Comedian and actor Fred Cooke performs at Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Friday, February 14th, and tours nationwide in March.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I guess I’m both. I try to put money away but the tax man takes the bulk of that. Sometimes, I put too much away, leaving myself broke for some days.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
My first job was cleaning pots and pans. It was £2 an hour and 40 hours a week. It was hard work, but I enjoyed going straight to the pub, repelling women with the smell of grease.
Do you shop around for better value?
Not really. I know I should do “the big shop”, but I’m away half the week with work, so I tend to just pick up bits and pieces on the go.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
My Martin acoustic guitar. I bought it for €1,700. It was worth every penny. The only negative thing is the stress of losing it. Every time I see it appear at the luggage section of airports, I breathe a huge sigh of relief.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I bought these really cheap runners in Lidl so I could do long walks. Watch out, Rob Heffernan – winter bodies are made in summer.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
Not really. Sometimes I regret paying rent, but generally I’m happy out.
Do you haggle over prices?
No. I was in a market in Beijing where haggling was expected, but the Irishness in me meant I was happier to pay way over the odds than negotiate.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
No, but I am forever hearing about it from my mates – bitcoin, shares, and AI-recognising future moments in the economy. By the time I get to the top of the queue in the coffee shop, I’ve forgotten why I’m even there.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I love my job. Much like my toddler trying to block the toilet with toilet roll, I’ll never quit. In saying that, I will definitely sort out my pension this year.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought the last edition of Pianist magazine. I love it. You used to get a free CD with it but you don’t any more because it’s 2025. That being said, you can get some funny looks if you’re asking for it in a shop and people mishear you.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
No, I just get money and spend. The closest I’ve come to saving for a relatively big purchase was getting €3 for my plastic bottles and then spending it on two Diet Cokes.
Have you ever lost money?
A good few times. Once I lost €300 when it was stolen from my wallet. I was devastated as I’d planned to spend that sunny day outside in Grogan’s. Another morning, when I was hungover, I accidentally put €50 in the basket at Mass, thinking it was €10. This wouldn’t have happened if I had gone to Mass the night before. You live and learn.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I’m not. I once went into BoyleSports in Salthill with a fiver to my name. I placed a bet for a race in Gowran Park. I won a tenner and celebrated with a snack box next door in Supermac’s. That was my first and only taste of a flutter.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is keeping all my petrol receipts. My worst habit is losing them.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have four €1 coins in my pocket, €60 in my Revolut account, and €1,000,000 in ideas.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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