Are you a saver or a spender?
I used to be very good at saving, but now I’d definitely say I’m more of a spender although I do always keep some savings aside for a rainy day.
Do you shop around for better value?
I’ll usually look around and compare prices just so I know if I’m saving or not but, depending on what I’m buying, most of the time I’ll spend a little extra if it means being loyal to a local shop. Loyalty goes far and when you build up a relationship in certain shops, you get looked after better as a customer.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I bought a mountain bike for €900 for fitness training, and that’s about as extravagant as it gets for me.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I bought my laptop for €300 over eight years ago and it’s still going strong. Or else my Garmin Forerunner – I got it for half price, but I use it every day, so I guess that was good value, too.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I prefer local so that you can hold and look at the item you’re buying. I’m very indecisive, so I’m that person who will go into a store, pick up the item and walk around with it for 20 minutes before deciding to buy it or not. Online can be handy, of course, especially for items that are harder to find in a local store.
Do you haggle over prices?
I usually don’t unless I know I can get it for cheaper. Although I’ll always chance my arm with upgrades on ferries or hotels when travelling to compete.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
I think growing up has changed my spending habits more than the recession has. Now that there are bills to pay, I’m always double checking I have enough money to get to the end of the month. My spontaneous spends are getting less frequent, although that’s not to say they don’t still happen.
Do you invest in shares?
No, I wouldn’t even know how to if I’m honest. It’s not something I’ve ever even thought about.
Cash or card?
I use my card a lot more, but I always prefer using cash. I can keep better track of what I’m spending that way.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought a Disney Animators Little Mermaid doll. I think Disney stuff in general is over-priced, but it was on sale and I had just run a personal best in a 10km run so I was treating myself. I’m a massive Disney fan, and collect The Little Mermaid range.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I can’t say I’ve ever made a relatively big purchase. I have to travel a lot to race, and this year I have a car from Flogas that’s converted to Autogas, and so that’s been a huge support. I don’t own a lot, and all my money goes on motorbike racing, so I can’t really think of anything I’d even want.
Have you ever lost money?
I lost €50 once. It was devastating. That’s a lot of money for me.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
No, I never gamble. The gains don’t outweigh the risks for me, which some people find interesting as I race motorbikes.
Is money important to you?
My dream is to become a professional motorbike racer so I purposely don’t work a massive number of hours in order to spend more time racing and training. Of course, I need money to do these things, but I’m happy just making enough to cover it all.
How much money do you have on you now?
I found €5 in a pocket earlier, as well as £25.
in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
