Broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli is co-host of RTÉ’s Dancing With the Stars which reaches its finale on Sunday. She is also the newest ambassador of Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Ireland’s national drug and alcohol treatment service. As part of that ambassadorial role, she will participate in the VHI Dublin Mini Marathon on Sunday, June 1st, when she will run alongside Coolmine’s colleagues to support the organisation. www.coolmine.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
I would say I’m a saver. I really don’t like to shop, probably because I’m not good at it and don’t have the patience for it. Covid made it easier for me. What that year did was it made me a conscious shopper so now I have to absolutely love what I want before I buy it, especially clothes. Taking a sustainable approach with my wardrobe was the best thing I did with regards to money.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
I would like to say babysitting my sister’s kids, but I don’t think she paid me! My dad used to teach swimming at Baldoyle swimming pool and I remember taking the money for the lessons. I was far too young to do it; I think he threw me a tenner for about four hours of work.
Do you shop around for better value?
I do now. My other half is good at this but his mother does it to the point of false economy! She buys things just because it says ‘special offer’, but she doesn’t need another garden hose and a wet suit anytime soon!
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
We bought a sauna around five years ago. It’s always been a dream of ours to have one so we went for it. It cost around €10,000 and honestly it’s the best purchase ever. We use it at least once a week and love the time we get to spend in there chatting with no phones, no kids, just talking about our day. My neighbours probably think we’re mad, though. We live in a terraced housing estate very central in Dublin, so I’m pretty sure they’ve seen us trotting down to the sauna in our robes of an evening, thinking that these two have serious notions!
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Nothing is better value than a pair of Doc Marten boots! They have multiple lives and looks, and since my first pair of eight-hole Oxblood boots I bought on Mary Street when I was 14, they seem to always have a place in my wardrobe.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I got a bit drunk after having lunch with my mother one afternoon and walked into the Great Outdoors shop and bought a paddle board! We have used it a few times, but I really didn’t need to buy one.
Do you haggle over prices?
No, never. My husband does and I just run away with embarrassment. He has no shame when it comes to this and will do it anywhere, anytime with anyone. The weird thing is that it always works with him, so I suppose it’s worth asking.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
I don’t know enough about cryptocurrencies, to be honest. I’m dying to learn about stocks and shares, though. My cousin has given me numerous pointers and sent me videos, but I think I have some sort of numerical dyslexia. I can’t grasp it so I play it safe.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I’ve been self-employed my whole life so a plan was important. I wish they taught you about these things in school – we would all have been better off if there was a class in money management. It can be a minefield, but I’m lucky to have five older siblings who gave me sound advice.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought an oven cleaner, which I have no intention of using. That was not good value for money.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
At the age of 27, I bought my first property. It was a garden flat in Clifton, Bristol. I felt so grown up! I remember the evening I got the keys, I sat in the livingroom with no furniture, by myself, thinking that I have no idea what to do if something goes wrong with this place!
Have you ever lost money?
I had my bag stolen years ago. I’d just taken cash out for a holiday and went to a pub with my friend and unfortunately my bag, my passport and a load of cash were stolen.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
In 2006, I was on a cruise with my sister and I won $1,000 at a roulette table. We were on a carnival cruise, and you got a card to tap all your expenses, which means you have no real idea of what you’re spending and so the bill climbs quickly. I put money on 27 red and kept winning! My very sensible older sister made me stop gambling when she knew we could clear our bill! If she hadn’t been there, I would have lost it all.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is probably not buying into fast fashion. It slips through the net on a rare occasion, but I really try not to. I rent clothes a lot and, if I do buy, they are good quality items that will last.
My worst habit is attention to detail, like not paying attention to subscriptions and bills.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have six euro that I took from my son. He wanted two packs of Match Attax, which cost seven euro, but he only had six from his pocket money. I paid for them by card, took his pocket money, and now he owes me a euro.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
