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Karen De Brún, is business development manager with Dublin-based JT Tech Europe, which provides IT security solutions for business connectivity.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I take a blended approach to spending and saving. A good business mind knows both are necessary. I’m not into fashion, hair or nails and I don’t drink – but I do eat out, perhaps a little too often. That’s probably my vice. Aside from the regular savings, if I’m putting extra money away, it’s generally to invest.
Do you shop around for better value?
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Absolutely. I learned very early on in my first business in the world of cosmetic manufacturing about line item costings, but I’d never scrimp on quality for the sake of price. Value to me doesn’t mean always finding the lowest price; for me top quality products and service are completely invaluable.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I don’t purchase extravagant items as I much rather spend on adventures in the sun. If extravagant travel counts, then the last big trip was to St Lucia for my hubby’s birthday. You can’t put a price on memorable trips.
[ Me & My Money: ‘My biggest extravagance is my children. It’s never-ending’ ]
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A personal purchase, a pair of £320 Naked Wolfe platform trainers. In business, the best value for money is definitely a fully loaded MacBook Pro M2 for performance, speed and battery life. I think that any purchases are investments in your business, whether it be in your ability to increase productivity, reduce your overheads long term or even just to improve upon your skill set, are always the best value purchases.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local? I shopped locally all the time during the pandemic. I used to get out on the bike and cycle Dublin Bay, stopping off for groceries and coffee along my route. I rarely shop online.
Do you haggle over prices?
I always try to negotiate in accordance with product value where appropriate. In business transactions, there’s usually some wriggle room or a deal to be done if the terms are right for both parties. When it comes to personal shopping, I’ll often be found asking for the best price – if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Recently, in a jewellers, I got €250 off a ring because I told them they’d risk losing the sale if they let me walk out the door.
How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?
The big change the pandemic made to my spending was reducing the amount of dining out, which I would regularly do as I’m often travelling with work. I purchased a Ninja cooker and, while I don’t like spending time in the kitchen, it has made cooking easy and offers less risk of giving my hubby and daughter food poisoning.
[ Me & My Money: ‘I bought my first pharmacy, Meaghers, at the tender age of 28′ ]
Do you invest in shares? No, I’ve never been one for the stock market, it just never interested me. I prefer to invest in tangible assets.
Cash or card? Card – I don’t even have a wallet, and I think everybody’s gone the same way.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? A BMW X5. It was excellent value as I purchased my previous vehicle before the pandemic, and with the recent vehicle shortage I got a brilliant trade-in. It’s perfect for what I need – comfortable, spacious, safe, and I really enjoy the better view of the road you get from the extra height.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes. I save for most of my big purchases. I don’t use finance for cars, and I don’t have a personal credit card. I can’t stand the thought of overpaying for something I could have afforded with just a little pre-planning. When you need it, financing is a great option, I just prefer to avoid it if I can.
Have you ever lost money?
Down the back of the couch! No, to be honest, and, touch wood, I’ve never lost any that I know of. Although maybe my daughter’s education if she doesn’t get 500 points next year.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win? No, I never gamble. Never have, never will. Never saw the thrill in it.
Is money important to you?
It is, of course, but as a sort of means to an end. It’s necessary to obtain a certain amount of it if you want to provide a particular quality of life for you and your family, but it certainly doesn’t rule my heart. I enjoy making it but I am in no way obsessed.
How much money do you have on you now? No cash, just my card. Why? How much do you need?
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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