Are you a saver or a spender?A bit of both. I try to save every month, but between running my business, raising two teenagers, and the general cost of living, it doesn’t always stay in the bank for long. I’ve never been a big spender for its own sake, but I’ve always made a point of saving for family holidays.What was the first job you ever received money for?Every summer as teenagers, my brothers and I worked for our dad, who had a manufacturing company in Co Clare. This included everything from sweeping floors to packing boxes, and whatever was needed. I tried to quit on more than one occasion, and my mum sent me straight back every time. Looking back, it was the best education I could have got in resilience and the value of earning your own money.Do you shop around for better value?Always. I try to shop local where I can, but I’m very conscious of value. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that prices keep rising, but quality doesn’t always follow. I have no problem spending money when I’m getting quality in return, but I work too hard to waste it.What has been your most extravagant purchase ever, and how much did it cost?Apart from my house and car, it was a designer handbag I bought for €2,000 when I left my banking career. It marked a new chapter and was my way of backing myself as I stepped into the unknown. I still have it, I still love it, and I’ve absolutely got my money’s worth.What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Probably a designer dress I bought for a wedding years ago. I remember wanting to wear a Victoria Beckham dress and struggling to find anywhere in Ireland where I could rent one. That experience planted the seed for what eventually became my business.Is there anything you regret spending money on?Yes. When I started my business, I over-invested in packaging because I expected the service to be far more online-focused than it turned out to be. It taught me not to over-commit in one direction before you understand how customers want to engage with a business.Do you haggle over prices?I’m not going to ask my local Tesco for a discount, but for any significant purchase, I’ll always ask.Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?I come from a banking background, so I understand the theory well enough. But theory doesn’t always protect you in practice. I invested in bank shares years ago, and that didn’t end well. Since then, most of my investment has gone back into businesses I can directly influence. At least when it goes wrong, I know exactly why.Do you have a retirement or pension plan?My property has been my main long-term investment, and I’ve always seen the businesses themselves as part of my future security. Like many self-employed people, I’m paying more attention to retirement planning now than I did in my 20s and 30s, and it’s something I’m actively working on.What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?A Max Mara coat, bought on sale. I rarely buy anything at full price, and I take my time before committing. It’s a timeless piece I’ll wear for years, so excellent value.Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?The biggest thing I’ve ever saved for is security, and having enough behind me to take risks without it being reckless. When I left my career in banking, I had savings behind me that gave me the runway to back myself. That buffer made all the difference. Have you ever lost money?Anyone who runs a business has lost money at some stage. I’ve made investments that didn’t work out and taken risks that haven’t paid off, but I’ve always viewed those experiences as lessons rather than losses.Are you a gambler, and if so, have you ever had a big win?Not really. I grew up in a horse racing family, but I was never the one studying form or spending weekends in bookmakers. I might put a few euros each way on one of my dad’s or brothers’ horses when they’re running, more out of loyalty than anything else. I’m always happier cheering from the sidelines than gambling myself.What is your best and worst habits when it comes to money? My best habit is that I always try to put something aside each month, even if it’s only a small amount. I’m also a big believer in having a holiday fund. I find it much easier to save when there’s a trip or an experience at the end of it. My worst habit is probably convincing myself that a glass of champagne is a perfectly reasonable way to celebrate almost anything.How much money do you have on you now?Probably less than €10. Any cash I bring home has a habit of mysteriously migrating into the pockets of my teenage son before he heads off to meet his friends. I’m convinced he can sense a €20 note from three rooms away.Designer Room’s exclusive rental capsule collection, SÓ by Rhoda, is available via designerroom.ie Prices start from €200