ME MY MONEY:Eleanor McEvoy, singer-songwriter
Are you a saver or a spender?A bit of both really. I think at heart I'm somewhat sensible, but I have a few luxuries I would find hard to do without. I have a coffee habit that could finance the new Dublin metro.
Do you shop around for better value?You really need the luxury of time to be able to do this, so ultimately you end up compromising.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?Recording albums, or employing large string sections would be a big extravagance of mine. But if you're talking about girlie stuff, I got a Girbaud jacket that looks amazing. I've worn it to death and it cost a fortune.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My violin. It's fed me when I was broke (busking on the streets of New York) and it got me support slots with bands when I couldn't get a gig. It paid my rent for years when I was struggling writing songs and trying to get a record deal.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?I've crossed the Border and I've shopped there, but it wasn't a conspiracy.
Do you haggle over prices?No, I absolutely hate this. I know some folks enjoy it, but tell me how much something costs and I'll decide if it's worth it to me or not. Bargaining? I'd rather go blonde!
Has the recession changed your spending habits?I was never a big spender, but now I seem to be in better company!
Do you invest in shares?On a small level, I have done, yes. I gained a little, lost a little, but didn't get too hurt.
Cash or card?Card, although remembering the number used to be a challenge until I came up with the idea of putting a tune to it. I was really upset once when I got a new Visa card number, because the melody to the old one was really good. I still sing it to myself sometimes when I'm sad.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?€187 on guitar strings last Friday. The guitar sounds great today – so yes, definitely value for money.
Have you ever lost money?Yes, through trusting someone I shouldn't have. It's not something that will ever happen me twice, though.
Is money important to you?Only to a certain extent. I think I value time and health more than money, but it's important to have a certain amount coming in to cover basic living costs, otherwise life can be stressful and draining.
How much money do you have on you now?In my purse right now I have €63.62, 5p and one Australian dollar.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Eleanor McEvoy’s latest album is
I’d Rather Go Blonde
