Are you a saver or a spender? I used to be a saver before I started my own business. Now, any money I make gets reinvested into the business to help it grow. But I suppose that's a form of deferred gratification, saving for the future.
Do you shop around for better value? I'd like to think I do, and it definitely depends on how much I am spending on something, but, in reality, with two kids, two businesses and seven staff, I rarely have time to shop around, let alone look for better value.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? Having a mother who was an artist, I always had a love of art and creativity growing up. When I got my first proper monthly pay cheque, I spent it on a sculpture in a Temple Bar gallery by an artist I thought had great potential. Everyone, except my Mum, thought I was crazy. What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? That's a hard one, but I suppose it's my iPhone. I couldn't run my business without being able to access my emails and apps on the go. It's an expensive monthly bill, but worth every penny.
How do your prefer to shop – online or local? I am always conscious of buying Irish when I have a choice. Apart from booking flights and hotels, I am not a big online shopper.
Do you haggle over prices? No, not when it comes to personal purchases. But yes, when it comes to my business, as I need to get the best value for money. But that's "price negotiation", as I like to call it.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? Without a doubt. Now there is always a nagging little voice in my head asking, "Do you really need this?"
Do you invest in shares? No, not currently, but after college, I worked as a graduate trainee in financial markets, and I used to buy a few shares and even trade a few warrants, because they let you buy into the volatility of the share, without actually buying the share, so it was cheaper. For me, it was a zero sum game in the end, so I didn't make a fortune, and I didn't lose my shirt. Cash or card? Card, but never for purchases under €10 that's just nonsense.
What was the last thing you bought and was it value for money? I recently bought a pair of navy shoes, to go with a dress I bought last year. It seemed like a good "value for money" idea, but now, after one wear, I realise the shoes aren't very comfortable, and I can't bring them back. I'll never wear them again, and I'm still not sure about the dress. Where was the nagging little voice in my head when I needed it?
Did you successfully save up for a relatively big purchase? I did the five-year SSIA scheme and, when it matured, I was able to buy a much better car. I was so pleased with myself, as I had never saved for such a long period before. I never saved as much since, and I probably never will again, now that I have to pay everyone else before I pay myself.
Have you ever lost money? Yes, I lost money during the recession, when I opened and subsequently closed a shop in Dundrum. But I managed to trade my retail business back into profitability, and pay off what was owed. I learnt a huge amount from the hardship of it, and I am more resilient as a result.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? I'm a committed entrepreneur, so isn't that enough of a gamble?
Is money important to you? Money is important to me because it's a means to an end. Once you have children, the peace of mind that financial security provides is important to a stable family life. Also, I am a very independent type of person and, as a woman, even though I have a supportive generous husband, it has always been important to me to earn my own money, so that my choices are never limited.
How much money do you have on you now? Normally I'd have anything up to €40 in cash and change, but today I am off to Germany for business, so I have €200 to cover taxis and lunches for a couple of days.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
