Are you a saver or a spender?
After the mortgage, school fees and the food bill for three hungry teenagers, one Great Dane and four cats are all covered, there’s not much left over to save at the end of the month. That said, we always make sure to set something aside for travel because experiences mean more to us than things. These memories feel like our best investment.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
My very first job was as a petrol pump attendant at the Glen Garage in Kilmacanogue in 1984. I earned £3 a day and the owners weren’t best pleased if I went even a penny or two over on the pump.
Do you shop around for better value?
Absolutely. A good deal always feels satisfying, and I rarely settle on the first price. I’ll usually get two or three quotes to make sure things are fair.
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
I’m a keen cyclist and love exploring the Wicklow mountains at weekends. For years, I made do with a jalopy of a bike but a few years ago, my wife surprised me with a very nice Giant road bike. It was definitely not cheap – I know because we share the same account – but it has been worth every cent.
RM Block
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
That would have to be my golf clubs. I’ve been playing since I was a teenager, and although my days of consistently shooting in the mid-70s are behind me, the clubs are still in use at least once a week. Whether I’m on the course or just practising, they’ve given me decades of enjoyment and have easily paid for themselves.
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Is there anything you regret spending money on?
Yes – an overpriced Michelin-starred meal in Madrid a few years ago. This one in particular was all style and no substance. The meal cost a small fortune, and I left the restaurant frustrated because I really dislike wasting money.
Do you haggle over prices?
Yes. I enjoy it, to be honest. When I was travelling around Morocco, haggling was part of everyday life, and one trader told me: “You barter like a Berber man.” I took that as a real compliment. It felt like I’d earned my stripes.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
No, my preference has always been for bricks and mortar. With my lack of knowledge in stocks or crypto, I’d probably be better off going to Las Vegas, as it would amount to the same thing.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I’ve been paying into a pension for many years. I don’t have any interest in retiring just yet, but I do imagine stepping back a little in the coming years.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
The last significant purchase was flights to Ethiopia for eight members of our team. We’re going in January to visit the birthplace of coffee and meet farmers we’ve worked with for many years. For me, that’s incredibly good value for money. It isn’t just a trip, but a meaningful connection to the roots of our business.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Buying my first house in Greystones in 1999 was a huge milestone. It took years of saving while on a low salary and, even then, I couldn’t have done it without my parents, who kindly paid for half. I’ll always be deeply grateful for that. It was a big purchase, but one that set me up for the future.
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Have you ever lost money?
Like many families, we bought a home in 2006 at the peak of the market. We later extended it and enjoyed seven wonderful years there, but ultimately, we took a loss when we sold.
Are you a gambler, and if so, have you ever had a big win?
I wouldn’t say I’m a serious gambler, but I do enjoy the occasional flutter. My best win was in 2000 when I put €50 on Tiger Woods to win two majors. I happened to be at the British Open when he won, and the bet paid out €450. That was a good day.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is that running a business has made me very careful with money. I’ve learned to watch the pennies, both in business and in my personal life. My worst habit? Golf balls. I spend far too much money on them, though I’m trying to improve that part of my game, so I don’t lose as many!
How much money do you have on you now?
I haven’t carried a wallet for years since contactless payments came in. Everything gets tapped now, so physical cash isn’t something I ever have on me any more.
Stephen McCabe is managing director of McCabe’s Coffee, a Wicklow-based family business that recently won three stars at the 2025 International Great Taste Awards. The company has won 11 Great Taste Awards since 2011
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
