ME AND MY MONEY: NIAMH FARRELL,singer Are you a saver or a spender?I try my best to be a saver but by the time bills are paid and food is bought there's never anything left to save.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, I know where I’ll get certain things at cheaper prices. I won’t do all my shopping in one shop if I know I can get an item cheaper somewhere else.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?

Electric Picnic tickets last year. Think it was €210 or something. But it was totally worth it.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

Does buying fish from a fishmongers count? There’s one recently opened up near me and the fish is so fresh and so cheap, compared to buying in a supermarket where you are buying stuff that’s probably been frozen and defrosted before it hits the shop floor.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

No. I’ve had friends who have and say it’s great, with huge differences in prices especially on alcohol.

Do you haggle over prices?

Maybe, if something I am buying is damaged I will see what the best price I can get for it is.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Having a kid has changed my spending habits. I definitely watch money that’s coming and in and out a lot more carefully and try to get the best deals on items that I buy.

Do you invest in shares?

No.

Cash or card?

Cash.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I got a haircut the other day and I think it could be better value to be honest. I think haircuts and wash and blow drys are a bit overpriced for what they are and for what you are getting really.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

I saved for a holiday to Spain last year, but it wouldn’t have been a huge purchase as we just needed to book flights and have some spending money, plus everything is so much cheaper in Spain.

Have you ever lost money?

I lost €10 the other day when I was shopping. Was totally gutted. But then I found €5 in a pair of jeans yesterday so I got half of it back!

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?

We won €4 on the Lotto a few weeks ago. That was exciting.

Is money important to you?

For paying bills and eating and clothes for my kid, yes its important. But for everything else, its not important.

How much money do you have on you now?

20 quid.

Niamh Farrell is the lead singer with Ham Sandwich. In conversation with CONOR POPE