‘In my 20s, I saw a credit card limit as a target to be reached’

Singer and voiceover artist Flo McSweeney’s most recent album is Picture in a Frame. She is a special guest at the Nelson Riddle Orchestra concert in Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, Sunday, April 28th. www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Are you a saver or a spender?

In my 20s, I saw a credit card limit as a target to be reached. I like the notion of saving because rainy days are inevitable. I’d like to spend when I have and save when I don’t, but then I remember the line in Hamlet “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” and I get confused. Ultimately, I’m a spender.

Do you shop around for better value?

Within reason. If I really need it, I’ll buy it. If I don’t really need it I will shop around for a while, look for a better value equivalent, but invariably just go back and get it. Similarly, I won’t buy the broccoli at the front of the display. I will always take a pack with a better sell-buy date from the back and probably leave it to go off in the fridge.

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

Is a house considered extravagant these days? The most unnecessary, whimsical purchase was a James Quinn painting of a jazz band that was hanging on the railings in Merrion Square one Sunday. It cost €600 but was worth every penny.

Mortgage holders and household finances - the ECB rate cut is good news. Right?

In an era of rising property prices, the rich in Ireland are only getting richer

Kenmare founder tried to buy listed miner and D4 gem faces demolition

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

I grew my hair during lockdown and never went back to the short style I had for years. Having to invest in all the paraphernalia that comes with maintaining a hair style, I was horrified at the cost of straighteners, hot brushes, and so on. Eventually, I found a miniature rechargeable hot brush on Amazon – I was delighted with myself. In my advancing years, these are the things that excite me.

How do you prefer to shop – online or local?

I will buy make-up online that I can’t get here but most of my clothes are bought in shops. I no longer have the physique that would allow me to buy a “clothes haul” (as my daughter calls it) and have everything fit me.

Do you haggle over prices?

I’m useless at haggling. I might even end up paying more.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

I do weekly accounts so I usually know where I stand. When I come into money, it can go quickly but I can be very careful at quiet times. Lockdown was a bit of a reality check for many of us.

Do you invest in shares?

I was fortunate to get in early on bitcoin and within six months made an 800 per cent return, which I reinvested in Union Pacific, orange juice, silk flowers and ... No, I do not invest. I can just about use Revolut, and don’t talk to me about shares.

Cash or card?

Both. I like cash to know where I am and what I’ve spent over a period of time. Card is just so handy but I’ve no idea what we’re being charged for the convenience of using it. I don’t like how it has become the norm to be shown the machine to tap, especially in bars, without knowing how much you are spending. I reckon it has become too easy to spend.

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

A Max Benjamin air freshener for my car – the scent is bergamot. I will have to let you know in about a week whether it was value for money. If the scent reverts to dog, then no.

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

My car was probably the biggest one-off purchase. Last year, I put some money aside to buy a fancy microphone, but I’m delighted I did as I sound like Barbra Streisand when I use it. Then again, for me, I achieve the same effect with a Boots hair brush bought for a fiver.

Have you ever lost money?

I have never lost money outside of the poor investment that was every purchase made back in the day in the Pink Elephant after 11pm.

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

I’m not a sports fan and I don’t understand the concept of gambling. My career was a gamble, I suppose, but I have had the odd result.

Is money important to you?

I have a healthy respect for its elusiveness. If you have pinned your colours to the mast of the entertainment business, money kind of takes a back seat.

How much money do you have on you now?

Enough for a cup of coffee, a sandwich and a surprise. The surprise isn’t necessarily for me.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

Sign up for Business push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
Our Inside Business podcast is published weekly – Find the latest episode here