Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m both. This year’s savings are for spending on my wedding in March 2023, while at the same time I’m saving for a deposit for a house. I do love spending, however, so much so that my partner reckons I could do it for a living.
Do you shop around for better value?
Always. I prefer to know I’ve bought something for good value with my money. I’ll always look around and search for the best value.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
When I was 19 I decided I wanted to buy a car, even though I hadn’t had my first driving lesson. I managed to convince my dad to come with me and we bought the car that day. It cost me €9,500 and my dad kindly gave me some money towards it. He likes to remind me of it every once in a while and jokes I still haven’t paid him back.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I recently had some dental work done which has improved my confidence so much, so to me that is money well spent.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions — online or local?
A bit of both. I shopped online and local where possible. Like everyone else, not being able to leave the house meant shopping online. However, I supported local for all essential items.
Do you haggle over prices?
I wouldn’t be one to haggle. I’d rather shop around and know I was getting value for money rather than haggle on a price.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
I really changed my habits with money. I realised how much money I saved during the pandemic — initially from not being able to get out and about as we all navigated our way through it. I started a good monthly saving habit and considered purchases more, whether I really needed an item or if my money was better saved. Saving for my wedding and mortgage deposit has been a great habit and discipline.
Do you invest in shares?
No — I wouldn’t know where to start.
Cash or card?
I rarely carry cash any more. The only time I would take cash out is to pop money into a card for one of the kids in the family.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
It was holiday clothes for my son. He’s almost three, so I went to Penneys and bought two weeks’ worth of summer clothes for him for less than €200. This was excellent value considering how quickly kids grow.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I saved up for my dental work so I could pay upfront and currently I saving for my wedding which, once it’s done, will be my most extravagant purchase to date but worthwhile.
Have you ever lost money?
Thankfully, no.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I like to do a bet on occasion for the likes of Cheltenham or if there is another big race meeting on. I would never bet big enough to win big, though. The most I’ve ever put on a horse is €10. Even at that if I lost on the horse I’d be fuming, so I can’t imagine the nerves of having a higher amount at stake.
Is money important to you?
We need money to pay for our home, food, clothes and so on, but money doesn’t motivate me. There have been times when I have struggled with money but was very happy with my life, and times I was earning a lot and was very unhappy. For me, happiness and quality of life are more important than money.
How much money do you have on you now?
Zero. Every cent I have is in savings for my holidays. I’ve only just about enough for a cup of tea.
