Me & My Money: ‘My biggest extravagance is my children. It’s never-ending’

Are you a saver or a spender?

A mix of both. I always look to ensure there is some put away in the event it’s needed for unknown expenses. That said, life is for living, so “spender” is probably the dominant strain at the moment.

Do you shop around for better value?

Customer loyalty is important to me, based on delivering a positive customer experience and excellent service. I tend to shop in places that know what I like and dislike, and where I feel valued as a customer.

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

When you take out property and a car, my biggest extravagance is my children. It’s never-ending, but I wouldn’t change it for a minute!

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

It’s relevant, given the current scarcity and environment, but there is never an easy or perfect time to buy your first house. Therefore, my most prudent purchase was probably my first house, which was tiny, but got me on the property ladder.

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In what ways did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

This one is close to my heart, to support local businesses. The current and understandable trend is a move to shop online, but it is vitally important that we continue to support local – online or in person. Otherwise, local businesses will struggle and disappear.

Do you haggle over prices?

With a large purchase, where I know there is a margin to negotiate, I will always haggle, for example, a car purchase or house renovation. Where it’s local, and it involves someone’s livelihood, I will pay for what they are looking for.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits, and is there something in particular that you have either stopped buying or started buying, as a result?

I now buy more locally, and more online. Covid-19 accelerated ecommerce and introduced an additional new channel for businesses, benefiting both retailers and consumers, as well as businesses like ours in digital customer engagement.

Do you invest in shares?

I invest a portion in shares. As long as you don’t need immediate access to the cash, and can ride out poor market performances, as we are experiencing now, it is good to avoid dependency on one financial product.

Cash or card?

Phone.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

A gas heater for the garden, so we can sit outside in the evening. Invaluable, given the weather we have had so far.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

When I started working, a long time ago, I saved up for my first suit. At the time it was a huge investment, but well worth it, and it gave me pride as it was something I had bought myself.

Have you ever lost money?

Yes. Like so many people, I got caught up in the excitement of the Vodafone launch. A true lesson.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

Disposable income is very important, and it is challenged at the moment, given the price inflation across services and products. One of my favourite pastimes, however, is attending and watching sports, and I really enjoy a bet on key events such as the golf majors, just to be part of it. The bets are always on the small side, though, and money I can afford to lose!

Is money important to you?

Family and health are the two most important things to me, so ensuring that my family is looked after is paramount. A certain amount of money is required to maintain both family and health, and once they’re covered, I’m happy.

How much money do you have on you now?

I have €5 cash.