‘Anyone who says money isn’t important to them is telling a porky pie!’

Rebecca Storm is an acclaimed musical theatre performer and stars in the Irish musical Letters from the Front in the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin, from Tuesday, November 21st until Friday, November 24th. www.gr8events.ie/letters

Are you a saver or a spender?

It’s always important to me to have something in reserve but, like most people, I like to hit the shops every now and then. I guess I’d have to say that I’m a saver and a spender.

Do you shop around for better value?

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I absolutely shop around for better value and I love a bargain. Having said that, I’d never queue up overnight for a Black Friday sale to save €3 on a toaster.

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

I used to drive a Volkswagen Scirocco sports car. It didn’t have power steering and gradually I developed a frozen shoulder from trying to manoeuvre the steering wheel. One day I was so fed up I walked into a Saab dealership and bought a Saab turbo convertible 900 series with power steering and heated leather seats. I paid £20,000 and it changed my life. I could park the car with one finger!

[ ‘The whole hospitality sector has gone absolutely crazy’ ]

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

We shopped locally. I haven’t really got into online shopping that much. I like to see and hold before I buy, and I like to support local private businesses.

Do you haggle over prices?

I get embarrassed about haggling. The fabulous markets abroad are wonderful to wander around in, but trying to get a fair price too often becomes very stressful to me. I’ve been talked into buying rugs in Egypt and a coffee table in China, but by the time they finally arrived at my house via so-called free shipping, the customs and VAT charged practically doubled the price I paid for them.

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

I probably don’t frequent nightclubs as much as I used to, but that could be age and not Covid. I certainly spend more on vitamins and healthy foods now.

Do you invest in shares?

No. I’ve never played the market, so to speak. I’m sure it must be fun watching the price of your shares go up in value, but not much fun when they go down. My nerves are exercised plenty just walking on a stage.

Cash or card?

Generally it would be card these days. I hardly ever carry cash but if I do have some in my purse it doesn’t seem to be there for long.

I’ve made it on roundabouts and lost some on swings. Particularly with houses and flats

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

I have the most amazing stylist in Frank Owens and he sources beautiful stage costumes for me. They look great, feel great and are great value – what more could I ask?

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

When I was 19 I played for six months in a wonderful venue in Jersey. I lived 400 yards away and saved 90 per cent of my salary. I used it to pay for driving lessons, my driving test and a car. I have never had such a feeling of achievement.

[ ‘Banks get enough of our money; I don’t use my card unless I have to’ ]

Have you ever lost money?

Yes. I’ve made it on roundabouts and lost some on swings. Particularly with houses and flats. I’ve had a few dodgy cars as well!

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

My husband and I used to bet every year on the Grand National because both our parents and grandparents did and we wanted to keep up the tradition. We never won anything! Then one year I watched in horror as two horses died jumping those insanely high fences. I’ve never watched it since.

Is money important to you?

Anyone who says money isn’t important to them is telling a porky pie! It’s important to me to maintain dignity in the way I earn it.

How much money do you have on you now?

In my purse right now is an Anadin, a safety pin, a bus pass and a €2 coin.