Comedian, actor and podcaster Mario Rosenstock has a new show, Gift Grub 25, which will tour nationwide from February.
Are you a saver or a spender?
Spender. I have no option with an 11-year-old and a 17-year-old. Any money spent is not even on myself!
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
When I was five, I used to open the gate at the caravan park in Tramore in summer to allow cars through. I would only allow one car through at a time and charge them a toll of two pence. Then, I would close the gate again before dealing with the next car. I made a fortune.
Do you shop around for better value?
Not at all. Not enough patience.
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What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Well, obviously my house – and I’m not telling you how much. When I was in Italy one time, I bought a pair of silver-coloured shoes for about €500. I wore them to the ground, and thought I was really cool.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Roger Federer’s On Cloud tennis shoes have been great value. They cost about €200, but they’re brilliant, and you can also pretend you’re Federer on the court.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I made a few investments in the mid-2000s but they were useless – and they weren’t even speculative. Shane Ross once told me that a monkey does better at picking stocks than the professionals. And he was a stockbroker!
Do you haggle over prices?
I’m going to Marrakesh soon and I enjoy haggling, but only for the craic. I’m a complete flake and fall apart instantly when I’m challenged. I have been known to inadvertently haggle upward.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is tech-bro macho nonsense that comes with all sorts of toxic associations. As for shares – I think we’ve already covered that!
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
Yes, I do but I only started squirrelling a few years ago.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought a jar of cookie mix for €6 the other day and my daughter made eight large hot delicious cookies with it. Now that’s a good return!
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Again, the house.
Have you ever lost money?
Yep. Everyone lost money/value in some way after the crash, either through property or investments or even wage cuts. I was no different, but it never bothered me. Not losing your health is way more important.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I used to gamble a bit years ago. A long time ago, I won a five-figure sum playing blackjack, but I’m sure they eventually got it back – and more. I soon realised there are better ways to use your time.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is I’m generous, partly because I get hugely embarrassed by working out bills, so sometimes I jump in and pay it all. Also, I’m mortified if I owe someone as much as a fiver. My worst habit is that sometimes I keep my head in the sand and don’t look at the bank balance – I just hope it’s there!
How much money do you have on you now?
A phone!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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