ME AND MY MONEY: JULIAN BENSON,producer talks money
Are you a saver or a spender?Neither, I'm more of a giver. I believe in helping those you can and sharing the wealth.
Do you shop around for better value? I always believe there's a deal to be done with every purchase. Particularly in these times we need to be price sensitive and go find that deal.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost? Well, let's just say that I bought a shiatsu massage chair from Harrods in London and it cost a pretty penny or two. It gave great back relief but very little relief on the pocket.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?A pair of Prada jeans from Brown Thomas – they have lasted an age. Sometimes quality over quantity is the way to go. They cost a little more, but I would have gone through at least three other pairs at this stage. There is a lot to be said about the cut and quality of a garment.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop? I have crossed many borders to shop. Up North there is great variety and super deals.
Do you haggle over prices?Absolutely. There's nothing like a good barter at the right and appropriate time, of course.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Now it's a case of 'do I really need this?' Think before you buy is my new motto. If you can live without it, you don't need it.
Do you invest in shares?I invest in people – they tend to be more reliable these days.
Cash or card?Both but everything in moderation.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?The last thing I bought was a music programme from the US for Eannan Patterson, the composer of Celtic Rising – The Show. It saved me a lot of money. I like to buy Irish where I can, but sometimes it doesn't pay.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I remember saving up for my first car when I was a teenager, and I was so excited when I eventually managed to buy it. I always that say nothing is impossible if you really want it. You have got to just go for it.
Have you ever lost money?I suppose ya win some, ya lose some. That's life in general, but thank God the only money I lost was my lollipop money down the back of the sofa.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?No, but I do love the glamour of a casino. I do remember once winning a teddy bear in a prize draw when I was 12 – that was a big win for me.
Is money important to you?On a basic survival level, of course money is important, but it is not my God. I am rich because I have my health and my family around me — they are what matters most to me.
How much money do you have on you now?Wouldn't you like to know!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea.
Julian Benson is the producer of Celtic Rising in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin.
