‘I’m fairly comfortable haggling, but I don’t do it for the sake of it’

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Are you a saver or a spender?

I’ve been predominantly a saver since an early age.

My general rule of thumb is to hope for the best but plan for the worst.

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Do you shop around for better value?

I do when I have the time, as finding the time to shop around as much as you’d like can be tough. If it’s a big purchase, however, I’d definitely do my research.

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

I bought a Mercedes coupé during the pandemic – with four seats, despite us having three kids. I was pretty fed up with the whole lockdown situation and wanted something fun. It did the trick but I traded it in after 12 months and got something more practical.

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

We bought a trampoline during Covid for the kids for approximately €350. I was convinced they would be sick of it after a week and it would just rust to death, but I definitely stand corrected. They continue to use it almost every day, getting tons of fresh air and exercise. Best value purchase in recent memory.

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

For obvious reasons I probably shopped more online during Covid, but usually I prefer to spend locally in a physical shop. I buy very little stuff to be honest as, for me, it’s all about experiences, like restaurants, travel and holidays.

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Do you haggle over prices?

I’m fairly comfortable haggling, but I don’t do it for the sake of it. It usually depends on the type of purchase and the person or company I am dealing with.

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

There was a definite change in spending habits during Covid, but I think, on the whole, I’ve adjusted back to pre-Covid habits. We tried out lots of different take-outs from local restaurants during it, which was nice, but we haven’t really done it lately. It’s something I’d like to get back to, as we discovered some great food.

Do you invest in shares?

If I see an opportunity, then absolutely. I tend to stick with Irish shares and have done well for the most part, but there are always a few opportunities that get away. Of course, hindsight is wonderful.

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Cash or card?

Card, but I try to keep a couple of notes on me when possible.

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

I recently – and finally – got the garden overhauled and I’m really happy with the outcome. It has made a massive improvement and was something that I put on the long finger for far too long. We had a really good landscaper, a real gentleman, and his work was definitely great value.

Relative to the health and wellbeing of the people you care about, money becomes quite irrelevant

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

Not really, as I don’t necessarily save up for specific purchases. If I have adequate money to buy something I will, but if I don’t I’ll just hold off until I do.

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

I’m not a gambler as such, as I don’t have any real interest. I love watching sports, but I never saw the attraction of betting. I’d play golf with friends and occasionally bet on the result, but the stakes are fairly low! Getting a business off the ground definitely includes an element of gambling, of course, and walking away from an established career was a big risk, but thankfully it’s paying off.

Is money important to you?

Relative to the health and wellbeing of the people you care about, money becomes quite irrelevant. In terms of providing a secure and comfortable life for my family, however, it’s incredibly important. It’s not about buying lots of things, it’s about having the resources to look after loved ones.

How much money do you have on you now?

I have zero cash, just cards. I must have left those notes at home!

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea