Fiona Kinsella is managing director of Jumper Productions and head of production at Tile Media. She is the producer of Tráma Teaghlaigh, a three-part series which will air weekly on TG4 from May 31st as part of the broadcaster’s Wednesday Documentary Season.
Are you a saver or a spender?
Unfortunately, I’m a spender more than a saver. I am getting better though as it is becoming more important to me to have a safety net.
Do you shop around for better value?
I’m financially conscious, so I want the best value for money. When I’m looking for big-ticket items, I’ll take my time and look around for the best value.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A leather sofa and ottoman. It was about €3,000 – the most I’ve ever spent on furniture. I moved into a new house, a barn conversion on my parent’s farm in Wexford. The buildings were originally 150 years old and I wanted to have a mix of contemporary and antique furniture in the house to reflect the new and old. The sofa looks great in the livingroom, but I got a puppy at the same time and it was impossible to keep him off it. It’s now covered in scratch marks so I’m not sure how good an idea it was – the sofa, not the dog.
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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A coffee machine. Whenever I can I work from my home which is in the countryside, so it’s great to be able to get a nice coffee during the morning without having to drive somewhere to get it. Got it half-price in the sale, so it was good value too.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
Mainly local and a small bit online. I’m a business owner so I know how tough it can be and I wanted to support other small businesses. We’re lucky in Wexford to have some great locally owned shops. The main street hasn’t yet been overtaken by generic high-street stores, so I think it’s important to support local businesses to try to keep it that way.
Do you haggle over prices?
Sometimes on market stalls or if it is a big purchase I’ll ask if there is any movement in the price. I only haggle when it’s appropriate. My sister has a boutique and I know it annoys her when people try to haggle with her. It puts her in an awkward position. People wouldn’t do it in a high-street store so why do they think it’s okay to do it with the owner of a small business?
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
Not hugely, but yes. On occasion, I now buy clothes online, but mainly known brands that aren’t available in Wexford. I don’t think I ever bought anything online before Covid.
Do you invest in shares?
No.
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Cash or card?
Card, as I very seldom use cash now. A few years ago I was in Stockholm visiting a friend and she laughed at me for having cash, and now it’s pretty much the same here. It always catches me on the hop when you go to another country and they want to be paid by cash – usually a taxi driver, and you end up having to drive around looking for an ATM.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A dress online. I love it and it wasn’t a bad price.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, when I was a kid my sister and I saved up and got a pony. That’s mainly because mam encouraged us to put our Communion and birthday money into the Post Office.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes, I started my own company in 2010 and early on I was overly enthusiastic, a bit naive, and I stupidly underestimated the budget on a couple of jobs. I ended up taking a hit and got into debt but I came out the other side with the help of my amazing dad, and other people who gave me a break when they didn’t have to and to whom I’m so grateful. It was a huge learning experience and because of it I handle things a lot differently now.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I don’t gamble. I don’t even think I’d know what to do in a bookie shop.
Is money important to you?
Being debt-free, comfortable and not having to worry about money is important to me.
How much money do you have on you now?
I think I’ve had the same €50 note on me since February. I took it out to pay for a taxi at the Berlinale and ended up not having to use it because I managed to get a taxi driver who was willing to take a card payment.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
