Are you a saver or a spender? I would reluctantly say that I am a spender rather than a saver, but as I have gotten older I have become a lot more sensible and discerning on what I spend my money on. Luckily, my wife, Fiona, is a saver so she keeps me on the straight and narrow.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? The most expensive thing I have bought would be my house, but the most extravagant would be a Porsche 911. I have always been a bit of a car and motorbike nut, so when I was in a position to buy a nice car, the little boy in me – or the man suffering from a mid-life crisis, take your pick! – pushed me to do it.
However, I did spend it on something that wouldn’t date as much as other cars. Ten years on, I still have it – although I wouldn’t mind an upgrade!
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? Definitely the site where we built our house in Kilquade, Co Wicklow. We were lucky enough to have purchased it in 1998 before prices went crazy. We love it there, and I don't see us moving back to the big smoke any time soon. I drive a motorbike to our office in the city and the journey time creates a great way of separating work from my home life.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? Both. I have a tendency to compare online and then shop locally as much as I can. When I buy something, particularly if it is significant, I want to know what makes it better than other things like it. The internet is terrific in providing you with comparative information and testimonials.
Do you haggle over prices? Yes, I do. I think it is our role as buyers to negotiate whenever we can.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? It did in so far as I became more conscious in spending on things that really matter and seeking value for these. The recession coincided with having growing kids, whom please note, I do love very much (I just needed to get this in!), but they have an insatiable capacity to drain every last bit of disposable income you might have.
Cash or card? Both, but I try to use my Visa debit card as much as I can.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? A new sofa for our house. The last one had the patina of 15 years of kids, dogs, spilt coffee, food, wine, etc, and was becoming an embarrassment.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? To be honest, not really. When I want something and have made a decision to get it, I just make it happen, but it isn't generally by putting aside money on a regular basis.
Have you ever lost money? Yes, I'm afraid so, in stocks. I have also never managed to make money on cars.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? I would say that I am a calculated risk taker, but I am certainly not a gambler. Having said that, I did win £125 in a 10p poker game when I was teenager in the mid-80s. I used the money to buy my first decent camera, a second-hand one, mind you, as they were expensive then.
Is money important to you? Honestly, no it isn't, and as I have gotten older it has become even less so, although I know my friends on reading this wholeheartedly will laugh at me saying this. I think once you have a certain amount, its importance dissipates. My dad used to say that money gives you security and choice, and that's all. How much money do you have on you now? €32 and 21 cent.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
