Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m both. I’m good at saving for the large outlays, but I also like to enjoy living and have new experiences at the same time.
Do you shop around for better value?
Yes, I do. Perhaps not as much as I could for every purchase, but I always keep my eye out for the best deal.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
My house in
Galway
city. As it was bought at the height of the boom, I’d prefer not to acknowledge the price, but you can only imagine.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
It wasn’t so much a purchase as a donation made to Madra dog rescue and adoption charity for our best little buddy Odie, a Bichon Frise, who was found abandoned in Galway city. Talk about a small dog with a big personality.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I always try to buy locally and support small businesses as much as possible. I think it’s very important to do that. I enjoy visiting Galway Market at the weekends where you meet people selling great local produce.
Do you haggle over prices?
Let’s put it this way – I have been known to ask the question, ‘Is that the best you can do on that?’ I always haggle – even over car insurance renewal prices
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Yes, it has and, to be honest, I feel it changed most people’s spending habits. That said, I think people are starting to feel more confident about spending again, which will lead to growth in local businesses and the economy in general.
Do you invest in shares?
No, I do not. Not at the moment, anyway. I did have shares, but it didn’t work out as well as I would have hoped, and I have avoided them since.
Cash or card?
I have found myself using cards more frequently recently, but I always make sure I have some cash on me.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A lawnmower that was reduced in the sales. My lawn has never looked so good so I certainly consider it value for money.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
The deposit for my house took a bit of saving for, and over the last couple of years I have also managed to save for our wedding and honeymoon.
Have you ever lost money?
Sad to say that I have. In fact, I lose money every year at the Galway Races! Even while losing, there’s always fun to be had at the Galway Races, but I make sure to stick to a limit on what I bet.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
Outside of the Galway Races and the Grand National, I would not consider myself a gambler. Breaking even during Race Week is considered a win in my book.
Is money important to you?
It is to a point. A certain amount of money can make life more comfortable and less stressful. However, it’s nowhere near the top of my priority list.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have €100, which would be the average amount I carry day to day.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
