‘I’ve invested in life instead of in shares’

Are you a saver or a spender?
If I'm honest, I'm not a spender. Of course, it does happen but I'll rationalise it and justify it.

Do you shop around?
Yes, I shop around for better value. From a business perspective, the better-value options don't always come into play. It's quality that goes the distance. Privately I would, but better value still has to represent a certain level of quality.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost you?
This is a hard one to answer simply. As a much younger person, the single most extravagant purchase was my wedding dress, but I really liked it and my mind was made up. It was 1986 and it cost £400 (Irish punts).

What is your best value for money purchase?
My brand spanking new mobile phone has to be it. In the last number of years, I've had many second-hand mobile phones that were always better than the one before. For the new phone, I thought through all its possible uses and finally bought it. Was it good value? At the point of purchase maybe not, but its potential, endurance and longevity will make it so. Way back in 1999, we built a house, so long term that has to be the best ever.

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How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
During the restrictions, from my work position, home position and my late mum's health implications, there was only basic grocery shopping once a week. Very locally. I can't emphasise the term local or basic enough, but that's what it was.

Do you haggle over prices?
When I lived in Belgium, I tried as often as possible to go to the local farmers' weekly market. There I would have not haggled but negotiated. They get to know you, you become very loyal and loyalty is rewarded. In Ireland I would not haggle but seek out the best quality for money.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
Considerably. I no longer whimsically go to shopping centres, or anywhere where there are lots of people. I'm more cautious. And I think even longer than before on whether I actually need something or just want it.

Do you invest in shares?
I do not invest in shares; I don't follow it closely enough. I've invested in life instead.

Cash or card?
I rarely carry cash. Card it is.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Chez Emily Handmade Chocolates
The aforementioned mobile phone. Yes, I save, and putting a little aside either weekly or monthly makes your efforts worthwhile. The moment it's yours has a triumphant feel to it. Not a whole lot different than a mortgage, really.

Have you ever lost money?
In business, sometimes it goes wrong and yes, you'd lose out or invoices are left unpaid due to bankruptcy, and so on. Personally, I've never lost money but have had regrets about certain purchases.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I'm not a gambler.

Is money important to you?
Money, money, money! It makes the world go round and is always a good commodity to have, so yes, it's important but not as a stand-alone commodity.

How much money do you have on you now?
Right now I have zero on me, as I never or rarely carry cash. I have my cards installed on my phone, which I always have with me. So I always have access to money but I do not have any cash. It's something to worry less about.