ME AND MY MONEY:Alison Curtis, radio presenter and DJ
Are you a saver or a spender?Up until very recently I was most definitely a spender. Although I have always managed to save a little (very little) nest egg along the way.
Do you shop around for better value?Never, I am completely lazy when it comes to this. If I want or need something, I buy from the first place I can find it.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?I bought a Marc Jacobs bag as a Christmas gift to myself two years ago. I debated it for a long time, then felt better because after using it every day for six months I calculated it only cost a few euro a day.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?I bought a really comfortable but formal Reiss dress a few years ago for €100, down from nearly €300. And I have worn it non-stop since.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No, but when I fly back home to Canada it's usually with a half-empty suitcase in order to stock up on a few essentials.
Do you haggle over prices?Once I did, but it was in Shanghai and that was what was expected from us. I was really horribly bad at it.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?I am about to become a mom for the first time and that has had a great impact on my spending habits. I think twice, even three times, before buying things and tell myself "no" a lot more often now.
Do you invest in shares?I have in the past, but only after taking advice from people I really trust.
Cash or card?It is usually Laser; it makes you think you aren't actually spending real money. The Visa card has been relegated for emergencies as of the past few months.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?I bought a crib and since it is the first one I have ever bought, I don't know how it compares to other cribs. But I hope it is good value and sturdy.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I had my heart set on a pair of Jackson boots and they weren't cheap. So I made myself wait three paychecks before I got them. It was a great moment.
Have you ever lost money?Not in a long time thankfully. But I often put money in pockets and then find it months later. It's a great little surprise.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?When I go home to Canada we take an aunt of mine to a casino for fun. We set a $20-$40 limit and never go over. But once you start winning, even a little, you can easily see how you could get out of control.
Is money important to you?It is in so much as you feel safe and comfortable. Owning flashing things isn't so important, and people who flaunt it never impress me. I am however impressed by people who are generous no matter what their situation.
How much money do you have on you now?Right now it's a whopping €21 and change.
Alison Curtis presents
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weekdays 2pm-4pm on Phantom 105.2. In conversation with CLAIRE O'MAHONY
