ME AND MY MONEY:Mary Coughlan - singer
Are you a saver or spender?
I have never been in a position where I have been able to save money. I spend all the money I earn.
Do you shop around for better value?
I do these days. I notice that food is a lot cheaper than it was three years ago. I hate the way petrol prices keep creeping up. I always look for the cheapest.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?
I bought a dress once (for Denis Desmond’s wedding). It cost £1,700. It’s the most beautiful dress . . . I wore it twice, but I still have it. I look at it from time to time.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I guess any car I have owned. I use a car every time I work. I use it getting my children from A to B. I have to have plenty of room for the grandchildren these days as well. Two baby seats! Great! I listen to music in my car. I learn songs in the car. I love my car.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?
I only went over the border to shop at Ikea in Belfast before it came to Dublin. On the way to or from a gig I love to stop at Sainsbury’s, but that’s happened only about three times in about 15 years.
Do you haggle over prices?
I have enjoyed haggling over the price of a rug in Tunisia. It’s on my living room floor now. Also, a broken chandelier in Rome that I carried home in various plastic bags.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
Yes it has, I spend less and I think before I spend money. Gone are the afternoons spent wandering around Grafton Street – I have bought clothes in the past that I never even wore!
Do you invest in shares?
No. You must be joking!
Cash or card?
I hate credit cards and was in trouble once with the bank. I have a strict limit on cards now. I mainly use it for booking flights and car hire, etc. I was very proud of myself last Christmas – I didn’t touch it.
How much money do you have on you right now?
In my purse I have about €50 and a lotto ticket!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
