Are you a saver or a spender? A bit of both. I'm a good saver, and I love the satisfaction of finally paying for something I've saved up for. However, I am human and every now and then I'll throw caution to the wind and splurge on something expensive.
Do you shop around for better value? Yes, and I quite enjoy it! I've definitely begun to shop around more over the past couple of years, as there is value to be had out there. I shop around in order to get the best deals, particularly when it comes to household utilities.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? I treated myself to a quality Swiss watch for my 40th birthday last year. I shopped around quite a bit, but it still cost more than I ever thought I would spend on a wristwatch – I love it, though!
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? I happened upon a really great bargain while shopping for a particular type of TV a few years ago. I don't think the dealer fully understood its true value so it was a steal. It just goes to show that you have to know the product you are selling; a rule that really applies in my industry.
What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local? For gadgets and things I shop online, but for clothes and food I enjoy shopping locally – and I believe it has become more social, as daft as that sounds.
Do you haggle over prices? It's expected in my industry, so yes, of course. That said, it can be a shock in Ireland sometimes when you question the price of something!
Has the recession changed your spending habits? Yes, I am less impulsive and take the time to think about a purchase decision. I think consumers are doing this as a rule of thumb now.
Do you invest in shares? Yes, I do, but not too heavily. It's more so for fun than anything else.
Cash or card? Card. Debit rather than credit.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? A gadget to create an RF outlet port for the new Sky HD box, and no, it wasn't value for money as the old box had one as standard.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, we built our family home some years ago and that required me to be the king of saving and spending. I'd love to do it again some day.
Have you ever lost money? No, fortunately not. I have always been quite careful and so I avoid taking risks when it comes to money.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? Not in the traditional sense of the word as I prefer a more measured approach to making decisions around money. However, I have taken one or two risks in life that I think have paid off.
Is money important to you? Yes, to a degree, but not the most important thing by a long way.
It certainly gives you the opportunity to experience nice things and places, but for me there are far more important things in my life.
How much money do you have on you now? €28 exactly.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
