Ciarán Casey is a trained mediator and conflict dynamics practitioner. His new book, Leadership in Tune, is available from buythebook.ie Are you a saver or a spender?I’ve always been more of a spender than a saver, but not in a flashy way. I don’t have expensive tastes and I hate feeling ripped off. I’m happy to spend money if it solves a problem, removes stress or gives me more time back. To me, that’s usually money well spent.What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?I started working very young. One of my first jobs was as a pony boy in Dublin Zoo, earning seven shillings a day. After that were summer and weekend jobs as a lounge boy and barman. I think working early gave me a strong sense that money was earned rather than something abstract. Do you shop around for better value?I’m a terrible shopper. I genuinely dislike the whole experience of being sold to, so I don’t browse. For me, shopping is usually a military operation: identify target, get in, get out. A kind of financial smash-and-grab. I usually shop with the emotional energy of someone trying to escape a hostage situation.What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?Probably houses over the years, though that feels too sensible an answer. Beyond that, I’d say experiences rather than objects. I’ve never been hugely materialistic. I’m more likely to spend money on travel, a good night out or making life easier than on status items.What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Books. A €15 or €20 book can genuinely change how you think for a considerable time, which is an extraordinary return.Is there anything you regret spending money on?Yes, mainly things I convinced myself would somehow turn me into a more organised or disciplined person. Expensive tools, productivity apps, exercise gadgets, all purchased with tremendous optimism and then quietly abandoned. I’ve definitely bought things in DIY shops that seemed essential at the time and then completely ridiculous an hour later.Do you haggle over prices?Never, even when I know I probably should. I’m hopeless at it. The discomfort of haggling outweighs the possible savings for me. I would pay full price halfway through a negotiation just to end the conversation. Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?Shares, yes, but not heavily and not in the last 20 years. Crypto, no, because I just don’t understand it. Every time someone explains it to me, I nod thoughtfully and then realise 10 minutes later I still haven’t a clue what’s going on. When I did buy shares, I felt a low-level anxiety in closely tracking markets, which was never enjoyable. I understand investing intellectually but, emotionally, I’m probably more conservative than people expect.Do you have a retirement or pension plan?Yes, though, like many people, I suspect I could always have been more disciplined about it earlier in life. In your twenties, retirement sounds like something that happens to other people. [ I have a full state pension and €1.25m in my private pension funds. How much will I get?Opens in new window ]What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?The last items I purchased were bedding plants, an impulse buy on a sunny Saturday. I then spent the day in the garden planting, which exercised muscles I hadn’t used since this time last year. The aches and pains afterwards completely removed any guilt about the few pints I had that evening, so overall I’d say excellent value.Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I’ve never been a particularly disciplined saver. If I want something badly enough, I tend to convince myself there’s a perfectly sensible financial justification for getting it immediately. Delayed gratification has never been a core strength.Have you ever lost money?Yes, some through the aforementioned share purchases and some through silly investments I’ve made over the years. I’m pretty philosophical about it, though. If it’s gone, I move on rather than torturing myself with regret.Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?I like the occasional sports flutter, albeit in moderation. I think it adds to the enjoyment of watching sports like racing, football, GAA and so on. That said, my gambling career has never frightened any bookmakers, and I’ve never had a big win. Besides, any win is just about that lovely smug moment when you feel you’ve outsmarted the universe.What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?My best is that I don’t tend to buy things to impress people. My worst is that I can justify spending money if it saves time or reduces hassle. This sounds sensible until you realise how often you can use that logic. Given enough time, I can turn almost any purchase into a strategic investment in wellbeing.How much money do you have on you now?After a thorough search, I just found a £10 note in my card wallet, which was a nice surprise. I’m increasingly one of those people who tap for everything and then get mildly anxious when I see a sign that says “cash only”.In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea