Patricia Roberts has worked for more than 25 years in the hospitality and catering sectors, and opened the boutique hotel No 1 Pery Square in 2008. oneperysquare.com
Are you a saver or a spender?
Generally, a saver. I always think a rainy day may come. At a younger age, I recall being told by my parents that I must save for the big things in life, and I guess this has stuck with me. I feel in today’s world it’s so easy to continuously spend, so a conscious effort has to be made not to.
Do you shop around for better value?
Not if I want something, I am a little too brand-led and have my favourites. In terms of food, I think the value is in the produce. Getting good produce locally is almost a luxury and when we do, I am very happy to spend. I like to shop around for home goods and it’s great to see so many Irish brands come on board in recent years.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Probably handbags. I have a few nice ones. I once bought a Prada bag for €1,400. I tend to take the outlook that if you work hard, you should treat yourself now and again. While I do not shop often, I enjoy a well-planned shopping day in Dublin or London, and most recently, a trip to Aix-en-Provence.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I have always made good, sensible decisions on cars, probably with the help of my husband, by purchasing the right brand and model that will hold strong value. Any investment in my home I consider value as it’s my sanctuary.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
Local all the way. I did not buy too many clothes. I loved being in my gardening clothes most days – not having to get dressed for work was a great break from corporate life.
Do you haggle over prices?
Not generally, but if it’s a relatively big project and I have a price in mind, I will ask questions to understand the price and then may or may not accept it at that time. If I feel an item is overpriced, I will ask.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
I changed too much to online shopping. It’s too easy to buy online, especially through Instagram. I now try to think twice and see if I can purchase the goods locally.
Do you invest in shares?
No, probably because I don’t understand the stock market enough. Investing in new business is a special interest, and I have looked at some new small SMEs.
Cash or card?
I’m slowly moving to card but, with cash in the wallet, I believe you have a better understanding of how you are spending. It’s way too easy to tap and buy.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
New shoes. I love, love, love shoes and always consider them great value. Nice, neat shoes are my weakness, what with Irish brands like Nicki Hoyne and, also, the big brands. I dare not say any more!
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Oh, yes, over the years. In my earlier working years, it was handbags and shoes and new cars – they all needed to be saved for.
Have you ever lost money?
No, but I have binned it by accident – twice! Thankfully, I recovered it before the bin was picked up.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I never gamble. Even in Cheltenham, with a friend, I passed her the money and followed her lead. That was a once-off gamble, though, and not direct.
Is money important to you?
I think it’s comforting to know you have enough to live into the near future. The rainy day fund for contingencies was always something my parents drilled into me.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have only cards in my wallet, but tomorrow I’ll get cash for some Confirmation kids!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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