Comedian and director Laura O’Mahony directs Footnote, at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, on June 14th, 16th and 17th as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I am a spender. A wild spender. I don’t necessarily spend on myself, but I do spend on my children. In fact, I recently queued outside a Brown Thomas store to purchase a shamrock Jellycat for my kids. Did they need it? No, but it did fill them with joy, and I am into joy.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
Working in a bookshop in Cork. I think I got paid quite well but I was emergency taxed, and I remembered being scandalised because it felt like my money had simply disappeared.
Do you shop around for better value?
I don’t. I know I should, but I’m not that type of person. I am a fan of immediacy and getting things solved quickly, so shopping around feels like a major hassle. It makes no sense, I know, but at nearly 40 years of age I understand the way my mind works.
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
I bought an absolutely beautiful bike for my birthday. I think it was €700. It has a stunning basket at the front. I had images of myself popping into town to buy bread for my basket, but sadly this dream is yet to be realised, and my cycling leaves a lot to be desired.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
We bought a rice cooker recently and, quite honestly, it’s a game changer. We now have rice coming out of our ears morning, noon and night. With three hungry mouths to feed, it’s a lifesaver and a timesaver.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I don’t really ever regret anything. I mean, I have a leaky Stanley cup that I absolutely did not need, but it did bring me joy, and it at least attempted to keep me hydrated for a small while.
Do you haggle over prices?
I don’t have the guts to do that. I get all flustered, so I am such an easy target. I would nearly pay too much not to be mortified. I once paid €70 for a massive quiche because I was too embarrassed to say I just wanted one slice. We were eating quiche for weeks.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
I don’t, mainly due to lack of knowledge and a bit of trepidation. It’s not really my area of expertise, and I suppose I have heard horror stories about things going wrong. Ultimately, I like to know what my money is up to at all times.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
No. As a theatre director and comedian, it is hard to ever see myself retiring. Plans such as these are, of course, something I need to resolve and seek advice on but I’m not brilliant at taking advice even when it’s for my own good.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
I bought a holiday to London for my family for my 40th birthday and it was great value. We are staying in a lovely apartment close to everything. Those kinds of memories are priceless.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I saved up for our wedding. Aside from our house, it was probably the biggest purchase but there was real pleasure in saving for something so beautiful.
Have you ever lost money?
I haven’t, but my son lost €20 in a toy shop the other day. His little heart was so sad. I should have used it as a learning experience about the importance of money but, instead, I pretended I found it. The world will teach him the tough lessons; I am a soft touch, and I don’t feel the need to yet.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I am not a gambler. I will take risks in life but not with money. I threw a fiver on Sweden to win the Eurovision this year, and look where that got me.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is not overspending on myself. My worst habit is wildly overspending on everyone else and forgetting that saving is a very important life skill.
How much money do you have on you now?
I could probably scrape together about a tenner for you from coins at the end of my bag.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
