‘I spend my life talking about sport, so I don’t need the added layer of betting on it’

Jacqui Hurley presents Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1, 2pm-6pm, presents the Sunday Game show on RTÉ television during the GAA inter-county season, and reports on live sporting events for RTÉ.

Are you a saver or a spender?

Definitely a spender. I’ve never really been someone who worries too much about saving for a rainy day. I have a husband who is much better at that. I’m very much a “live in the moment” kind of person.

Do you shop around for better value?

I wouldn’t say this is one of my strong points, so I’m barred from doing the grocery shopping in our house for this reason.

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

We recently did up the house and put in a 75-inch television into the livingroom with a bracket that can swing around to wherever you’re watching. At the time I thought it was too much money to spend on a TV, but although it was an extravagant purchase, we love it.

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

My Kindle. I think I paid about €100 for it a couple of years ago, but it has lasted so well. Anywhere I go it’s in the bag with me, I love to read and I think having something so small and simple to carry around makes it easier.

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

We tried to buy Irish as much as possible, as Covid made business so challenging, particularly for small, local Irish businesses. In general, I prefer to shop online now and Covid probably made that a bit easier as so many businesses moved to an online model.

Do you haggle over prices?

No, I generally let Shane, my husband, do that as he takes such pride in haggling. The joy he takes from getting a bargain is a sight to behold and I wouldn’t want to get in the way of that.

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits, and was there something in particular that you either stopped buying or started buying, as a result?

I have probably bought more online since the pandemic. Generally, I think we’re all just spending more time online. Our whole way of working has shifted to a more flexible model, so by virtue of being online remotely, I’m probably just spending more time doing other jobs online, too.

Do you invest in shares?

Not really. Our investments are more bricks and mortar based, but it’s something we keep an open mind on.

Cash or card?

Card. Although in saying that, I rarely carry a card as I generally pay for everything on my phone.

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

I just bought a customised weekly planner whiteboard for the wall in the kitchen and it is a game changer. We needed it to keep track of all the activities, and so on, and it is absolutely value for money. And time!

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

Buying a house and renovating it recently definitely focused the mind to save for a bigger purpose. Both were done through a combination of savings and a mortgage. Cars are the other thing I would generally have bought from savings.

Have you ever lost money?

Yeah, but nothing worth talking about here, to be honest.

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

No, I don’t really gamble. I might have the odd bet on Cheltenham or if I was at the races with friends, but I spend my life playing, working and talking about sport, so I don’t need the added layer of betting on it, too.

Is money important to you?

It would be foolish to say it’s not important because it’s so central to how you live your life and the freedom it gives you. So yes, it’s hugely important, but it’s never been the overriding factor in my decision making.

How much money do you have on you now?

None. I rarely carry cash anyway, but whatever I had was fleeced this morning by the kids for their school sports fundraiser.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea