Me and my money: JANE RUSSELL,MD of Straight Sausages
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m a spender. I always have been. When I earned more than I do now, I spent all of that.
Do you shop around for better value?
Yes and no. I suppose I do for all the things that everyone does, such as flights and phone deals. For day-to-day things, no. I don’t shop around for food deals. I go to my local butcher or I venture to the market.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
in 2004, I bought a Louise Kennedy suit. It was the full thing – matching skirt, jacket and trousers. It was just short of €600. I still have it and I’ve worn it everywhere, and I’m still getting wear out of it. It’s absolutely beautiful, the most beautiful thing I ever bought. So it was hugely extravagant but I don’t regret a penny of it.
What purchase do you consider to be the best value for money?
I’m too inclined to justify most of the things I buy on the basis that they are good value for money. I don’t think there’s anything in particular I can pick out that I thought was the best value.
Have you ever crossed the border to shop?
No. But we go over to Wales to visit my in-laws a few times a year and if we take the car, we stock up while we are there, but it’s just wine and things like that.
Do you haggle over prices?
No, because I’m not very good at it. I find if I ask for a deal and I don’t get it, I wouldn’t know what to do.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
It has more changed my attitudes than my habits. I’ve a lot less money now because I started my own business
Do you invest in shares?
No, I don’t have that kind of money. I did years ago with Eircom, but not now.
Cash or card?
I don’t use my credit card any more because I would be inclined to use it and keep using it, so I stick to cash.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought a pair of deck shoes in TK Maxx and they were just under €16 so I thought they were good value.
Have you ever saved up for a relatively big purchase?
No.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes, sadly. I inherited money in the form of bank shares from my late mother and they obviously suffered quite a big loss.
Are you a gambler and have you ever had a big win?
No, I don’t have the patience to put in the work you need to gamble properly. I do the Lotto regularly but that’s it.
Is money important to you?
Yes. I think money is important to everyone so it’s quite important to me.
How much money do you have on you now?
I’ve just paid myself for this week so I have this week’s pocket money. I’ll leave it at that.
In conversation with CLAIRE O'MAHONY
