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‘Since Covid, I am even more conscious of not buying processed food’

Me & My Money: Birgitta Hedin-Curtin, chief executive and owner of the Burren Smokehouse

Birgitta Hedin-Curtin of the Burren Smokehouse. Photograph: Sean Breithaupt/Yvette Monahan

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Tony Clayton-Lea
Mon Apr 29 2024 - 06:00

Birgitta Hedin-Curtin studied marine biology (with special studies in marine algae) at Lund’s University in Sweden before moving to Ireland. She is celebrating 30 years in business with the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, where she is chief executive and owner.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am a spender when it comes to food, food experiences and travel but I like to always have a healthy buffer for a rainy day and investment for house improvements, upgrading vehicles and so on.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes. Value for me is a combination of quality and price. I don’t mind spending on great quality food directly from the source, such as the butcher, the fisherman, or the producer. I see this as an investment in my healthy future because food is medicine.

I genuinely feel excited and rich on the few occasions during the year that I buy lobsters from the local lobster fishermen while a fine piece of monkfish and fresh oysters gives me equal delight.

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When it comes to general household products such as washing powder, I look out for offers. I was taught in home economics to check out price per kilogramme, and you would be surprised that bigger packs do not always mean better value. I also watch out for best prices on diesel, and so I have my local go-to petrol stations.

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

My most extravagant spend was with my sister in Stockholm a few years ago on a 20-course tasting menu with paired wine in a three-star Michelin restaurant. It was just under €1,000, and it was a great experience.

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

I recently invested in triple glazed windows for my house, which at this stage is 30 years old. The difference that it made to the warmth was impactful.

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

I shopped locally as much as I could. We are lucky to have access to local food producers and local shops where I live.

Do you haggle over prices?

I am not a great haggler but I would shop around and seek several quotes for a big expenditure, including insurance. I take local craftsmanship and after service into consideration.

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

My whole family is more health-conscious since Covid. I am even more conscious now of not buying processed food, but sourcing nutritious food. My husband, Peter, makes our sourdough bread and kombucha. I now buy vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 tablets, take cod liver oil and Lion’s Mane Powder from Ballyhoura Mountain mushrooms. We eat locally sourced fish, seafood, meats and lots of vegetables.

Do you invest in shares?

I do not actively invest in shares but I have chosen a pension plan that invests in shares for me.

Cash or card?

Mainly card but some cash.

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

An American stand-up fridge freezer and I love it! It has great storage space, easy access and an ice maker. It makes my daily life happier and easier.

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

I have combined savings with a loan for a new car.

Have you ever lost money?

Nothing big.

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

I have no interest whatsoever in gambling.

Is money important to you?

Financial freedom is important to me, and to have enough for me and my family. I feel lucky in life but there are ways of achieving goals and experiences. I have never felt that I would not have been able to do or achieve something with lack of money. I enjoy being able to share my experiences with my family, and to be able to be generous to them from time to time.

How much money do you have on you now?

€60.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea

Me & My Money