Are you a saver or a spender?
Based on my savings account, I’m certainly in the spender category. However, with three kids, it’s difficult not to be.
Do you shop around for better value?
Not as much as my instincts tell me I should. I try and convince myself that, if I had more time, I would. My better half is a much better bargain hunter. She will food-shop at several outlets and likes to research online before we buy anything of value.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Many years ago I bought a second-hand BMW 3 series M something or other for €17,000, thinking I had it made – only to then sell it for ‘market value’ a number of years later. It certainly felt like an extravagant purchase!
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A Gaelic football that I get endless hours out of, playing with my kids. More often than not, we are reliving Dublin games taking the places of some of the players. They play as Mannion, Bernard [Brogan] or McManamon, I play as Charlie Redmond sometimes – which usually gets the reaction, “who?” followed by “you’re old”.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local?
My preference would be to support local and Irish as much as possible, for the obvious reasons, and most of all for the personal experience. The friendly, knowledgeable and passionate staff that you find in local stores is a value for money experience that I’m happy to pay more for.
Do you haggle over prices?
Only upon occasion, because my life is full of negotiation. Some days it’s tougher than others, and you might assume that’s because of my job. However, my kids put me through my paces, which I can tell you leaves me happy not to haggle sometimes. I certainly do enjoy chancing my arm though. My mammy always told me, “there’s no harm in asking”. I remember one day I was clothes shopping with the kids, which is always great fun… After the joyful experience of getting everyone to the till with their clothes, we were finally checking out. As the bill mounts up with every ping of another item being scanned, the sales assistant informs me of the total cost, which I respond with surprise. I (half) joked about it, and considering the amount asked if there was anything she could do by way of a discount. She considered my request for a moment, smiled, and asked if I was a student. I said I was, and she replied because I was a student I was entitled to a 15 per cent discount. The lesson here? Listen to your Mammy.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Yes, I’m certainly more bargain-oriented and keep a sharper eye out for the ‘Big Sales’ and promotions. It’s a very competitive market with more choice than ever and a significant share of consumer purchases are made on deal. As any parent knows, bringing young kids for the ‘weekly shop’ – if that’s still a thing – is not without its challenges, as items can end up in the trolley that you weren’t aware were in there.
Do you invest in shares?
I have done previously making a reasonable return for one of my investments, while another investment currently sits at half the purchase value. If someone wants to educate me on how to get rich through investing in shares I might take it up then.
Cash or card?
You should ask my friends or colleagues that question. You might get a ‘colourful’ response.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Flights to visit family in Scotland – which is always value for money.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, for my mortgage some 18 years ago. From a very young age I’ve always saved for what I wanted, from records to clothes to sports gear to presents for family or friends. There is something really rewarding about setting your heart or mind on something, working to earn the money to save for it, and then finally making that purchase.
Have you ever lost money?
Only on cars, but doesn’t everyone?
Are you a gambler, and if so have you ever had a big win?
I’m not. However, I do have the odd flutter that usually stems from someone of greater knowledge than me giving the all too familiar ‘tip’. A number of years ago at a Licensed Vintners Association gala dinner, a great supporter and customer of ours gave me a tip for a horse running in France. They were pretty convincing, so I put a few quid on it. Let’s just say it pays to listen to your customers.
Is money important to you?
Yes, it is. It would rank high on my priorities. Not unlike many others, I’m sure, but being able to provide for my family is a primary motivator.
How much money do you have on you now?
Less than a fiver.
in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
