Dáithí Ó Sé, the representative for Benecol’s Fill Your Heart campaign, is slated to participate in the Night Run event organised by Croí on the Salthill Promenade in Galway on October 11th. Find more information on fillyourheart.ie.
Being asked whether he’s a saver or a spender, Dáithí reflects on his upbringing in a working-class family, where being a spender was essentially out of the question as their financial situation wouldn’t permit it. As a result, he the natural tendency to save money has become deeply ingrained in him. He sees himself as the type to save money for vacations and clearing off credit card balance the very day of using it.
Checking stores for the best deals happens to be his favourite pastime. Whether it’s tiles, paints or any other home decor item, he’s avidly joined up to 10 shop notification groups where he gets monthly updates on discounts. If a painting project is on the horizon, he’ll purchase discounted paint the moment he finds a good deal, even if the project is months away.
When asked about his most lavish purchase, he recalls his pair of cowboy boots bought two decades ago. Although they were expensive, costing around £250, he was very fond of them. Even though they’ve been re-soled twice, he still retains them, squirreling them away until cowboy boots re-enter the fashion scene.
The best value for money purchase he ever made? Undoubtedly, the cowboy boots, but he also fondly recalls finding a bargain deal on two wooden sash windows on DoneDeal. Although they were valued at about €4,000, he managed to get them for a lean €400. Their size was irrelevant to him as he intended to fit them into a wall under construction.
Lastly, when quizzed on if he ever negotiates on prices, he gave no definitive reply.
Bargaining could well be added to the Olympic competencies where I could match strides with athletes and aquatic sports participants. It’s an activity I relish. Be it negotiating for an automobile purchase, haggling over health insurance costs or at market stalls – I delight in the interaction, as well as this crucial understanding that the quoted price isn’t always final.
Have I delved into stocks?
Not at all. I lack the time needed to sufficiently delve into and keep abreast of the stock market trends and happenings.
A preference for cash or card transactions?
Once, I frequently extracted cash from an ATM. However, I’ve observed over the past year that my card tends to be my primary means for paying.
What is the most recent item I’ve purchased and did it deliver good return on investment?
A set of sunglasses. I regretted not buying them on a previous trip back from the United States. Fortunately, I was able to buy them on my most recent trip. They cost $100 – a purchase I’m quite pleased with.
Was there a time when I methodically saved money to afford a sizeable expense?
Yes, my first car purchase was enabled by my savings. Acquired from my mum, the car set me back £2000. Even though I had to save for eighteen months to afford it, I had the privilege of using it throughout this period.
Have I ever mislaid cash?
Not exactly. However, coins kept in my car for the tolls occasionally disappear, and my young lad is often the prime suspect.
Do I engage in gambling? And if so, have I ever clinched a major win?
Once in a while, I indulge in a lucky 63, incorporating six horses and 63 bets, among others. One rare occasion saw me pick all six victors, netting over €1,000 despite their unimpressive odds. Quite rewarding for a mere €63 bet!
Is monetary wealth significant to me?
As long as I have the means to provide necessities and maintain my health, contentment is guaranteed.
Presently, how much cash am I carrying?
€43.50.