Are you a saver or a spender? I would say I'm both. I tend to save up and then spend it all at once. My parents taught me how to save from a very young age for things that I really wanted, so I got used to putting my pocket money aside for weeks on end and then reward myself. That's still the case today.
Do you shop around for better value? It depends on what I'm shopping for, and if it's something I want or need. For example, if I'm shopping for flights, I check a few different airlines and pick the best price, but if I'm shopping for something I want and I value the price, I'll pay the price asked for it – if I can afford it.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? I would say my car, an Audi A4, it cost a lot. I had to take out a loan in order to afford it a few years back, but it's still going strong. I absolutely adore it, and it was something I wanted for years but financially it didn't suit me. Thankfully, that has changed and I got it in the end.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? I would say my iPhone, I use it all day, every day for so many different functions. From emailing quotations for customers, showing them images of products, to finding out exchange rates, daily news updates or even contacting my friends via social media. I couldn't imagine a world without a smart phone.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I prefer to shop local where I can, as there's so many added benefits. It's easy to exchange a product; or if it's not entirely what you are looking for, you can always ask them to order in the correct product. Also, shopping local drives local economies, so it's always good to support where possible. That said, there is endless choice as to what you can purchase online.
Do you haggle over prices? Not usually if it's a once-off, but if I'm purchasing in quantities or trying to set up a new supplier I'll haggle over the price.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? I would say it has made me relook at all my expenditure and try to get better deals/prices. I'm definitely more price-conscious.
Cash or card? Card is so much handier and even more so now that "contactless" has been implemented. There's also the added benefit of knowing exactly where your money has gone once you see your statement.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? A weekend break to Budapest – €300 for four nights in a city centre four-star hotel and return flights.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? I once managed to put €100 a week aside for a year for a trip to Australia. One of the best things I ever did.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win? No. The most I'd say I ever won was about €20 on a horse at the Galway races. I lost it again on the next horse.
Is money important to you? No. Although you need money to survive and to live in a relatively comfortable environment, it definitely isn't anywhere near the most important thing to me.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
