ME AND MY MONEY:Kieran Murphy, ice-cream man
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m a spender, although I’ve never had a huge amount of money to spend. Recently, with the birth of my daughter Róisín, I decided to mend my ways and become a saver. Unfortunately, having a baby seems to mean spending more than I ever thought was possible.
Do you shop around for better value?
Definitely, and it’s amazing how much price can vary on identical items. However, value doesn’t always have to do with price, and I also shop around for items that are better quality, more unique, more natural, more ethical, more local, have less environmental impact, or any number of other criteria that I value.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever?
I spent around €7,000 on a digital SLR camera, some good lenses and a flash system a few years ago, and that felt very, very extravagant for an amateur photographer. It’s turned out to be very useful, though. I have taken photos constantly with it, for both pleasure and for the business.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Last October, I organised a trip to Venice for Róisín’s christening. My partner is Venetian, and it was wonderful to celebrate with her family and ensure that that heritage will be a part of Róisín’s life. The trip didn’t cost the earth, and it was unforgettable.
Do you haggle over prices?
Yes, unless I feel it would be insulting or when it’s someone I wish to support. As a company, we haggle with suppliers so that we can deliver better value without reducing quality.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
The recession hasn’t changed my spending habits nearly as much as having a baby. That was a financial shock, both because there is so much you have to buy and because we lost my partner’s income when she stopped working. Things are definitely much tighter now, but I feel lucky to have a job and grateful that our customers are still supporting us.
Do you invest in shares?
I have invested in the past, and I wish I had money to invest now.
Cash or card?
I use both, usually cash for the small things and credit cards for the big things.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
The last thing I bought was Gubeen cheese to make a risotto for tonight’s dinner. It’s relatively expensive, but it’s a great Irish cheese and my partner adores it. So, yes, it was good value.
Is money important to you?
I was raised to believe that money is a means and not an end. Of course it is important, but the things I really value have nothing to do with my bank balance.
How much money do you have on you now?
€56.29. Could be worse!
Kieran Murphy runs Murphy’s Ice Cream with his brother Sean. See murphysicecream.ie.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea.
