Emma Doran is currently touring with her new comedy show, Dilemma, and more details regarding the tour schedule can be found on emmadorancomedy.com.
On the topic of spending, she’s always been quite careful with her money, regularly saving much of what she earns. This began even when she was a teenager working part-time at a neighbourhood store where she used to deposit her wages in the neighbouring post office.
Her approach to shopping can sometimes be contradictory. She doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of special offers for items like raspberries, but also tends to avoid extensive searching for larger purchases like cars. Emma admits that it doesn’t really make sense, but when buying something she wants, she thoroughly enjoys conducting research. If purchasing the item feels tedious, she prefers to wrap up the process swiftly.
She’s not big on lavish purchases and views a full grocery haul at Marks & Spencer as the pinnacle of extravagance. However, she couldn’t always resist the urge to treat herself to some fancy footwear over the years. Her first memorable splurge was a pair of knee-high suede boots with a fur trim costing €120 when she was just 16 years old. She sported them till one of the zips jammed after a night out, and she spent a night sleeping in them.
On the topic of worthwhile investments, she cites a Google doorbell as one of her best purchases. It’s a source of constant amusement for her to watch her neighbours, particularly when she observed Mary from number 32 getting takeaway on a Tuesday.
During the Covid-19 restrictions, she initially preferred shopping locally, even using it as an excuse to engage with individuals like the 19-year-old Circle K employee. However, she has since transitioned to making 75% of her purchases online. On the subject of haggling, Emma didn’t provide any direct response.
Purchasing my initial vehicle, I turned up cash in hand, convinced I was a shrewd negotiator, only to discover I had no clue whether I’d negotiated a good deal or not. I occasionally negotiate for a few extra fried potatoes at the local food outlet, and occasionally regarding my remuneration, but that’s just about the extent of my bartering skills. Given I come from an environment where exposure is often used as a form of payment, I understand the importance of making some cash.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic influenced your spending behaviours?
Its impact has been rather inconsistent. Initially, I was concerned about losing my job and thus tried to curb my spending as much as possible. Then, I started making online purchases just to keep myself busy. Covid eventually led me to loosen my purse strings on expenditures like family vacations and indulgences. My view thereafter was to spend the money and relish the moment.
Is investing in stocks something you do?
Not currently, though it is something I may consider in the future. However, I prefer having immediate access to my funds for contingencies, whatever they may be.
Do you prefer cash or card payment methods?
Card is my preference, but I do appreciate having a bit of spare cash as a back-up.
Can you remember the last item you purchased and was it worth its cost?
The latest addition to my wardrobe was a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans. I’ve worn them frequently already, so time will tell whether they were truly worth the expense.
[ ‘I don’t necessarily equate lower cost with savings’ ]
Did you ever manage to set aside a considerable amount of money for a major acquisition?
Yes, I did manage to save enough money to buy a home. Being a single parent since the age of 18, I started setting aside money with the aim of buying a house, which I finally accomplished with my partner, Shane, amidst the Covid pandemic. Given my income was never going to be grand, I was aware that saving was my only option.
Have you ever experienced financial loss?
Over the years, I believe the money I’ve lost has been offset by the money I’ve found. Lost phones and keys, however, are other matters.
Do you indulge in gambling and if so, have you ever won big?
Not particularly, I’m the individual who indulges in gambling only once every two years because I firmly believe that fortune is poised to favour me. I rejoice in receiving a lottery ticket as a birthday gift.
Do you value money?
I do and I don’t. While I like to have some savings for rainy days, it does not fuel my work ambitions. My priorities lie in thinking about ensuring a secure future for my kids. I exhibit no interest in the earnings of others or the price tags attached to various things.
How much cash do you carry at the moment?
A €50 note that I’m reluctant to spend.
As elucidated in the discussion with Tony Clayton-Lea.
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