Are you a saver or a spender? I always try to save some money and have a back-up for emergency, but I have four fashion-conscious daughters and three gorgeous grandchildren, and I absolutely love buying them surprises.
Do you shop around for better value? Quality is number one in everything I purchase, and this determines better value for me. When it comes to my wardrobe I like to buy from brands like Jaeger, Louise Kennedy and Aideen Bodkin, each of which are known for their beautiful, high-quality designs and fabrics. I like to invest in pieces that will last and still look and feel good every time I wear them.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? An investment property bought with my husband at the height of the property boom – it's worth half its value today.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? I bought my car four years ago directly from Mercedes (UK), in December, when they were closing a bad year, so the price was fantastic, and the currency exchange rate was at a long-forgotten high of 96 cent. I could have sold it a year later and still made a profit.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I like to source the unusual online and also check prices, but as a natural buyer I like to touch and feel the quality before buying. I also love shopping in the heart of Dublin, and will pop in to Brown Thomas for a quick look before enjoying a coffee on my way to our store. The city centre is really coming back to life with so many new stores opening, such as Cos and Massimo Dutti, and particularly around South William Street there is now an abundance of new independent stores and fantastic coffee shops.
Do you haggle over prices? Yes, I would always negotiate over major items, and enjoy haggling if I think I am being overcharged. I love finding a gem at the snip of the price and then getting home and showing my daughters what the original price was and how much I saved. I get a real kick out of that.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? Yes, I am more careful in prioritising my personal purchases, like a suit, coats, shoes, bags, etc. I save for expensive items and tend to take care of my clothes so they last.
Do you invest in shares? I invested in bank shares, like half the country, and lost. However, I made a good return recently on Ryanair shares.
Cash or card? I only carry a little cash and pay mainly by card.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? Twelve oriental silk dressing gowns on holiday in Thailand – as Christmas presents. They were astonishing good value and great quality. I cannot wait to give them to the special people in my life.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? I replaced my kitchen and put in an off-white traditional kitchen with a full dresser – it is the heart of our home in Malahide.
Have you ever lost money? Only on bank shares.
Are you a gambler, and if so have you ever had a big win? No, but I am a considered risk-taker.
I consider the recent substantial investment in Jacadi that has allowed us to double the size of our store on South King St, redesign the look and feel, and extend our product range across shoes, nursery, clothing and First Holy Communion dresses to be the biggest win for my family and our wonderful customers.
Is money important to you? I always seem to have sufficient – what's important to me is my wonderful family and friends and the support and joy they bring me.
How much money do you have on you now? About €60.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
