ME AND MY MONEY - PAUL RANKIN CHEF
Are you a saver or a spender?I'm definitely a saver. Since I was a kid I was a hoarder, so for me it's nature not nurture.
Do you shop around for better value?Yes, I am Libran, which means I can never make up my mind.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost? In 2004 I bought a Porsche Carrera convertible for 70k.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? In 1984 I bought a 12" Dick, which is a German chefs' knife and I still have it and use it. Have you ever crossed the Border to shop? Well, I flew to New York City to do some Christmas shopping – does that count? It's a great place to shop for kids' stuff.
Do you haggle over prices?No, I hate doing that, but I would haggle on the price of a car. Actually, now I come to thnk of it, I do haggle now and again. For instance, when I am in India, I always haggle.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Yes, my hoarding instinct has kicked into overdrive!
Do you invest in shares?No, absolutely.
Cash or card?I find card is best.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?The last thing I bought was a pack of 20 Marlboro. I don't think they are great value for money, however, as they will more than likely kill me.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?No, I can't save up as Jeanne (with Paul, below), my wife, spends it. It would have to go in my sock drawer.
Have you ever lost money?Yes, all my cash and travellers cheques were stolen once in Thailand, but I had $100 dollars in my shoe – or was it my sock drawer – so that was a Godsend.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I am not a gambler, thankfully. I just don't get it. And I always lose at the races.
Is money important to you?No, not really. I have to say I am not money orientated, but it is of course nice to have a financial safety net.
How much money do you have on you now?£15 and €20, I thought I had more, but Jeanne or the kids must have taken it.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
