Me And My Money:Willie Kavanagh Chairman EMI Ireland
Are you a saver or a spender?I am a spender, I have never deprived myself of any item or product or trip that I really wanted just because I didn't have the money at that time, as long as I knew I would be in a position to pay for it in a short period after consumption.
Do you shop around for better value?If I am treating myself to a nice meal I would prefer to go to a decent restaurant with some nice wines. Price is less of an issue when you are treating yourself or your loved ones. I like to support local shops, where possible, provided the quality is high. Quality at the right price and in the right location is key.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?Does property count here? Do cars count? I have spent a lot of money in those areas. I bought a watch, which was about three grand. Women's handbags can cost thousands, which is always a big eye opener for me.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?School fees/educational expenditure is the best value for money if the student works to the best of their ability. The joy you can get from a good book greatly outweighs the level of expenditure. Music CDs and digital downloads (legal, of course) from iTunes, Vodafone, Eircom, Nokia, are great value for money.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?I have never gone to the North to buy anything, but I did buy a golf club in the US recently as it was half the price I saw it for in Ireland. I don't blame people for crossing borders if there is amazing value to be had.
Do you haggle over prices?I have haggled over prices but I am not very good at it. If the price is fair and the seller is doing his or her best to stay in business I would not try to make their life harder by sucking the last cent of their profit out of the deal.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Not really, as I still have a job. I was never really silly about spending money for the sake of it.
Do you invest in shares?Yes, I have made a lot of money on shares and I have lost a lot of money on shares.
Cash or card?Always credit card. Carrying cash in quantity is a risk, not that I expect to be robbed (I'm not that paranoid). It is more that I would be likely to lose it.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I recently bought a Jaguar second hand.
Is money important to you?Money is important to everybody. Anybody who says it is not lives in La La Land, or perhaps in a monastic setting where money has little or no relevance.
How much money do you have on you now?I have around €120 and some US dollars.
In conversation with
TONY CLAYTON-LEA
