Your Money

'Buy Irish, recycle the money in Ireland. Best thing we could all do'

ME MY MONEY: Joe Barrett, restaurateur

Mon Sept 27 2010 - 01:00

ME MY MONEY:Joe Barrett, restaurateur

Are you a saver or a spender?I'm a saver. I don't believe the best things in life are expensive. I like to treat myself every now and again, as most people do.

Do you shop around for better value?Yes, I always like to look for the best overall value. There are good deals to be had if you are prepared to look hard. Value and quality would be the two main things I look at before purchasing.

What has been your most extravagant purchase?My home. It may have cost too much. I think a lot of people are in the same situation.

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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?A second hand 2009 Smart Car. It's a very reliable vehicle and great for driving around the city centre.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?No. Shop local and support your community, as my mother taught me. I like to see an Irish business doing well especially now during the current economic climate.

Do you haggle over prices?Yes – it's part of the fun of the deal. I guess now more than ever bargains can be found.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?Buy Irish, recycle the money in Ireland. Best thing we could all do.

Do you invest in shares?No, not any more.

Cash or card?Card, easier to track what I am spending on. I can never keep track of my cash spending.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?Bang Restaurant. As for whether it was good value for money, well, time will tell. The restaurant offers good value and excellent quality, two things that customers appreciate.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?Yes, for my first house. It took some time but when I got there it was a huge achievement, something of which I am still to this day very proud.

Have you ever lost money?Yes but I have learned my lesson. I trust my gut instincts and if alarm bells are going off I know this is usually not a good sign.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?No. I do not enjoy gambling. It's not my thing, as I prefer to know the outcome of money that I spend or invest. The high risk involved with gambling is not for me.

Is money important to you?It's not at the top of my list. Family and happiness come first. Money obviously does help, and I am an ambitious person, but nothing is as important to me as family.

How much money do you have on you now?€18.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea