FIONN DAVENPORTTravel writer and broadcaster

Are you a saver or a spender?

A spender. I’ve only ever saved money to spend it on something.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes, especially if I’m buying something worth more than, say, €50 – my wife likes to “visit” items a few times before buying them, and that kind of caution has rubbed off on me.

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

Besides my apartment? I bought a six-year-old BMW in 2006 for €10,500 and regretted it within six months; last year I bought a 2006 Toyota Avensis for€6,000 and have been delighted with it.

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

At the risk of sounding like a romantic sap, my wife’s engagement ring. In fairness, she was the one who discovered it – I just paid for it.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

Never.

Do you haggle over prices?

Only when I’m abroad, and in a country where if you don’t haggle they think you’re some kind of slow-witted fool. So really, I haggle just so they don’t think I’m thick.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Yes, recession and marriage: recession means I have less to spend, and marriage means I spend less.

Do you invest in shares?

Never have. My parents bought a few shares about 30 years ago and have never upped their investment or cashed them in, but they love checking up on their performance in the stock report on a daily basis.

Cash or card?

Debit card, and occasionally credit card – but only if I have the funds to cover it at the end of the month.

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

I’m going to New York in early March for a wedding – flights were better value than if it were summer, or St Patrick’s week.

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

Not really.

Have you ever lost money?

I lost €100 a couple of years ago – two €50 notes fell out of my pocket when I was taking out my phone. It’s only money, and it wasn’t a huge amount, but the thought of it still annoys me.

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

I’ve never bet online. I’ve only been in a casino a handful of times, but on one of those occasions, I won $1,200 playing blackjack in Melbourne. But it took me 28 hours to win it, and I had the depressing experience of meeting the same croupier across two different shifts. Last year in Las Vegas, I lost $100 in about six minutes. It’s the kind of loss that reminds me why I don’t gamble.

Is money important to you?

I’m a freelance travel writer and broadcaster, so that’s a resounding ‘no’. Money matters insofar as it allows me certain freedoms and comforts – paying the mortgage, buying food, travelling and my myriad other indulgences – but I’ve never been one to value money simply for its own sake. Which was fine when I was in my 20s, but now that I’m getting older, I’m starting to rethink my priorities somewhat.

Best money saving tip you’ve ever heard?

Best tip was to hand my money to my wife – she says she’s saving me from myself.

How much money do you have on you now?

I have €37 in notes and coins.