ME AND MY MONEY:Catherine Fulvio, TV chef
Are you a saver or a spender?I seem to be happily capable of both, whether that's a good or bad thing? Let's say I do enjoy spending, but reasonably prudently.
Do you shop around for better value?Yes, I am not an extravagant person, so value is important. That said, quality is also very important, especially when it comes to ingredients, so I definitely shop around.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?I bought a very large antique tapestry and hanging pole at an auction. It cost €450 but I class it as extravagant because I had nowhere to hang it when I got it home, as it was so large.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My hens. For a tenner each, they certainly pay their way and they are such lovely pets. They sit on the window sills and cluck at all passers-by. But most importantly, they produce the most delicious organic free range eggs.
Have you ever crossed the border to shop?Never.
Do you haggle over prices?I get a little embarrassed when I have to haggle, so I usually set my husband up to do it for me.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Most definitely. Like everyone, I plan ahead both in business and personally, so I am certainly more conservative in my spending since our economy turned for the worst.
Do you invest in shares?Very badly. I have only ever purchased shares twice – Eircom and Elan, both at their most expensive. Need I say more?
Cash or card?Card. I find it easier to monitor my spending when I use the card.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I am renovating the old farm yard at the moment, so I have just bought 94 plants, including scores of lavender, bay and rosemary. To see them arranged in the beds is a pretty picture, and the smell is tantalising. So yes, excellent value for money and practical, too.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?Yes, I saved, not all the money, mind, but a bit to buy my car in 2007. I needed a much larger vehicle for transporting equipment for cookery demonstrations around the country, so I saved very hard for my Nissan Pathfinder. It is a great car for my needs.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?If you call playing the Lotto randomly, then yes I am a gambler, and I won €8 on Euromillions – a ticket that I bought in error believing it was the National Lotto. That's how little practice I have at gambling.
Is money important to you?Yes, but it is not the most important thing to me. My family's health and comfort is of paramount importance. But I do need money as I have a business to run.
How much money do you have on you now?€120 and lots and lots of coins.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea.
Catherine’s Italian Kitchen
is published by Gill Macmillan, €19.99. Her TV series,
Catherine’s Roman Holiday
, RTÉ1, Friday, 8.30pm.
