ME MY MONEY:Colette Twomey, Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year 2011
Are you a saver or a spender?Both. I'm well able to save and not afraid to spend when the need arises. I grew up at a time when one saved hard before making a purchase and that has stood to me. It's a training that many of our young people missed out on and are now finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Do you shop around for better value?I like to buy quality, which is often more expensive. During the Celtic Tiger, it was very difficult to find quality at an affordable price, but thankfully that has all changed now.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?My car. I use it in the course of my work every day. I see it as my moving office. I value the comfort and reliability, and the fact that I can travel long journeys and still be alert for business meetings. It cost a lot of money, and I know it depreciated a lot as I drove it out of the garage forecourt.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Again, my car, which satisfies my motoring needs! If something is being used all the time, I consider it good value for money.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No, I'm a firm believer in shopping locally. We have excellent supermarkets, lovely boutiques and shoe shops in Clonakilty and it's where I do most of my shopping. Having said that, I do shop while on holidays. I enjoy shopping and on holidays I have the extra time to enjoy the experience.
Do you haggle over prices?Sometimes, more especially if I am bulk buying. I realise some shops work on tight profit margins. If the opportunity presents, I like a good deal.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Yes. We all realise now that we can't see what tomorrow will bring or how secure our present income is, so all have to be more price conscious and get value for each euro.
Do you invest in shares?Very little. I didn't buy into the option of making a fast big return on money invested. A few years ago there were some "fool proof" deals but, as I didn't know enough about them at the time, I declined the offer to invest. With hindsight, it was the best decision.
Cash or card?Both. Cash for day-to-day spending and credit card for bigger purchases.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?My first car. At the time I was a student on a trainee salary. I got paid on Friday, and how I spent or saved for the weekend determined the lifestyle for the coming week. Great training for later life!
Have you ever lost money?Unfortunately yes, but thankfully not a lot.
Is money important to you?Yes, it's like air – you've got to have some. It is important to be contented with life, but money won't buy contentment. Nor will it buy health or happiness.
How much money do you have on you now?Approximately €200. I have the "spend now, pay later" credit card if I need to spend more.
Colette Twomey is managing director of Clonakilty Black Pudding. In conversation with TONY CLAYTON-LEA
