Are you a saver or a spender?
Definitely a spender. Most of my money can sometimes be spent on ingredients. It’s also a lot harder to save money in Dublin since I moved from Cavan.
Do you shop around for better value?
No, not at all. I have no patience for it. If I want something I’ll want it straight away, so I’ll normally buy it no matter what the price.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
My car. My last one broke down in the middle of the port tunnel from all the driving I was doing, so I decided to splash out on a BMW for €17,500.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Definitely my chef’s knife. I’ve had it since the age of 15. I’m now 26 and still use it every week. It’s well-worn at this stage, but still as sharp as ever.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I prefer to shop locally for ingredients. We were always taught by our parents to buy quality ingredients. We were reared on Manor Farm chicken from Cavan, lamb from up the road in Bawnboy and potatoes from our own garden. We were taught to go to the butcher, vegetable shop and then get the rest in the supermarket. I’ve kept that same kind of routine here in Dublin. I’ll buy my fish in George’s fish shop, my fruit, veg and pantry bits in Fresh Avenue and then the rest in SuperValu.
Do you haggle over prices?
I’m not great for this. That’s where my dad comes in. Anytime I need something haggled on or negotiated, he’s the man.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
I worked in kitchens through the recession. The only thing that changed during it was we got less tips. The hours we worked were long, which meant we didn’t get much time to spend money, so I find I spend more now. The boom is back.
Do you invest in shares?
I’ve never invested in shares – I feel it’s kind of like gambling.
Cash or card?
Card. It’s very rare I’ll carry cash unless it’s a night out back at home, where most of the pubs don’t take cards.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A bag of strong flour. It was great value as I’ve made several different types of bread from it.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I have. I’m currently successfully saving for a business project for my future.
Have you ever lost money?
I’m fairly lucky and haven’t really lost money over the years. I had money stolen from me once, however.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
I’m not a gambler at all. The odd time I put money into the GAA lotto at home. I won €40 from it once.
Is money important to you?
It’s not the be all and end all. As long as you have enough to keep yourself comfortable, that’s all that matters. Happiness and health are much more important, and I suppose the more I’ve matured and grown up over the years the more I realise that.
How much money do you have on you now?
I currently have €1.40 in my wallet.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
