Are you a saver or a spender? I am probably a saver but not in a disciplined way. I will save whatever I don't need to spend on a day-to-day basis but I rarely apply a rigid savings plan.
Do you shop around for better value? In theory, yes. I will do a little research to establish the general market price of the product or service and I'll decide where to buy it. I don't beat myself up to find the best deal and once I come to a decision I'm happy with it and I won't dwell on it.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? An amusing one that comes to mind happened about 25 years ago on a trip to France. My wife and I were out for dinner one night and I misread the price on a bottle of wine in a lovely restaurant. I thought it said £10, which, at the time seemed like good enough value but the next morning I was given a bill for almost £80! We didn't even finish the bottle, as our son was sick. We still laugh at our innocent extravagance. Thank God for the euro and good glasses.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? I bought a Renault 4 when I was in my early 20s. It cost £1,300 and I had it for about six years. It was trouble-free motoring and cheap to run. It was a multi-purpose vehicle and it doubled as a people carrier, mobile home and at times as a mobile kitchen.
What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local? When practical I buy locally. I research online and compare with local businesses. On a personal and on a professional level, I like to do business with people. We use technology to expedite research and marketing and for operational efficiencies, but our real successes come from doing business with people.
Do you haggle over prices? A little. I have an idea of what something should cost. If I think something is overpriced, I will generally just walk away. It depends on what I'm buying.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? It has had a big influence and, like almost everyone else, I am much more prudent. Now I will ask myself, "do we need this just now? Is it value for money? Are there other options?"
Do you invest in shares? As a general rule no. I am not opposed to the idea and I have some shares but I haven't invested lately. Like a lot of people, I thought the banks seemed like a sound bet and we all know how that ended. My thoughts are that you should only invest what you are in a position to lose.
Cash or card? Card most of the time. I rarely use cash except for small purchases like coffees and papers.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? I just bought a set of garden furniture and it was reduced by 30 per cent and had free delivery, so I think I got a good deal.
Have you ever saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, we bought a site and built our home and, as anyone who has built a house knows, it involves endless budgets, saving and lots of spending and borrowing.
Have you ever lost money? I lost money on bank shares – but not enough to change any major plans. Very occasionally at work, something won't work out but we try to keep a close eye on things and we tend to avoid major pitfalls.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? I have no interest in gambling. I buy the occasional lottery ticket and most years I would bet on the Grand National and maybe the Gold Cup. Once I overheard someone saying that they put £500 on a horse so I immediately dropped into the bookies and bet a tenner on that horse. The race was just starting and I won £85!
Is money important to you? I regard it as an essential commodity, but once the important things are covered, I have no desire to amass a fortune. Family, friends and good company are much more important.
How much money do you have on you now? €12
In conversation with Tony Clayton Lea
