Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender and saver, but I always end up spending the savings. It's something that a lot of people are familiar with: you put some money away and then some "in-law" is getting married on an island off the coast of China, and "if we're not there, it will look so bad". Bye bye savings!

Do you shop around for better value?
Yes, more so if I was buying a car, not so much if it's Jaffa Cakes.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I changed the car a few weeks ago; it's a we-have-two-kids-now Audi A4 Estate. I shopped around and saved a fortune. Another garage was looking for €3,500 more for the same model.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
I picked up a Samsung HD TV for half price from a shop that was going out of business. Is that cashing in on others' misery?

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I shop local for 80 per cent of purchases. Supporting local business is one of the most important things we can do, although the internet is amazing for emergency gifts and classified deals and pictures of cats on skateboards.

Do you haggle over prices?
It's something I was completely uncomfortable with years ago. These days you can cut some really good deals. Always ask, "What's the best price you can do this for?" Ninety per cent of the time you will get money off.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
The recession has made me very astute with money. I keep a closer eye on everything, and budget from week to week.

Do you invest in shares?
I don't. It all seems a little too risky.

Cash or card?
My Laser card takes a hammering.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Yes, a Dyson Vacuum Cleaner from Harvey Norman, Cork (€160 off).

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yeah, most gadgets and laptops were put away for. I'm saving for a house now ... only 50 years to go.

Have you ever lost money?
No, thankfully. A few years ago I found €200 in the drawer of an ATM machine at a petrol station. I left my number and details, but never heard from anyone for weeks. So I spent it. It's what they would have wanted.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I only play the Lotto. I once won €2,000 on the Euromillions. I was one digit away from €250,000. That still stings a bit.

Is money important to you?
I suppose so, in the same way as oxygen is. You need it to keep going.

How much money do you have on you now?
Not a bean.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea