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Emma Doran’s new comedy show, Dilemma, is on tour until May. For venue dates visit emmadorancomedy.com.
Are you a saver or a spender?
A saver! Even when I had a part-time job as a teenager in a corner shop, I’d lodge my pay in the post office next door. I’ve always been a squirrel with my money.
Do you shop around for better value?
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Sometimes. I’ll buy raspberries if they’re on special offer, and then I’ll go and buy the first car I see because I can’t be bothered to shop around. Which, of course, makes no sense. If I want to buy something, I’ll enjoy doing research but then if it’s a chore, I’ll get it done as quickly as possible.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Doing a full food shop in Marks & Spencer is about the height of it for me, but there has been some footwear over the years that I just couldn’t leave in the shop. The first such purchase was when I was 16 – a pair of knee-high suede boots with fur trim that cost €120. I wore them until one of the zips got stuck after a night out and I had to go to sleep with it on.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A Google doorbell. It gives me hours of fun spying on my neighbours and judging Mary at number 32 when she got a takeaway on a Tuesday.
[ ‘We have come to our senses, and we just buy eggs [now]’ ]
How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?
Local. At certain times during Covid, I probably went to the shop more than I needed to. When I started having full-blown chats with the 19-year-old working in Circle K, it was clear that I was trying to turn getting milk and bread into a night out. Now, I’d say 75 per cent of my purchases are online.
Do you haggle over prices?
When I bought my first car, I rocked up with cash thinking I was Del Boy but the reality is I had no idea if I was getting a deal or not. I’ll ask for a few extra chips in the chipper and I’ll haggle sometimes for how much I’m getting paid, but that’s about it. I think coming from an industry where people talk about exposure for payment, I respect that everyone needs to make a few quid.
How did the Covid-19 crisis change your spending habits?
It was definitely more unpredictable. First I was afraid I’d lose my job and tried to spend as little as possible, and next I’d buy stuff online just to have something to do. Covid helped me loosen up with some aspects of financial outlays such as family holidays and treats. Spend it and enjoy it was my attitude afterwards.
Do you invest in shares?
No, I think I might at some stage but at the same time I like to have access to my money in case something happens, although I have no idea what this imaginary thing might be.
Cash or card?
Card, but a little bit of cash in the back pocket is always nice.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A new pair of Levi’s 501. You’ll have to come back to me in two years and I’ll tell you what good value they were, but I’ve already probably worn them 12 out of 20 days.
[ ‘I don’t necessarily believe that a cheaper price equates to savings’ ]
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
A house. I was a single parent at the age of 18, so I started saving for a house and eventually bought it with my partner, Shane, during Covid. I was never going to have a big salary so I knew saving would be my only chance.
Have you ever lost money?
I feel the amount of money I’ve lost over the years has been balanced with the money I’ve found. Phones and keys are different stories.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, not really. I’m the type of person who does the Lotto once every two years because I’m convinced the universe wants it for me and I’m going to win. I’m always happy to see a scratch card for a birthday present, though.
Is money important to you?
Yes and no. I just like to know I have a bit saved for the just-in-case stuff. I’m not motivated by it in terms of work, although I do think about the future and being able to leave my children something. I have no interest at all in how much people earn, or how much this, that or the other is.
How much money do you have on you now?
A €50 note that will pain me to break.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
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