ME AND MY MONEY:Dara Quilty, broadcaster with Spin 1038 and guitarist with the band Fox Avenue
Are you a saver or a spender?I'm a saver, from when I was young. I wanted a scooter when I turned 16, and my parents were adamant on preventing the purchase saying "if you can save the money, we'll see". A couple of grocery-scanning months in SuperValu later, I had my own pearl-white Vespa.
Do you shop around for better value?Depends entirely on the product. I don't shop in M&S everyday, but when I feel like treating myself, why not?
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost? CD decks, for DJing. €400. I retired as a club DJ after three gigs.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?The iPhone. You have access to so much information, so quickly, and it fits in your pocket.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?I have not. I have shopped abroad, but I have never made a trip with the sole intention being to shop.
Do you haggle over prices?Yes. When buying my car, although not over the price of a hat in Dunnes.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?The recession affects everybody differently. My mother was made redundant as her company was massively downsized. I had just started working for RTÉ television, and was still on SPIN 1038, so I was earning good money. But 12-hour working days do take their toll.
Do you invest in shares?Not yet. My grandmother Collette is sitting beside me as I'm answering these questions. She advises a mixed portfolio and thinks German companies are worth investing in. I am pretending to understand.
Cash or card?Card. Never seems like you're actually spending money does it?
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I picked up a pair of suede boots today for €60. I've never owned a pair. I'll let you know if they're good value for money next time!
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?That pearl-white Vespa at 16 years old. My car, an Audi, was my latest, which I saved for over 18 months for, rather than taking a loan.
Have you ever lost money?Not to my knowledge.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?I am not. I did spend some time in Las Vegas, Nevada. I went straight to the $2 blackjack table, my first hand, my first time in Vegas, I got an ace and a king, true story! I left with $4.50.
Is money important to you?Of course, I need it to buy food.
How much money do you have on you now?A €5 note and $9.
In conversation with
TONY CLAYTON-LEA.
