Fionnuala Jay is an influencer, podcaster and content creator with a focus on beauty products and make-up and how to be more eco-friendly in that space.
Are you a saver or a spender?
Despite what my fiance might think, I’m a great saver. I think it’s so important to build up some kind of financial foundation for whatever you want to do.
What was the first job you ever received money for, and how much were you paid?
I was a cleaner in my dad’s office, so, yes, that makes me a nepo baby. I worked three to four hours a week and got €50 a shift.
Do you shop around for better value?
I’d like to say I do, but I always forget to until after.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Big purchases on things kind of freak me out so I’d rather spend on experiences. I spent €3,000 on my trip to Australia last year and I regret nothing because I saw so much and ate like a queen.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My first tripod was €15 from an Army Surplus store. I still have it and built my career around it, essentially.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I regret spending money on fast fashion. Similarly, I regret not making an effort to sell more of my wardrobe and my personal belongings when I was done with them. I’ve now started selling my stuff to save for the wedding. It makes me feel like Alan Sugar.
Do you haggle over prices?
No, I’ve too much Irish shame.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
No, despite watching 8,000 TikTok video clips on why I should. I want to make sure where I invest is right, but I haven’t had the time to do any intensive research.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
The second you turn 25 and your frontal lobe develops, you also get a burning desire to start a pension. This is what happened to me. My advice for anyone is that it’s never too late to start!
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A six-pack of popcorn and three litres of milk – it was €9.30 altogether. I’ve now entered the middle stage of adulthood where I’m commenting on how expensive everything is.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
We bought our house in 2022 and that involved working two jobs for about three years. We also benefited from the pandemic because we weren’t spending as much.
Have you ever lost money?
No, but the number of debit cards I’ve lost is criminal. I should change my name to Butter Fingers Jones.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
Occasionally. I love the idea of winning a random GAA lotto somewhere down the country or winning big on a scratch card from a far-flung service station, but it’s yet to happen. Sports betting, however, is not my thing.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
I love spending money on friends and family, and that is probably both my best and worst habit because sometimes I don’t know the limit. If I can’t include that as my worst habit, then it’s maybe my inability to walk past a bakery without buying something.
How much money do you have on you now?
I think I have €6 in my coat pocket, cash leftover from a random second-hand marketplace sale of a suit jacket. Handy for buying sweet treats!
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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