‘The last thing I bought was a slow cooker, and I’m obsessed with it. It’s an amazing item. Come to think of it, I think I’ll buy another one!’

Sandy Kelly embarks on a tour of Ireland on February 1st (Moore Community Hall, Athlone). Visit www.sandykellymusic.com for tour dates and venues.

Are you a saver or a spender?

For the most part, I’ve always been more of a spender than a saver but as I’ve grown older I’ve been more careful with my money. I save a little because as a woman of 70 years of age, I may not have a lot of years left, career-wise, to make money and save it.

What was the first job you ever received money for, and how much were you paid?

My first paying job was when we lived in south Wales. At 14, I would sing in the Welsh Workman’s Clubs four nights a week at £10 per night. Unfortunately, the money didn’t land in my pocket as my parents needed it to support our family. If I was lucky, I’d get a Welsh pastie and a Coca-Cola, which were quite the treat for me. I’d sing for hours for a Welsh pastie!

Do you shop around for better value?

I like to shop around for value, but if I see something I really love, can afford it and know I’ll use it, then I’ll buy it. I don’t shop online – thankfully, I haven’t mastered how to do it. Anyway, I like the experience of shopping locally and chatting with people I know.

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

I wouldn’t say that I’m usually extravagant, but around 20 years ago I was in New York on a work trip. I was in one of those consignment shops that stock preloved designer items, and I spotted a Chanel belt with the beautiful Chanel chain and medal. It was at such a bargain price that I had to buy it.

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

The best purchase I’ve ever made is the house I now live in, in Strandhill, Co Sligo. I bought it 13 years ago, and since that time, the value of the house has increased by two-thirds. I’m also only a 3½-minute walk from my local pub, so I’m delighted with myself.

Is there anything you regret spending money on?

In general, I don’t have many regrets as anything bad that happened in my life I’ve learned something from. If I had to think of one, then it’s this: last year, I bought a membership to a local hotel’s leisure club to try to get fitter. On my first visit, I sat in the hot tub and was joined by four nice gentlemen the same age as myself. They wanted to know all about Johnny Cash and what he was really like. The conversation went on for quite a while, and I was too embarrassed to get out in my swimsuit, so by the time I did, I looked like a prune. This wasn’t exactly the look I was going for when I joined, and I never went back.

Do you haggle over prices?

Usually, I don’t haggle as I find it too embarrassing. I tend to gravitate towards special offers and sale items. I love getting discounts that way.

Do you invest in shares or cryptocurrency?

I’ve never invested in shares, I would find it too complicated and frustrating. I invested a little in cryptocurrency, but that wasn’t a particularly fruitful exercise for me, so it was a one-off experience.

Do you have a retirement or pension plan?

Because I’ve always been in show business and never had a regular type of job, I don’t have a pension or retirement plan. I can’t see myself retiring anytime soon, all being well, and I don’t need very much to keep me going. However, I would advise any young person out there in the music business to ensure they start paying into a pension as soon as possible. I wish someone had advised me years ago.

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

The last thing I bought was a slow cooker, and I’m obsessed with it. It’s an amazing item. Come to think of it, I think I’ll buy another one!

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

When I got my job with the Fairways Showband at the age of 19, I started saving to buy my first new car, a Ford Granada. I can’t remember how much it cost, but it felt like a huge amount of money back then. I was making 25 punts (€31.75) a week so I finally bought the car by the time I was 21, but I had to borrow money from my dad to put the petrol in it to bring it home!

Have you ever lost money?

I’ve lost money on a few occasions, but the one that I still find hard to talk about was a court case in America in 1993 with my then-manager. I lost $100,000 (€95,000), which was tough on my family.

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

I’m not a gambler and actually find it boring. However, on one occasion, a few years back, I was with friends in a pub, and they were placing bets on horses in the Grand National. I randomly picked a horse because I liked the name, and for a very small investment, I won €400!

What is your best and worst habits when it comes to money?

The only good habit I have always had that has helped me save on clothes shopping is I enjoy buying preloved outfits and shoes. I look for bargains and visit retail outlets when I’m touring. A lot of my stage wear that people like and comment on are mostly preloved items and it’s been so much fun finding them. My worst habit is spending it on other people when I really don’t need to and they don’t expect it.

How much money do you have on you now?

At the moment, I have a €50 note in my purse because I’ve been caught out a few times not having a little cash.

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