‘Value for money is delivered by more than price’

Are you a saver or a spender? With five kids, I'd have to say that I'm more of a spender than a saver.

Do you shop around for better value? As I am an accountant, you won't be surprised to learn that I shop around for better value on larger purchases for both personal and business-related spending.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? In 1995, I bought a rugby ball signed by the All Blacks at a charity auction. It cost me £200, which became very expensive for a rugby ball when South Africa beat them in the World Cup final shortly afterwards. The charity benefited, though, which is what really matters.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? I don't put much value in accumulating or hoarding objects. When I consider the benefits of my own experience of sports-related activity and look at the cost/benefit of my kids' sports club memberships – they really are unbeatable.

How do you prefer to shop – online or local? My personal preference is to shop at local one-off shops, as I like to support local businesses. Across Ireland there are hundreds of examples of well-run, high-quality local businesses, which provide excellent service, unique products and add to the local community. That means I can get something different while supporting local entrepreneurs.

Do you haggle over prices? In business, yes, and only where it is essential. I believe that value for money, particularly with regard to professional services, is delivered by more than price. In shopping I'm not a patch on my wife, who loves haggling, especially in markets when on holidays.

Has the recession changed your spending habits? Yes, I think everyone has had to rein in their spending, but that's not all bad.

Do you invest in shares? Quite rarely, as I don't have the time to be as well informed as I would like to be. I think equities are better left to the experts who can guide you.

Cash or card? I use both. It really depends on the purchase and the country.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? I recently spent a weekend in Bordeaux with my wife and parents. It was a fantastic experience and worth every cent.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, for the deposit for my first house, and then a few years later the SSIA was a big help in moving house.

Have you ever lost money? Of course. When you invest and are prepared to take some risk then you have to accept that you won't always win.

Are you a gambler and if so, have you ever had a big win? I am a small but enthusiastic punter. Paddy Power won't get rich or go broke on my stakes.

Is money important to you? In business, yes. When working as an accountant, you cannot escape the fact that money matters.

How much money do you have on you now? I currently have €76.60 in my pocket. As I travel a lot across the BDO office network, I keep small denominations of foreign currencies to hand. I currently have £20, 60 Turkish lira, 200 South African rand and 50 Qatari riyals.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea