‘We were just coming out of the recession and there were bargains to be found in property’

Are you a saver or a spender?

Both. When I need to, I am happy to get my wallet out and make a purchase, but I most certainly put a proportion of my salary each month into my savings. It is something I have always tried to do, and it is good to know there is something there for a rainy day.

Do you shop around for better value?

I always shop around. I suppose it is the accountant in me, but I always like to be sure I’m making the correct choice. Even if I’m buying an item of clothing, I will make certain to look at a few different outlets, so I know I am getting the best value.

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

I would have to say it is my house. As a 27-year-old first-time buyer, I bought it back in 2012 – we were just coming out of the recession and there were bargains to be found in property. Since moving into it, I have been able to carry out some work, which I am confident will add value.

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

Sorry to repeat myself, but it would have to be my house. I am confident it is now worth double the amount I purchased it for. This will prove to be a fantastic return on my investment should I decide to move on.

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How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

I have to say I did shop a lot online, but most of that was down to boredom when we were in lockdown. I do like to support small and independent businesses and will always shop local when I have the opportunity.

Do you haggle over prices?

When it comes to big-ticket items like a car then, yes, I will always haggle. If I don’t get a price reduction, I will try to get some extras thrown in like free servicing or free road tax. Also, when it comes to business contracts, I think it is a good approach to always try to get the best value possible.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?

I definitely found that I spent more during lockdown as I found myself shopping online a lot more. Since restrictions have been lifted, however, I have enjoyed going out to restaurants and booking some city breaks as I have a greater appreciation of being able to travel again.

Do you invest in shares?

Yes. I don’t have a large portfolio, but I certainly do like to invest where I see an opportunity. All in all, I have been somewhat successful, but sometimes it comes down to luck.

Cash or card?

Always card. I rarely have money on me and even for things like paying for car parking at the supermarket, I always get caught out having no change. I’m more than happy to find a parking app and use that instead.

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

It was a city break to London and you can definitely see flights and hotels are at a premium post-lockdown. Was it good value for money? Probably not, but it was still great to be able to enjoy travelling again and I got a lot of satisfaction from the trip.

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

I always try to minimise my debt, so if I’m buying a car or making home improvements, most of the money for those purchases will have come from savings instead of loans.

Have you ever lost money?

I keep a very close eye on my accounts and my investments. If I have ever lost any money from things like investments, it has thankfully been only a small amount.

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

I regularly do the EuroMillions if that counts as gambling. I even managed to win with it, but unfortunately I won only £10. Other than that, I’m not a gambler.

Is money important to you?

Money is important to everyone, I believe. It affords you a certain lifestyle and allows you to live your life how you want to. Having said that, money should never be the be-all-and-end-all of your life, there are many more important things.

How much money do you have on you now?

Not a penny!

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea