Comedian Karl Spain is touring his latest stand-up comedy show, Well, What Did You Expect?. He plays the Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co Louth, on Friday, September 1st. spiritstore.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’ve always been a spender. I have savings, but if I want something I’ll buy it. I’ve never really saved up for something.
Do you shop around for better value?
It would depend on the item. For a car, yes. Or if I’m booking a hotel, I would search for a better deal.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I think buying a car was my most extravagant purchase but I can’t remember how much I paid. I have had it for a few years and it’s been good value. I’m not a big car guy, but I’ve looked after this one a bit better, maybe because of its cost.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My car, I would think. It’s run pretty smoothly since day one. It needs to because I spend so much time in it.
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
I shopped locally. I bought some things online, but I don’t shop online that much. We do the odd click and collect if that counts.
Do you haggle over prices?
No, I’m not a haggler. In China, when I was there at the markets, you had to haggle, which I found very frustrating. You could knock 70-80 per cent off the price, but it got so annoying because no matter what you bought you felt you had to do the full dance around the price every time.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
During lockdown, I realised how much I spent on fuel – I had so few gigs I hardly filled up the tank for weeks. I’m a bit of a hoarder, so lockdown was a good time to clear things out of the house, but as the dump was closed and charity shops weren’t accepting donations, things started building up, so I started buying extra bin liners.
Do you invest in shares?
I have no shares. Occasionally, I’ll have a theory about what I would invest in, but I never have. I remember thinking of investing in Facebook in its early days. I probably would have made some money but I’m sure I would have lost it with all my other theories.
Cash or card?
I used to be a cash guy all the time, but now it’s card. To be honest, it still feels weird not having any cash on me at times.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A holiday. Myself and my partner went to Porto in Portugal. And, yes, it was great value.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Not really. I’ll buy from my savings, or I decide I can’t afford it.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes, but only small amounts. I’ve lost money at home before and found it much later.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I’ve rarely gambled. I’ve been to a casino three times with friends and I’m usually ahead. No big wins, but I’m still up.
Is money important to you?
I think to an extent. Money reminds us that when we don’t have it how important it is.
How much money do you have on you now?
I have one €50 note and that’s it. I would have spent it if coffee shops had more change.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
