Olive Geoghegan, Television presenter/producer

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am definitely a saver and a firm believer in the rainy-day fund, and living within your means. When I do splash out, it is normally on updating my wardrobe.

Do you shop around for better value?

I love to shop around and hunt down a bargain. I very rarely decide to buy something without checking it out in a number of places to make sure I get the best deal.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

I planned a surprise trip to Las Vegas for my boyfriend a few years ago at over €800 per person. It was somewhere I always wanted to go. I told him it was his birthday AND Christmas present to get some mileage out of that spend.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

Sometimes a big purchase can be the best value in the long run. I bought an expensive winter coat a number of years ago that I still wear.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

I have never crossed the Border specifically to shop, but one of my best friends is from the North, and she often picks me up a bargain when she’s visiting home.

Do you haggle over prices?

I love to haggle, as do my whole family. My dad runs his own business, so we have all grown up with the banter of sales and are well able to negotiate a good deal. I am in my element in any type of market, especially abroad where it is part of the culture to haggle.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

I never really got swept away during the Celtic Tiger years, so really my spending habits have remained the same. If I need or want something that I can afford, I buy it. If I can’t, I don’t.

Do you invest in shares?

Investing in shares is not something that ever appealed to me, as I wouldn’t know where to start!

Cash or card?

I only ever use my credit card to book holidays, tickets or for shopping online. Once the transactions are on my card I clear them immediately as I have never liked the idea of a big bill stacking up. It makes me nervous!

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I just did a grocery shop where I picked up a few things on offer. I try to make sure a €10 or €20 note goes a long way when it’s only a small shop.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

The main things I save up for are holidays abroad, weekends away with my friends, big events coming up like a family or friend’s wedding. Life is for living, and saving to have a great time is what it’s all about.

Have you ever lost money?

I had my wallet stolen once, which was very upsetting. Thankfully it didn’t have a huge amount of cash in it.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I love a good game of Texas Hold ’Em on a night in with friends and family. In all the years I have been playing, I’ve only ever won twice. I have to work on my poker face.

Is money important to you?

I have always been very good with money, and knowing how to budget has meant I have never been without it. The most important things in life, however, cannot be bought and that is something that I always try to remember.

How much money do you have on you now?

Just under €18.

Olive Geoghegan will host on platformireland.ie, the production of Tristan Und Isolde performed by Wide Open Opera in Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, on September 30th