Sonya Lennon: After I hit 50, I began to appraise how I spent my time, energy, and money

Sonya Lennon has collaborated with Kilkenny Design on a new exclusive Lennon Courtney lifestyle range. lennoncourtney.com

Are you a saver or a spender?

Like most things, it’s not that black and white: the truth lies in the grey. I’m well able to spend money, but what I spend it on has changed dramatically. It used to be designer covetables, must-haves that would cause sleepless nights. My spending is more about experiences, travel, dining and wellness, all of which are filed under “self-care”. You’d be amazed how much I can justify! On the other side of the coin, I’ve been hard-wired by my parents to save. My dad worked in a bank all his life, and my mum told me to always have my “running-away money”. I started my pension in my early 20s and have continuously updated it. The pension gap is a massive issue for women that we need to address.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, but my time is also very precious, so not to the extent that I visit different supermarkets to get the best deals. I’m an online researcher for big-ticket items, but probably could do better with switching providers.

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

I brought my family to India to celebrate my 50th birthday. It cost three times what we normally spend on a family holiday, but it gave us so much, including memories that I will take to the grave and the gift of global context for our twins. My dad was so intrigued that he brought me and my sister there last April, so I guess the generosity came back to meet me. Another trip of a lifetime, and worth so much more than the money spent.

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After I hit 50, I began to organically appraise how I spent my time, energy, and money. I wasn’t alone as this was a pervasive mood among friends

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

I suppose our home. It didn’t seem like it at the time, but 21 years later, after two major renovations, it brings me daily joy. That’s a pretty good return-on-investment metric.

What ways did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

Local as much as possible, or online with local businesses. I have an aversion to global chains of coffee shops, so I’ll always head for the independent trader. That’s my background in retail, so I protect it where I can.

Do you haggle over prices?

When it’s appropriate and there’s a potential win to be had. When I know it’s a futile exercise, I won’t waste my breath.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits, and is there something in particular that you have either stopped buying, or started buying, as a result?

Covid hit at a particular stage of my life. After I hit 50, I began to organically appraise how I spent my time, energy, and money. I wasn’t alone as this was a pervasive mood among friends. What matters now is being fuelled by what I recently heard termed a collective effervescence – that’s swimming, eating, drinking, hiking, doing yoga, and laughing our asses off.

Do you invest in shares?

Yes, through my pension portfolio.

Cash or card?

Card.

I’m not a gambler in the traditional sense, although I have a hale and hearty risk appetite

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

A selection of heavier weights for weight training. I will always invest in my fitness and health-span.

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

Yes, I’m good at delayed gratification. I used to be a huge fan of securing items with deposits and paying them off. I don’t think that’s a thing any more, although Christmas clubs do happen.

Have you ever lost money?

How long have you got? I’m an entrepreneur, and any entrepreneur who hasn’t lost money isn’t doing it properly.

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

I’m not a gambler in the traditional sense, although I have a hale and hearty risk appetite.

Is money important to you?

Money is choice, so yes, it is hugely important. I also want to create optimal value for the work that I put in, and part of that is maximising profit. I’m a businesswoman at the end of the day.

How much money do you have on you now?

One €20 note, taken out from an ATM for something specific that now remains unremembered.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

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