Siobhán O'Connor
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I'm getting older and, to be honest, my skin was in serious need of some TLC. These days we need to be recessionista chic and spend our money on the things that matter. Fine lines, people they need attention, so I stocked up on Ren Skincare products. There's a brilliant website with great value skin care, beautyboutique.ie, and serious discounts on top products. I can seriously see a difference in my skin and look fresher and brighter already, so money well spent.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?
No I’ve never crossed the Border to shop. I’ve gone to sightsee though, it’s beautiful up there. However, many of my friends head up North to shop.
Do you haggle over prices?
I love haggling in markets but I wouldn’t dream of doing it in a store, I’d be mortified. But I’m a serious bargain hunter. It gets problematic as I stock up on bargains, be it for grocery shopping or clothes.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Completely. I bring my lunch into work every day, so save around 25 quid a week. Plus I plan dinners in advance so as to use whatever’s in the fridge. I’ve started to pot plants of herbs instead of wasting a few quid each time buying the supermarket produce. I love driving into work in my little Fiat 500 C but now that it’s nearly summer, I’m planning on cycling in to shed the pounds and to save on fuel. I can zip around in my fab Fiat at the weekend, looking hopefully skinnier with all the working out.
Do you invest in shares?
Never. Who has extra money for shares or pensions for that matter? I’m all about living in the moment.
Cash or card?
Both and I never keep track. Oh God, don’t remind me.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A jacket in Zara on half-price sale in London for £22. And return to Portugal with Aer Lingus for €120.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
No, I don’t save really. I need to start. I’m in the credit union so I need to get cracking.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes at Electric Picnic, my favourite festival. More times than I care to remember.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I don’t gamble that much. I won €50 with Boylesports at the races recently. I picked a horse, Sea Bass, as it was on the menu too and he came first. But I lost on the US Masters recently. I had money on Rory McElroy. Who would have thought that Bubba Watson, the veritable, happy Gilmore, would win. But you know the saying, “God made the bees and the bees make the honey, the jockeys win the races and the bookies win the money”.
Is money important to you?
Not at all, maybe that’s the problem. I do love buying things though and nice holidays, but my view is “be happy” and hopefully the money will follow.
How much money do you have on you now?
I’ve €55 in my wallet, for some reason I haven’t spent it yet. Let’s go shopping.
Siobhan O’Connor is 98FM’s Gossip Girl.
