John Finucane was principal clarinet with RTÉ's National Symphony Orchestra, and has an active career as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor in Ireland and abroad. He is artistic director of Music in Monkstown 2023, running from Friday until Sunday. www.musicinmonkstown.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
Being a musician, saving was never much of an option. In our 20s we took out a big mortgage, so my life has mostly been spent paying for the house and the car, the usual story. As I retired recently from the National Symphony Orchestra, I can now be either a spender or a saver. I’ll wait and see!
Do you shop around for better value?
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I’m a bit of an impulse buyer, so if I see something I really want like a nice shirt, not only will I not shop around but I’ll buy two or three from the same shop! They see me coming, which, now I think of it, might make me a spender.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
When I was in Trinity College during the last century, I started getting work with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. I saved up several weeks’ pay and went to buy some hi-fi equipment in a shop at the top of O’Connell Street. I can’t remember how much it was but it was very expensive, and it also took many bus trips on the number 8 to get it all home. The speakers were so big they had to be brought home one at a time. It’s all still here in my front room – the speakers and amp sound better than any of the new ones I’ve tried.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
It has to be my clarinets. Every eight years or so, I go to the factory outside Paris and spend a day trying instruments and talking to the makers. It is quite expensive, but necessary to continue to perform to a high standard. I hear the value every time I play.
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How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I hadn’t really bought anything much online before Covid, other than music books and the like. I am quite careful and wary of being scammed so if I can get it in person, in Ireland, I will.
Do you haggle over prices?
I was too shy to do this for years but I’m getting better each time. In a Tunisian souk, I once haggled a bagpipe down from €100 to €10, although it was still probably only worth €5!
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
I think everyone became more health-conscious during the pandemic. We have become more aware of what we eat and drink; we buy more organic food and tend to use our local shops to help them survive.
Do you invest in shares?
I don’t like gambling at all so no lottery tickets for me, and I see the risk in buying shares or cryptocurrency. I earned my money as a musician throughout my life and am happy with what I have. No risks.
Cash or card?
Pre-Covid I was 100 per cent cash. Post-Covid, I’m 90 per cent card. I’m not sure which way is best.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
I don’t think I am extravagant, so I think most things I buy are good value for money. The last big purchase was a piece of furniture, a little expensive, but good quality – so it will last. That makes it good value.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Not really. I would have first checked my bank balance and, if there was enough there, I would buy; if not, I might just wait. By waiting, the desire to buy can dissipate – saving you money in the process.
Have you ever lost money?
I was scammed many years ago when some roofers didn’t come back to finish the job I’d already paid them for. I was far more innocent in those days. Not any more, I hope.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
My mother loved the Aintree Grand National, as she was born near the racecourse. As a kid, we were all encouraged to put sixpence on a horse, and my father went to the betting office to do the business. There was never a single win in our family of six people for over 10 years or so, and my mother couldn’t even watch the race on telly in case a horse had to be put down. So I don’t bet on anything any more, not even the weather.
Is money important to you?
I am very happy with what I have. As a musician, I feel lucky to have some teaching and some performing at this stage of my life. That is enough income for me. Money is necessary, but I don’t want more than I have and need.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have €12.75 and my bank card. I had more before the summer holidays, and a few of those coins have been in my pocket for weeks.
in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
