Are you a saver or a spender? I'm definitely a spender by nature but, as a saver, I have become much better in the last few years. I think since I became a mother my priorities have changed! At one time, my old mantra was always 'You only live once – buy the shoes'. That's not something I can really say these days.
Do you shop around for better value? It depends on the item. If it's a luxury buy like a piece of jewellery or a new television then absolutely. If it's the groceries, I usually shop in the most convenient place. And if that happens to be better value – great!
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? I bought a little two-seater sports car when I first moved to Los Angeles. It was totally impractical and impulsive – it cost around $15,000 – but I don't regret it to this day.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? Without a doubt, it would have to be my Mac laptop. I use it for work all the time. I got it in the US five years ago and it's still going strong.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I like to browse online to get an idea of what the stores have in stock, but I honestly prefer to see the item up close, particularly if it's an item of clothing, before making a purchase. I'm very tactile so I like to touch the fabric and try the garment on for size. Online is a great tool, but you really can't beat trying something in the flesh.
Do you haggle over prices? For a bigger purchase, yes, I try! It doesn't come naturally to me, but I have gotten so much better at asking if that's the best price they can do. It's all about having the guts to give it a go.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? I think it has made me take stock and save more, I'm not as frivolous as before – as a mum with a little girl, I now have a massive amount of responsibility, so I am certainly more conscious of what I am spending.
Do you invest in shares? I have in the past, but I don't really know that much about the stock market. I would have more of an interest in investing in the property market.
Cash or card? Cash! I use my card for things like flights, which I can't use cash for, but I much prefer cash. I would never leave the house without some on me.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? A flight with Aer Lingus to London. On average, I travel over every few weeks for styling jobs and I have gotten so much better at booking at least two weeks in advance. I got a great deal.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, for the deposit on our first apartment – such a satisfying feeling. It always feels great when you manage to reach that goal that you have set yourself.
Have you ever lost money? Yes – on that two-seater sports car!
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? By nature I'm not a gambler, although I absolutely adore the blackjack tables in Vegas. If I lose, it's still fun and if I win it's a bonus. I like to quit when I'm ahead.
Is money important to you? It's down the list, below my family and my health. I have a passion for what I do, and that's what drives me to be successful, not the amount that's in the bank account or under the mattress.
How much money do you have on you now? Let me take a look in my purse – right now I have €80 cash and my card. Just in case.
www.claredevereux.ie
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
