ME AND MY MONEY:Sybil Mulcahy, TV presenter

Are you a saver or a spender?

A definite spender. I have so many outgoings that at the end of every month I am always in the red and can’t afford to save anything at the moment.

Do you shop around for better value?

Definitely, especially in supermarkets.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever, and how much did it cost?

My most extravagant purchase was only recently when I bought myself a new car. Well, new for me. It’s a 2007 convertible Audi so a big jump up from the 2001 Golf I had been driving for the past six years. I just figured, who knows what’s around the corner in life, and I wanted to experience having a really nice car. People laugh at me, though, as I have a three-year-old and a five-year-old so it’s not the most practical when it comes to the kids.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

I bought a painting on Christmas Eve about seven years ago during a party in the Arts Club in Dublin. It was a few grand but the artist, Wexford man Paul Funge, was there at the time and was in a similar state to myself. We ended up chatting as I sat on his knee and he gave it to me half price. When I went to collect it after Christmas they had to point out which one I had bought! He passed away this year and was a fabulous artist so I imagine it’s worth a lot more than I paid.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

No, after you pay for your petrol and get lost getting there, it just doesn’t seem worth it to me. Plus, I like supporting Irish supermarkets where I can, especially if they look after their Irish suppliers. Some British chain stores don’t make that their top priority, though. I won’t name names.

Do you haggle over prices?

Yes, in recent years definitely. The other day I got a euro off getting my shoes heeled. I used to be embarrassed about it but not any more.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Definitely, wage cuts and austerity have resulted in less clothes shopping and going out.

Do you invest in shares?

No. Remember Eircom? That put a stop to any future investment. Anyway, I don’t have any spare money at the moment to invest.

Cash or card?

Both, but I use my Mastercard for pretty much everything. If you pay off your bill every month, it’s pretty much free credit.

What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?

My Audi, and no, I’m sure it dropped about four grand the minute I drove it off the forecourt at Rathdown Motors, but I do like it!

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

Yes, our last house, which we sold two years ago at a loss.

Have you ever lost money?

Yes, on our house.

Are you a gambler, and if so, have you ever had a big win?

I lived in San Diego for five years and so spent a lot of time in Vegas at the weekends on holiday, and boy did I love to gamble. My ex-boyfriend’s dad was a professional so I learnt a lot off him. The most I have ever won was about $500 at Blackjack.

Is money important to you?

Yes, of course. Anyone that says the other is lying or rich.

How much money do you have on you now?

€30