Are you a saver or a spender? I'm a saver, but I always seem to spend what I save! Throughout life, I've tended to save for big events or large purchases. On a day-to-day basis, I don't enjoy window-shopping – I just purchase what I need when I need it.
Do you shop around for better value? Sometimes. If I need or want anything in particular, I will go ahead and get it, regardless of the price. However, when buying large items, for example a new vehicle for the farm or private use, I will shop around and research all options before committing to buy.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? My most extravagant purchase was my current accordion – it was specifically constructed in Italy to my specifications. I needed it to be a particular height and weight. It cost €10,000 approximately. It took nearly six months to complete and I collected it personally. It travels everywhere with me around the world by my side.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? Definitely, it has to be my accordion. It is an essential part of my livelihood, and as a musician I couldn't perform without it.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I try and shop locally, and I rarely shop online. When I need to book flights or hotels, online shopping is excellent and convenient. I prefer to see and judge my purchases, however, so local shopping suits me as well as contributing to the local economy.
Do you haggle over prices? Yes, I do. I think it's part of my farming background to do so and also part of our Irish heritage. It also gives great satisfaction to think you got a bargain – even if that is not the case!
Has the recession changed your spending habits? I think more carefully about how I spend money and, when travelling, I would keep a close eye on fuel costs and choose accordingly. We all have reconsidered our spending habits over the last few years, and I think this is a positive development. I notice this in our particular field – when people go out to entertainment now, they choose carefully and wisely.
Do you invest in shares? No, never. I think it can be risky and volatile, and I'm not a financial risk taker!
Cash or card? Both. When travelling, I always use cards. It's safer and more convenient. Things have changed so much in the last 50 years I've been involved in entertainment – we have nearly become a cashless instead of a cash society.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? I bought a pair of shoes, but I haven't worn them yet, so the jury is out on whether they are good value or not. I'll let you know!
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, when I began working at age 16, I always saved every £50 (€64) note I received. My wife Kathleen and I bought our first farm with those initial savings. Throughout my musical career, job security was never an option, and therefore savings were essential.
Have you ever lost money? My card was stolen once when I was away and an expensive watch purchased on it. Thankfully, that's really the most serious loss I've experienced.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? No, never. I attended the Galway Races once, placed some bets but unfortunately my choices were non-starters or fell at the first fence. I enjoy watching sports, but wouldn't gamble on the result.
Is money important to you? Money is essential, how could we manage without it? But it's not necessarily important in the bigger scheme of things. As a performer, I always felt I could never get sick, and the old showbiz adage "the show must go on" applied. Nowadays, I realise that health and happiness surpass money as the ultimate goals in life.
How much money do you have on you now? €250 the last time I checked!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
