Are you a saver or a spender?
I regard myself as more of a spender; money makes the world go around, and we need to keep it in circulation or the economy will never improve. But I am lucky in that I can make provision for a rainy day, too, with investments and savings. I value money but have never been materialistic.
Do you shop around for better value?
Quality and customer service is key for me, so I would only look for value in this context, not low price. My time has a value too, so shopping around for low-value items isn't actually a saving.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?
I suppose a BMW 520, for about €55,000, but well worth it for an exceptional vehicle. I wonder will they give me a free service for my excellent endorsement?
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My home is the biggest purchase I have made, and thankfully I got it before the mad property boom. Don't ask me what it is worth now, but I believe it was a good buy, and it certainly was in the context of the crazy house prices that came shortly afterwards!
What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I much prefer dealing with people face to face. I am a "see, touch and feel the product first" type, and I like to find out what I need to know from a good salesperson. I hate online shopping, it is too impersonal.
Do you haggle over prices?
In business, I always look for angles, particularly in recession when new customers are hard to find. I wouldn't be as likely to negotiate in my private dealings; I have that Irish reserve – I'm not sure we were made to haggle all that well.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
I think the recession has been a good thing in many ways; people are more cautious about their spending. There's a new mind-set of "take care of the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves".
Do you invest in shares?
I tend not to, but I have a pension fund, so I suppose someone is investing on my behalf. I can only hope my pension will see me through my twilight years and, hopefully, allow me to have some quality time with my wife.
Cash or card?
I have a habit of using cards mostly when making purchases, purely for convenience and record keeping; but I like having cash, too, for smaller purchases.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
My laptop, a Toshiba Protégé. It cost €1,800, but is worth every penny – an excellent piece of technology that I would highly recommend.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, my first house. I managed to put down a 45 per cent deposit, which, at the time, was unheard of. But when I am determined to achieve something, I generally deliver.
Have you ever lost money?
I'm generally not careless, and I don't gamble, or even play the lottery. I suppose you could say I take risks, being in the security business, but they are altogether more manageable risks than the money type.
Is money important to you?
Family, and spending time together, is more precious than money. Money isn't everything, but I do value it because I work so hard to make it, and it gives me a comfortable lifestyle.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
