‘I have always been good at making money but accruing wealth is not the goal’

Professional golfer Jeff Hopkins and his sister Orla, formerly a competitive international gymnast, co-founded premium activewear brand New Dimensions Active in 2017.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am a bit of a spender, although more on experiences than on actual items.

Do you shop around for better value?

Never. I find my time more valuable than money, so if I find something I like, I will just pay for it and move on.

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

As I have said, I’m not one for big spending on items, but I treated myself once and went on a five-star ski holiday. It was €12,000 and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime ski experience.

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

It’s all about experiences with mates and holidays with family. Time is the best value.

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

I did zero shopping during Covid as our business was under a lot of pressure with order volume and little to no staff. My business was set up online during the pandemic period, so I will always be thankful to that business model.

Do you haggle over prices?

When it’s related to my business, I always negotiate. For personal purchases, I never do, even when I am abroad. People tell me that it’s rude if you don’t haggle, but I just can’t.

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

I think life during Covid made us all realise how important it was to spend time with family and how easy it is to travel around the world. I certainly upped my spending on travel and I’m no stranger to trawling websites for flights.

Do you invest in shares?

I have invested a lot into cryptocurrency and some stocks.

Cash or card?

Card. I think the phrase “cash is king” is no more.

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

A coffee, and it was from an Irish company so it was great value. As an owner of an Irish business, I make a conscious decision to try to support fellow Irish businesses.

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

I have never needed to save for anything in particular.

Have you ever lost money?

Certainly – I will never forget losing a fiver from my communion money.

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

I suppose I am, as crypto is a gamble, like any investment. However, I don’t gamble on any sporting events or in casinos, gambling like this has never excited me.

Is money important to you?

Honestly, no. I have always been good at making it but accruing wealth is not the goal and never has been.

How much money do you have on you now?

€79.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea