‘The trick with money is not to let it become too important’

Steve Denehan is the winner of the Anthony Cronin Poetry Award and has featured twice as winner in The Irish Times New Irish Writing series. His fifth poetry collection, As If It Meant Something, is published by Renard Press.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’ve always kept a little bit by as a safety net but I enjoy spending too. Any spare money tends to go on books and music, but I also have a tendency to blow money on utter nonsense. A short while ago I bought a bust of Cthulhu, the monster from HP Lovecraft’s stories. Not the most practical thing I have bought but I like it.

Do you shop around for better value?

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I do! My mother is a demon for bargains, which is something she seems to have passed on to me. Price comparing is so easy now and I get a kick out of a good deal.

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

A few years ago an artist was commissioned to paint a portrait of Pelé, the renowned footballer. A series of lithographs of the painting was then produced, one for every goal Pelé scored. The painting is beautiful and the lithographs were hand-signed by the artist and Pelé himself. It cost about $600 at the time and it is one of my most precious things.

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

When we were moving into our home we went to get a set of wooden Venetian blinds for one of the rooms. We were close to broke at the time but saw a lovely set, though they were expensive. We decided to buy them but, at the register, they kept scanning at a flat €1. The manager then explained that they were obliged to sell all products at the price they scanned at so we got them for €1. Jackpot!

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

During Covid-19, like a lot of people, we shopped online whenever we could. It’s strange to think back now to how fearful we were.

Do you haggle over prices?

I can’t do it. I am the worst haggler .

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

We started buying a whole lot of masks and Covid tests. But, besides that, nothing much really changed, although I still buy toilet rolls in bulk.

Do you invest in shares?

Not really, I don’t personally play the stock market. I do have a couple of investments but they are spread across portfolios and managed by an investment company.

Cash or card?

Cash. I’m a little worried about the seeming advent of a cashless society. I’m not a big fan of banks and how they skim a little off every card transaction while simultaneously closing branches. Cash, to me, is control.

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

A no-buckle belt for my father. It cost a tenner and works a treat.

Have you saved up for a relatively big purchase?

Besides our home and cars, not really. I like to keep things simple.

Have you ever lost money?

Not that I can remember. No big amounts, at least.

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

I’m not a gambler but my wife and I did go to Las Vegas a few years back. We decided to gamble a set amount and no more. It was probably $200 or so each, and much to our surprise, we both came out ahead.

Is money important to you?

I think it’s important to everyone. It has to be, but the trick is not to let it become too important.

How much money do you have on you now?

Not a penny! I’m in the back garden in stunning sunshine, wearing shorts and a T-shirt.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea