Are you a saver or a spender?
I am definitely in the saver camp. As a freelance musician, you get used to your income going up and down, and you learn to always put something by for a rainy day. That’s not to say that I don’t splurge on occasion, but only when I know I can afford to.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
Busking in my early teens was the first time I earned money. I don’t remember exactly how much I made, but it seemed a lot at the time.
Do you shop around for better value?
I’ve come to learn in life that time is one of the most precious resources that I possess, so if I have time to shop around, I do, but there are often so many other things that I want to accomplish in the day that I frequently just get what’s in front of me. For a big purchase, I make an effort to shop around, but even then, there’s a limit to how many hours I have in each day, so typically, convenience will win out.
[ Don Wycherley: ‘Eircom put me off investing in shares for life’Opens in new window ]
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
My most extravagant purchase was my purple Aga. I am far too embarrassed to tell you how much it cost, but it really did cost a fortune. I adore it, though, and don’t regret it for a second. It changes the whole vibe of the house. It’s where everyone congregates when they come here. I’m not a great cook, but it somehow makes everything turn out okay. Aga toast is one of the best things in life, and putting the Moka pot filled with my favourite coffee on the hot plate on a Sunday morning brings a joy to my life that I can’t quite adequately express.
RM Block
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My house. It was a huge stretch for me at the time, but I was very lucky to get it when I did, and I love it to bits. I have wonderful neighbours and several of my close friends live nearby. It’s a real haven, and it’s a wonderful house for playing music and writing songs. So many artists I work with love it so much, and they always opt to come here to write. I am a very lucky woman.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I’m pretty careful with my big purchases, and I feel that anything I’ve bought and no longer use has served its purpose, so I’m happy to hand it on for someone else to use. That said, there’s a rather expensive juicer collecting dust on a shelf I can’t reach in the kitchen.
Do you haggle over prices?
I hate haggling with a vengeance. If something is too expensive, I walk away. If I’m in a country where haggling is the norm, I don’t buy anything. I understand that it’s a cultural thing in many places, but I just can’t do it; it makes me uncomfortable.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency? Do people really say yes to that? I already work in a music industry that seems precarious enough without putting hard-earned savings into something I don’t understand, let alone trust.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I have a small one but, like most songwriters, I hope that some of my songs continue to earn some money as I go into old age! I also can’t see myself ever retiring.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
I recently bought a second-hand accordion. It was a bargain and worth every penny, but my daughter may disagree strongly.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I always save up for big purchases, as bank or even credit union loans scare the hell out of me. The last big purchase was my van. It gets me to my concerts with all my gear, and I love it.
Have you ever lost money?
Yes, in the crash, I lost most of my pension. I’m lucky that I was at least young enough to start again.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
I’ve never gambled in my life. Years ago, during one of the Woman’s Heart tours, Dolores Keane insisted that we stop off at a bookies to put a bet on a horse that she had a tip on, so we all did. We didn’t win. In aid of the GAA, I recently bought a ticket for a raffle for a house, so I’ll let you know how I get on.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is that I don’t buy stuff impulsively. If there’s something I really need, I ask around and do my research before I buy. My worst habit is that I can’t shake the guilt I feel when I buy something frivolous for myself.
How much money do you have on you now?
In my purse, I currently have two guitar plectrums, a Leap card, the back of an earring, and €38.65.
Eleanor McEvoy’s new single, Good to be Here, is available on streaming platforms. Her nationwide tour starts on October 10th. eleanormcevoy.com
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
