Singer and actor Camille O’Sullivan performs at Forest Fest 2026, which runs from July 24th-26th at Emo Village, Co Laois.Are you a saver or a spender?I’m both – I’m like a squirrel. The euro nuts are hidden in the boot, the teapot and the bank, and then I take a whim and blow it all, usually in reaction to receiving and paying a big house bill. I usually do it for the same amount. I spend my time remembering where I squirrelled my coins.What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?At the age of 15, I started waitressing at a cafe on Paul Street, Cork, for about IR£7 a day. During that summer, when the Tall Ships came to the Cork quays, I drew the ships in ink, photocopied them on parchment paper, and sold them for IR£1 each. I made about IR£200 that day. I wish I had that mind now.Do you shop around for better value?Always. I like to shop for a bargain and often in old second-hand shops. I’m not a fan of wearing brand logos. I love it when something I wear is complimented. I proudly say, ‘It was only a fiver!’What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?Although I love a bargain, my most expensive dress ever was a Vivienne Westwood black, sequin corset dress that cost – I feel sick mentioning the price – £1,800. That said, it had a good launch, as I wore it for the London O2 Show with the Pogues and then the Royal Festival Hall gigs.What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Maybe others don’t see it as the best value, but it’s priceless to me. I paid €4,500 for my vintage 1962 Volvo Amazon car, originally owned by Mary Black. I adore it.Is there anything you regret spending money on?I made some ridiculous purchases during Covid, although it’s possible that drink may have been taken. I don’t mind the cat and dog masks and the hula hoop I bring on stage, but I bought dresses that will never see the light of day. Also, I need to keep away from Lidl’s middle aisle, as I occasionally buy power tools that are never used. Do you haggle over prices?I hate doing that. Once, when selling my house, my dad said to haggle over the fridge, the washing machine and the furniture. I did, but I felt I would pass out. Never again.Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?I don’t even know what cryptocurrency is. Is it Superman’s pocket money? I wouldn’t even know where to begin with shares.Do you have a retirement or pension plan?Eeek! No. I have neither a pension nor a retirement plan. I think I live in my own creative fantasy world. I realise I’m not good at living in reality, and I sense I’m going to regret it.What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?I’m obsessed with the original Wizard of Oz characters. Last year, we held a Halloween party to end all parties, and I bought the Oz costumes for my family. It was good fun, and I made my dad wear the lion costume. I made sure I waited for sales and reductions online, and yes, I thought it was good value.Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?Yes, over the last 20 years, I have been saving and squirrelling away. I wasn’t sure what it was for but it ended up being our lovely house and the years of doing it up. It’s still an ongoing project, but so worth it. It is the gift that keeps on taking!Have you ever lost money?Yes, lots at the start of my singing and acting career after switching from architecture. It was when I first ventured to the Edinburgh Festival, but it made me realise you have to take risks. Are you a gambler, and if so, have you ever had a big win?I feel like I’m gambling a lot with my career. You put up lots of money risking it on gigs and tours, and you’re never sure if you’ll see a return, but that’s just the way. You spend your time selling it, making sure it will be okay. You go on tour, and you follow the money. It’s a bit like chasing the sun.What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?My best is that I’m careful enough to keep an eye on things when the finances are dwindling dangerously low. I always need to make sure I have enough to pay the band, flights, accommodation and to produce shows. The worst is that sometimes I have forgotten to send in my invoices, but these days, less so.How much money do you have on you now?Around €150, which is enough to treat my parents to a nice dinner out this evening, leave a tip and have money left over for a much-loved and needed Twirl or Crunchie.In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea