Are you a saver or a spender?
I'd harbour illusions that I'm a strategic saver, but my practice over the last few years has been to spend everything, despite my best intentions.

Do you shop around for better value?
Yes, for sure, and more and more over the past few years. Mainly I shop around for grocery shopping but I also look at things like clothes and utilities as there are great savings to be made if you can take the time to look at the different options.

What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?
I have to admit that I spent money on property and it could be considered an extravagance. But when it goes right it's a home or an investment, and I wouldn't consider it to be an extravagance in the real sense of the word as a lot of thought goes into the purchase. But, I guess investment property has been my most extravagant purchase – and I would be too embarrassed to say how much it cost.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
In terms of providing me with a huge interest, a challenge and because it's such a big part of my life, I have to say – a radio station.

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I really enjoy the experience of shopping local. Heading out to the shops, wandering around and stocking up the fridge and presses afterwards. There's something quite satisfying about it, and you can pick up really interesting and unusual things if you shop local.

Do you haggle over prices?
I haggle heavily in business but, unfortunately, I am a bit of an idiot when it comes to personal spending. I believe in haggling and anyone who deals with me in business would know that, but for some reason my attitude in business doesn't cross over into my personal life – I really don't know why.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Yes, I am a lot more cost-conscious now and I do look out for value. It's almost subconscious, and the mind becomes trained, which can only be a good thing. It's great when you get a bargain or you know something is really good value for money, and that satisfaction becomes more heightened when times are tough.

Do you invest in shares?
In the past yes. In the dark hours in the middle of the night I plot my return to the markets to recover the positions I lost five years ago – and I will return!

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A holiday earlier this year and because I still think about it and the great time I had, I consider it to have been great value for money.

Have you ever lost money?
I've lost money on both property and shares, but I'm not sure that necessarily makes me a victim of Celtic Tiger Ireland.

Is money important to you?
I think money is important to me, but only for the freedom it brings. Having money allows you to relax a little about things such as paying the bills, but I'm not foolish enough to think it is the answer to everything.

How much money do you have on you now?
€22.75.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea