Are you a saver or a spender?

When I spend I like to pay for quality products that will stand the test of time.

Do you shop around for better value?

Where time permits, yes. I find it useful to re-evaluate my spending patterns periodically and will cut out spending where it’s not really necessary.

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

I recently bought an Ultrabook from Dell that cost €800. Cheaper laptops were available, but when juggling family and work it’s very important to be as productive as possible. It helps me get my work done in the office or at the kitchen table.

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

The best purchases are of the things that endure. Investing in an education is probably the most important purchase that most people in Ireland make.

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?

I prefer to shop and source goods from my locality – local is great for fresh produce and daily purchases. But when that’s not possible, I look to other parts of Ireland and don’t differentiate between which part, north, south, east or west. I use online selectively, but when I do it tends to be from non-Irish businesses. I’d like to shop online more with Irish businesses.

Do you haggle over prices?

If I sense that there is room to negotiate, then it will happen.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

I didn’t lose the run of myself before the recession but we have had to change our spending habits. We look for durable value everywhere and ask ourselves “do we really need this?” before spending.

Do you invest in shares?

I have no direct traded share investments but my pension plan does invest in them.

Cash or card?

Card is king.

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

I did the weekly shop in Dunnes Stores yesterday and they had some great value for money on branded products.

Have you ever lost money?

I regularly lose money around the house as my little girls have started to collect any change left lying around.

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

I’m not a gambler in the traditional sense, but in business you inevitably have to take calculated risks. No big win yet!

Is money important to you?

Only as a means to an end.

How much money do you have on you now?

One €20, one £10 and two large Starbucks chocolate coins for emergencies.