‘You can lose money and get it back again, but you’ll never get back time’

Linda Waters is head of business development at Trinity College’s Learnovate Centre. An applied technology research centre, Learnovate specialises in the future of work and learning. She holds a postgraduate certificate in innovation and enterprise development from TCD. learnovatecentre.org

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m a saver but that’s not to say I don’t enjoy spending from time to time. Knowing the value of money, saving, planning and setting goals is essential. Having some money for unexpected expenses gives me peace of mind.

Do you shop around for better value?

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Yes, for quality and value. My friends and family would say that if you want a good deal, bring Linda with you. Positive customer experience is very important to me and my work, so when I find a place that has it, I tend to stick with them.

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

Like most people, my home. But apart from that, it would be an original painting by Kildare artist Emma Campbell. I studied art and design and have a love for contemporary and abstract paintings and, of course, supporting local artists.

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

That’s a tricky one. I’d say our kitchen, which I sourced and brought in from Italy with help from a kitchen designer. We saved over €10,000 by doing so and people can’t believe it’s over 10 years old as it still looks new. A second purchase, also kitchen related, that I consider huge value for money is our coffee machine. There’s nothing quite like freshly-brewed barista-style coffee from your own kitchen, but I’m still shopping around for the perfect bean.

[ ‘I have always been good at making money but accruing wealth is not the goal’ ]

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

Local, and supporting Irish businesses online. We had so many local businesses that needed support during Covid-19 and it was also a great way to buy Irish and have it delivered to friends and family when we couldn’t meet in person.

Do you haggle over prices?

Yes, I love to feel that I’ve got a better deal than advertised. However, it is tough to do that when you’re shopping online.

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

I don’t feel that the pandemic changed my buying habits, really. I’m more about looking for experiences rather than material things, but that may be just an age thing.

Do you invest in shares?

Only through my pension.

Cash or card?

Card, for pure handiness, but I always keep some cash in case it’s needed.

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

A power washer and, so far, yes.

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

Yes, I’m pretty good at saving for larger projects, such as renovations in our home, which are still ongoing – I don’t think you’re ever finished when you buy an older property.

[ ‘It is rare that I would use a card or cash. I use my phone’ ]

Have you ever lost money?

No.

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

I’m not a gambler, but I would buy the odd lottery ticket when the jackpot is big. No big win yet, though.

Is money important to you?

Money is not everything, but it is important, no doubt about that, because having it gives you some freedom to do what you want. That said, time and experiences are more important to me. The reality is you can lose money and get it back again, but you’ll never be able to get back your time.

How much money do you have on you now?

Very little, about €10. As I said, I rarely carry cash, and I use my cards for everything now.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea