. If you don't ask, you won't get.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Definitely. I used to buy a lot of clothes but I've cut back.
Do you invest in shares?I have invested in shares. Won some, lost some.
Cash or card?Cash where possible. I try to stay away from the card.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I bought a bike and I suppose it will be good value if I use it often enough. I'll let you know by Christmas.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I've saved for my site. So now I'm looking around at different plans.
Have you ever lost money?I bought a holiday home in Bundoran, Co Donegal and sold it in the bust. I lost a lot of money when I sold it.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?Only once or twice a year on the Grand National. My poor horses are still running.
Is money important to you?It's important to keep my head above water. I think health is more important than money. If you don't have your health, money is no good anyway.
How much money do you have on you now?€25, which means it is time to go to the ATM.
Patrick Feeney’s album Good Thing Going Down is out now
In conversation with Conor Pope
