The new comedy show “Dilemma” from Emma Doran is running until May. Dates for shows can be found on emmadorancomedy.com.
Is she more inclined to spend or save money?
Doran is undeniably a saver! From the time she worked a part-time job during her teenage years at a local shop, she would always save her earnings at the post office next door. She’s always been quite adept at stashing away her money.
Does she strive to get the best deals when shopping?
Occasionally. If she spots raspberries on sale, she’ll definitely grab them. Coincidentally though, she confesses to impulsively purchasing the first car she sees simply because she finds shopping tiresome. It doesn’t quite add up, she concedes. If she is genuinely interested in buying something, she enjoys engaging in research, but if the process becomes too burdensome, she tends to make a swift decision.
What has been her most over-the-top expenditure?
A total groceries haul at Marks & Spencer tops the list for Doran. However, she’s had a few instances where she’s been unable to resist buying shoes. Her first substantial outlay was a pair of knee-high suede boots with fur trimming that she bought as a sixteen-year-old for €120. She sported them until they were no longer wearable after a zip broke when she wore them for a night out.
What’s the one product she considers a real bargain?
A Google doorbell is what Doran trailed as her best value-for-money item, giving her countless hours of entertainment observing her neighbours and casting a judgemental eye on her neighbour Mary at number 32 when she ordered takeaway on a weekday.
Did Doran prefer to shop online or support local businesses during the Covid-19 restrictions?
Local businesses, without hesitation. There were times during the Covid restrictions when she found herself visiting the shop more frequently than she needed to. She started having deep conversations with the young chap at Circle K, using her grocery run for essentials like milk and bread as an opportunity for social interaction. However, now she estimates that three-quarters of her shopping is done online.
Does she negotiate over prices?
My initial venture into car ownership saw me naively brandishing cash, as though I were a character from a TV comedy, but the truth was I didn’t have a clue if I was nabbing a bargain or not. My negotiation skills today extend to requesting an extra portion of chips at the takeaway or bargaining over my wages, but not much further than that. From my experience working in an industry where exposure often stands in for pay, I understand the need everyone has to turn a profit.
When prompted about how the Covid-19 pandemic shifted my spending behaviour, it’s clear that it became much more erratic. Initially, the threat of job loss made me hold back and curb spending. However, this frugality switched to flippant online shopping just to pass the time. The pandemic certainly changed my attitude towards some big-ticket expenditures, like family holidays and luxuries, and I learned to spend more freely and take pleasure in it.
On the topic of stock investments, I currently don’t partake, although I’ve considered it for the future. I prefer to have ready access to my funds in case an unforeseen event occurs, even though I’m not certain what that could possibly be.
When it comes to transactions, I prefer using my card, but I do appreciate having a small amount of cash on me.
The last article I purchased was a pair of Levi’s 501. It’s too early to assess their value for the money, but seeing as I’ve worn them 12 out of the past 20 days, they seem to be getting a fair amount of use.
As for saving for a large acquisition, I can proudly say I put away money for a house. Having been a single parent from the age of 18, I knew I wouldn’t be earning large sums of money, making saving a necessity. I subsequently bought a house with my partner, Shane, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
When asked about losing money, I’d argue that the losses over the years have been compensated by various finds. This, however, doesn’t apply to phones and keys, which have their own tales.
In terms of gambling, it’s unclear whether I engage and if I’ve ever hit the jackpot.
I wouldn’t call myself a frequent lottery participant – it’s more of a biennial affair for me, driven by an unshakeable belief that the cosmos has destined a win for me. If presented with a lottery scratch card as a birthday gift, however, I’m always pleased.
As for the importance of money, it’s a yes and no situation for me. Having a little stash tucked away for eventualities provides peace of mind, but it certainly doesn’t drive my work ambitions. I do contemplate the prospect of having something to bequeath to my offspring, but beyond that, my interest in individuals’ income or the cost of various items is virtually non-existent.
On the topic of my personal financial status, I currently have a €50 note in my possession, which I would rather not have to split.
This text is sourced from a discussion with Tony Clayton-Lea.
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