Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender. I am regularly reminded about my overspends at home! I have, however, invested in some savings plans over the years, plans that penalise you if you try and take the money out before the maturation date. These have worked very well for me over the years.
Do you shop around for better value?
No, I always take the easy option and go for convenience; in fact, I am terrible for this. I am afraid to think what cash I could have saved over the years if I did more of this shopping around.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Apart from property or a car, I'm reminded about this regularly as it is sitting in the attic. I was in New Orleans about 20 years ago and went into a fantastic memorabilia shop where I bought a drum cover that was signed by all of U2. The cost was $2,000 and that didn't include shipping it back to New York where I was living at the time. Madness, but it felt great at the time. I haven't told my mother about this yet!
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Our house, a few years ago. We bought an old house that had great potential, and we are now making that potential a reality. No matter where we go or what we do in the future, this will always be our home.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I'm all about being out local and seeing what I want. I enjoy the buzz and interactions, and you get what you want and sometimes more. Despite all the family liking to do some shopping online, I love to go to the local shops or a packed shopping centre.
Do you haggle over prices?
Rarely. My wife loves doing this, but I feel awkward, almost odd about it.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Yes it did. It made me think about what I was spending my money on and where I could find better value. Priorities changed and trying to save some money became more important, but it is always an ongoing challenge.
Do you invest in shares?
I have a few shares that are not worth mentioning, but it is something I would love to do more of, if I had the cash. I like listening to discussions on the radio about market performance and the shares of various different companies. When the cash comes in, I will make a bold move!
Cash or card?
I'm a total card user. It's so extreme that I am slagged at home about it. The work coffee run is always paid by card. On a positive, I'm never losing cash.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I want to say runners. I did buy them, but they were very expensive and the return on investment – that is, me getting out running – has been low.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, for our house and the big refurb that we did. In fact, there are still some small projects happening, but this was the biggest and most significant cost and we're really happy about it so far.
Have you ever lost money?
Don't go there! On property back in the boom days, I made a poor judgment call and paid for it on investment property – a bad mistake, but big learnings from it.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
I'm not a gambler. The nearest thing to it is taking a punt on the EuroMillions when it is over €100 million and when I remember to do it. No big wins yet.
Is money important to you?
Yes, to live and provide for my family and buy the day-to-day requirements. No, in the sense that I am not motivated by watching money accumulate in a bank account. I have always been motivated by working hard and being recognised for it.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have a tenner in my wallet right now. I know this totally contradicts my cash or card answer, but once this tenner is gone I might have no cash in the wallet for days, maybe even weeks.
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In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
