First Fortnight, the Mental Health Arts & Culture Festival, runs January 4th-18th.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m both.
What was the first job you ever received money for, and how much you were paid?
Babysitting. I was quite surprised that people trusted me with their children and were prepared to pay me. The amounts varied but probably a fiver or a tenner back then. Later as a parent, I learned the great value of a reliable babysitter. My first job other than babysitting was as a lounge girl in a local pub, and I was very grateful for the work, the salary and tips.
Do you shop around for better value?
For big-ticket items, I would, and for a piece of furniture, electronic devices and for holidays I would also. I know I could shop around more for service providers, but I feel the time I would lose looking and comparing is not worth the savings.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Define extravagant – one person’s luxury is another person’s necessity. I would say some of my holidays or travels over the years have been extravagant. Probably a trip years ago to New Zealand was extravagant but the memories are priceless. I think it might be time to shop around for another big trip.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Any money spent on the arts is value for money. Books, CDs, theatre and festival tickets, concerts, films, gigs, paintings or prints. The joy and comfort I get from the arts is worth any money.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I work in the arts, and more people in the arts are in rental property compared with the rest of society. I am disappointed to think we won’t see any significant new housing plan in Ireland, following a return to the same government parties. Many people in the arts are priced out of home ownership and are forced to move away from places they grew up in or places where they wish to work due to high rents or lack of rental properties.
Do you haggle over prices?
I might haggle at a market, but truth be told I am not good at it.
Do you invest in shares or cryptocurrency?
I don’t. It is not a world I know anything about. I think the disaster of Eircom shares many years ago was at a formative time in my financial education. Having been told those shares were safe as houses, and observing the fallout for many first-time shareholders, I think I formed a conservative approach to money management.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I came a bit late to the pension game, but I do have one. I joke that my two children are my retirement plan, but I’m not sure they see it that way.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A Claddagh ring for my eldest, who is studying in Galway and wanted one for their birthday. We found a gorgeous vintage one from the 1970s. They love it so, for me, that is great value.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
When I graduated from college, I was paid what to me seemed a significant fee to direct a youth theatre play. I used that fee to buy a washing machine and a tumble dryer, and those purchases felt like they changed my life. I was so proud of myself and thought it was the best use of my earnings. No more treks to the launderette! While I have had significantly bigger purchases in my life since then, I still remember the sense of achievement and pride from that purchase.
Have you ever lost money?
I am not a risk taker. I would say, financially, I am risk averse.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
My sister-in-law and her husband train racehorses. I never gamble, but they had a horse running in Cheltenham shortly before my wedding. I placed a bet and the horse won. I then got a free bet, and I saw that Rachel Blackmore was a jockey in the next race so I bet again and won again. I then cashed out and haven’t bet since. My winnings went into the pot for my wedding. I was delighted.
What is your best habit when it comes to money?
I never spend money I don’t have; I cut my cloth.
How much money do you have on you now?
Like many people, I stopped carrying cash but recently I have looked at the benefits to a local economy to pay in cash, so I have started carrying it again. I have about €50 in my wallet these days.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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