Are you a saver or a spender?
I would say I am a spender. At one stage I spent it all on myself but now all the extra cash is directed towards a little three-year-old and her needs.
Do you shop around for better value?
Occasionally, but I could be much better at this. The big outlay for families is food and I have gotten a lot better at making wiser choices on this front. I'm becoming a big fan of Lidl flyers.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
My husband would say just open her closet. I bought a Marc Jacobs bag about six years ago and it was €420. I got a thrill doing that.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I recently got a Nicole Farhi coat at Kildare Village that was originally €675 and I bought it for €170. I was rather happy about that and still feel smug knowing it was at such a reduced price.
What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
In recent years I have done a bit more online shopping but I still prefer local. I am very keen to seek out Irish-made products and support that where I can. I love the Irish Design Shop for gift ideas.
Do you haggle over prices?
Never, I'm Canadian – we get embarrassed by everything. Years ago I was at an infamous market in Shanghai known as the place to go to haggle and I think I was the only person ever to pay the original price for something.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Most definitely, I would be more cautious now than I was before. I would never impulse buy on big ticket items, but now even for things that aren't too dear I would think a bit longer on whether to buy them or not.
Do you invest in shares?
I have in the past. It made me feel very adult.
Cash or card?
Card. I would hardly ever have more than €20 in my wallet. I think that is down to laziness more than anything else, though.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I treated myself to my first ever Mother's Day gift: a Dyson vacuum cleaner. You will never go back.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes. I went to South Africa in 2009 and managed to save for that ahead of time, instead of just dipping into savings. But I think that was the last time.
Have you ever lost money?
I don't think so. That said, I would loan money out but then forget that I had lent it. Lucky for those recipients. Or else I'd find money in my purse or jean pockets, which is always a nice surprise.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
Not at all. My twin sister is freakishly lucky, but I am not. I've gambled before, but I always seem to get through my €40 limit pretty quickly.
Is money important to you?
It's important to me in order to feel comfortable. Like anyone, I enjoy knowing I can treat myself from time to time, and that everyone in my family is being looked after.
How much money do you have on you now?
€3.45 – it's enough to buy you a coffee.
Alison Curtis presents Saturday Breakfast on Today FM 8-11am. @alisonejcurtis
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
