Anne Abberton set up Fixx Coffee in 2004, establishing it as Ireland’s first woman-owned coffee business.
Are you a saver or a spender?
A bit of both. I enjoy treating myself and others. When there’s a reason to save, I can be very disciplined. I believe in setting aside some money regularly, no matter how small the amount.
Do you shop around for better value?
Not with any great intention. I have my go-to retailers for most of my purchases, whether locally or online. Customer service and quality are high priorities when deciding where to spend my money. Value for money is about much more than just price.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A last-minute trip to New York city for a friend’s celebration. I initially declined but changed my mind a couple of days before. The flights and accommodation were expensive due to the late booking, and the trip lasted only two days. I had just started my business and should have been more frugal, especially with no income coming in. The cost was a few thousand euro, but I have no regrets – I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
The purchase of my home in Dublin.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I did a mix of both. For food and household supplies, I continued to shop local. I went online for other items such as cosmetics and for ordering treats/food collections to support restaurants that continued to operate.
Do you haggle over prices?
Not really; it’s not something I enjoy. When making a big purchase, I prefer to research and determine if there’s a chance for better terms. This could mean securing an extra year of warranty rather than getting a price discount.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
I now spend less on material items and more on experiences such as entertainment, treats, travel and other activities. This shift is partly due to Covid-19, but also a natural result of getting older. I already have most of what I need and, ultimately, we can’t take any of the stuff we accumulate with us, anyway.
Do you invest in shares?
I’ve had the opportunity to invest in company shares at previous employers and I cashed out upon leaving each time, both resulting in favourable outcomes. I also have share investments managed within my pension portfolio.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
Yes, I do. Entrepreneurs often begin their ventures with little to no security, taking significant risks. Once the business stabilises and we start to see the rewards of our hard work, it makes sense to future-proof our lifestyle as much as possible.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A ticket for a concert in the National Concert Hall in Dublin – two solid hours of live music with the most talented of artists, in a great venue. Money really well spent.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, for things like a car, a home deposit, holidays and jewellery. I’m not comfortable with debt and prefer to avoid it whenever possible. I won’t buy anything unless I have the money for it. However, once I’ve saved up I have no problem spending it.
Have you ever lost money?
No, not really, although I’ve had some close calls with cash. I’m glad we no longer need to carry cash as it significantly reduces the risk. In business? Yes, I’ve encountered bad debts when companies we supplied closed down, leaving us with unpaid invoices.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I’m not a gambler, so I don’t have any big wins to report. However, being from Galway, I have fond memories of attending the races over the years. I still enjoy placing a bet or two on the Galway Races when they come around each year.
Is money important to you?
What is important to me is the freedom and peace of mind that having money can bring. As a business owner, maintaining profitability is crucial so you can pay your team and suppliers. At work, I closely monitor cash flow and stay on top of the figures, so in that context money is important.
How much money do you have on you now?
One €20 note is in my wallet, and there is probably loose change in my car.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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