JINX LENNON, singer-songwriter
Are you a saver or a spender? I have always tried to save a few quid. I'm not that extravagant in my purchases; I think it's ridiculous trying to show off something you can't really afford just to impress others.
Do you shop around for better value?Sometimes I do. It's quite difficult to buy decent clothes locally so it's much easier to hit the North which is 10 minutes from where I live.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?The most extravagant thing I ever owned was a lovely BMW, which I swapped for a Renault Clio a few years ago. The guy I got it off was a bit eager to push it off his hands, so I wasn't surprised when the engine went on fire when I was driving down the N7 a year later.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?My guitar, a second-hand Taylor semi-acoustic that a fellow named Gene Berrills – a local drums legend – introduced me to about 10 years ago.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?Have I what! From where I live it's quicker to get to Newry on the bypass than to drive through Dundalk town centre on a good day. Newry is good value and I often hear local businesses complain about the competition from the North, but they are probably the ones most likely to have a truck full of supplies with a Down, Armagh or Antrim registration pulling up outside their premises for unloading.
Do you haggle over prices?I never learned the art of it, and it is an art, isn't it? Sure, I have often tried to get a few leads and batteries added on to a purchase of a musical instrument, but that's about it.
Do you invest in shares?Never. It's a rich man's game, and in my opinion if you are not rich and are foolish enough to put your life's savings into such schemes you might as well be lining up for the Texas Hold 'Em "farewell to mortgage" brigade.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I just bought a Roland 555 Sampler last week, I don't know if it's good value yet, but it looks the part.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I have been saving for a home for the past few years so that's where my head is at now. Still, it might end up being a €29.99 gazebo from Bargaintown – who knows which way the wheel will turn?
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I never had a yen for gambling other than the slot machines in Mosney as a kid. I saw too many casualties in the betting game. At the same time I would never put down anyone for having a flutter, as I can see the excitement of the bookies/bar. And it's a great way to spend a Saturday if you want to get away from the missus for an hour or two.
Is money important to you?I wish there was no such thing as money, but like a lot of people I make do when times are tight. I certainly hate to be around people who are obsessed by money. I'm grateful that I am able to get by and pay what I need to pay for the time being, anyhow.
How much money do you have on you now?I'm heading to Germany so I have a few ton in yo-yos with Bundesbank — x serial numbers in case Spain or Italy go bust while I'm away.
Jinx Lennon will be appearing at the Galway Theatre Festival with his new production Man v Energy Vampire — behold this s-s-self indulgence gene. jinxlennon.com
