Shane Ryan is an Irish-American swimmer, who is competing for Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics. He is supported by Chiropractix.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
I am definitely more of a saver now compared to when I was younger. Most of what I spend goes towards food and anything I need for training.
Do you shop around for better value?
Growing up, my mom taught me always to take my time, do my research and always find the best value for what you were looking for.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I bought myself a set of custom golf clubs. I'm 6ft 6in and have played golf my whole life. I'd always played with second-hand clubs that I got from my friends. It took me about two years to save up for the new clubs, but I know I will have these ones for a very long time to come.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
The team at Chiropractix help me get my body right for swimming and that helps me so much to achieve my goals. Also, food is a big part of my life because it helps me train, recover and be the best swimmer I can be. I recently bought the best air fryer. I know it might sound weird but it's a game changer. Now I use it almost every day.
How do you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I prefer to shop locally and in-store. Let's say for clothing, sizing is very difficult for me because I'm so tall, so I'd do that in-store. Sometimes it's hard to judge the quality of a laptop, so it's a lot easier to buy technology online.
Do you haggle over prices?
It really depends on the situation. If there is a garage sale or a flea market, you can always haggle over the price. But there are a lot of places where the price is what it is.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
Covid-19 has made me more cautious about what I buy. I'm making sure I get what I need from the grocery store because all the pubs and restaurants were closed, and I haven't been buying many new clothes.
Do you invest in shares?
No, I don't, but I wish to learn and invest some day.
Cash or card?
Growing up, my dad always dealt in cash, but it is so easy to use a card or pay with your phone. I prefer a card.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Last Christmas, I bought a new iPhone, which was a big deal for me because I was switching over from a Samsung phone that I had for six years. I needed something new and refreshing and getting this phone was definitely good value.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I have not actually saved up anything for a big purchase. I was on a scholarship for college and that saved me over $100,000, so I came out debt-free.
Have you ever lost money?
I never really put myself in a situation where I'm going to lose money. The only time I do is when I go home, and I play pool or darts with my dad. He only plays for money so I just think of it as going to a good cause – he raised me!
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I'm not a gambler. The only thing I gamble with is chicken when the expiry date is a day old!
Is money important to you?
Money is very important to me. Growing up, my family struggled a little bit with money. Both my parents worked very hard to give the best quality of life for myself and my siblings. So now I'm a big saver and I'm always looking for opportunities to work hard.
How much money do you have on you now?
I currently have a whopping €30 on me.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
