‘Graduating in the recession, being financially stable and secure is very important to me’

Suzy Cody graduated with a Master of Science in 2012 but embraced the hospitality business soon after. She has been mentored in beverages by Robert Stelmachuk, wine director, Mott 22, Vancouver, and Michael Madrusan, founder/co-owner of Made in the Shade group, Melbourne. She is Irish Hendrick’s Gin brand ambassador

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m a big saver, despite my extravagant sounding job. Luckily that aligns with my role, which gives me access to a lot of restaurants and travel that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Do you shop around for better value?

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It depends on the cost of the purchase. The higher the price of the purchase, the more likely I am to shop around online and ask for advice.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

Flights and furnishing my studio during Covid when I lived in Toronto, and then selling/giving it all away when I moved back home.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

A working holiday visa for Canada, as it changed the course of my life.

How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

It depends on what I’m shopping for, but yes, I preferred shopping online during Covid, in the comfort and safety of my own home, in my own time.

Do you haggle over prices?

Never. I never grew up with that or, indeed, enjoyed haggling!

How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?

It was a scary time of uncertainty so, like most people, I was extremely cautious with my time and money, not knowing quite when it was going to end. I only purchased essential items during that period of time.

Do you invest in shares?

It’s something I want to do and also would be the best use of my savings, but it’s also something that, truthfully, I haven’t had the time or energy to attempt to learn about yet.

Cash or card?

Card, always card, particularly when travelling to different countries.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I attended a friend’s event at their restaurant and bought two cocktails. To me, investing my time and money back in the hospitality community is always worthwhile. All boats rise with the tide.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

I’m currently saving up for a deposit for a tiny bungalow of my own in Dublin – if I can afford one, eventually!

Have you ever lost money?

No, I’ve never invested and lost money, but equally I haven’t invested and gained money either.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I have never gambled and don’t intend to start!

Is money important to you?

Graduating in the recession, unable to get a job with a Master of Science, and then Covid, has taught me that being financially stable and secure is very important to me. Living in different countries has also taught me that I can happily live on very little income, which is an invaluable life lesson.

How much money do you have on you now?

Currently, I don’t have any money on me. I rarely do.

in conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea