Mary Healy Tipperary Organic Ice Cream

Are you a saver or a spender?

Spender – however, not a raving one. I just spend on what is needed without going over the top, and the odd little treat, too, of course.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, to some extent; probably more so in business than on personal purchases. I prefer to buy good quality that will last rather than cheaper items that will wear out quickly.

I don’t really like shopping so I’m not going to do the rounds endlessly in pursuit of the absolutely cheapest deal. Generally, the higher cost the item, the more I will shop around.

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

My sitting room chandelier at €600 – an indulgence bought at the height of the boom.

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

My steamer, at €20 in Aldi – I have saved a fortune in not burning potatoes over the years.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

I once went north on an impulse trip while visiting relations living closer to the North than I live – good value, yes, but time and fuel cost money, too.

Do you haggle over prices?

In a business environment, I will always ask for a better price and it generally can be achieved. In a personal setting, I empathise too much with retailers and don’t give them any grief generally, unless I’m spending a lot.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Yes, like everyone, I suppose. I tend to ask myself ‘Do I really want or need this right now?’ before buying something that is a non-essential. I wasn’t extravagant before the recession and I’m still not.

Do you invest in shares?

I haven’t done so in 20 years, but still have some from then that I’m waiting to come into their own.

Cash or card?

Absolutely cards, although I hate getting the bank fee statement that shows how much using that card is costing me each time. Credit card is on direct debit to avoid interest and I only have to watch one statement then.

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

Aside from incessant grocery shopping for the family, I bought a shop-soiled kitchen oven for €200. Yes, good value.

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

Not really, I tend to get loans and pay them back.

It’s nice to have the luxury of buying something large outright, but for substantial purchases in life, I tend to spread the cost over the lifetime of the asset – I think it makes sense.

Have you ever lost money?

In the early years of business and during the recession, yes – but we’re still trading. Also on my lifelong shareholding of exploration shares, which I’m waiting on to turn around.

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

No, just the very odd flutter on the Grand National or Cheltenham. But I see some business projects a little like gambling – when you’ve got that gut feeling that something can work but don’t want to do lots of research to talk yourself out of it. I see “going for it” a bit like gambling your resources – you win some, you lose some.

Is money important to you?

Not really, as long as I have enough to give my family a reasonable lifestyle and not be penny pinching all the time. I’m not interested in losing all quality of life in the pursuit of wealth.

At the end of the day, you just need three meals, a roof over your head and people you love to spend time with.

How much money do you have on you now?

€28 plus change in the abyss of my handbag. That’s about €20 more than usual.

Mary Healy is owner/manager of Tipperary Organic Ice Cream and The Chocolate Garden of Ireland