Charlie McGettigan, a famed musician and laureate of the Eurovision Song Contest, is affiliated with the folk and roots ensemble known as Jargon. They are scheduled to perform at the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo on October 30th as part of the Sligo Live Festival.
Does he typify the habits of a frugal saver or of a lavish spender?
In times past when cash was the principal method of payment, we would accumulate small saving pots to allow us the freedom to make a spontaneous purchase, or allocate our extra change at the end of each day into a sizable glass vessel, with the intent to use it to offset utility expenses. This was a feasible strategy. These days, I funnel my savings directly into the credit union. After a handful of initial deposits, it becomes a rather effortless routine.
Does he seek out more economical options?
Absolutely! The ease with which one can assess prices and find cheaper deals is unparalleled, be it online or within brick and mortar establishments. I find it very disappointing upon realizing that an item could have been procured for half its cost, had I taken the effort to compare prices more diligently.
What is his most lavish expenditure and what was its cost?
Arguably, my most costly solo purchase has been my Martin OM42 guitar, which demanded a steep price tag of €3,000. My spouse often perceives each new guitar I obtain as an indulgence. Perhaps she is in the right. I do allocate considerable sums of funding towards guitars and other music equipment. Additionally, I spend considerably in recording studios, producing numerous albums, a choice others might deem as excessively spendthrift, given that none of them have turned a profit.
What purchase does he view as the most financially sensible?
My Martin HD28 guitar, purchased over four decades ago, has admirably withstood the test of time. It remains my first choice for concert performances. Despite enduring some wear and tear, and even a couple of snapped necks, its performance and sound have only improved.
What was his preferred method of shopping throughout the Covid-19 restrictions – online or locally?
Despite the pandemic, we have continued shopping both online and locally. However, the impediment of our mobility did affect our access to major shopping hotspots such as Liffey Valley and indeed Dublin itself.
Does he negotiate over prices?
This is not my usual approach. Rather, I do my homework by researching prices online and allotting a sum that I am willing to pay. If a vendor agrees to meet my budget constraint or go beneath it, it is a done deal!
How has the Covid-19 crisis influenced his expenditure patterns?
The Covid-19 pandemic transformed my spending behaviour; I seldom frequent pubs now. Since the epidemic, I tend to avoid crowded areas and have never truly become comfortable with them. My financial expenses have now shifted towards dining out, enjoying theatre, and various digital streaming services like Netflix, Prime, Apple+, etc., all of which I subscribe to. Being direct debits, I rarely reflect upon their cumulative cost.
Invest in stocks? Certainly not. I consider the world of stocks utterly bewildering. I did put money into a variety of stocks once, but ended up losing, so I’ve adopted a more cautious attitude since then.
Regarding my retirement plan, I am fortunate enough to have worked with the ESB for three decades, and contributing to a superannuation scheme during this time has led to a satisfactory pension yield.
In terms of recent purchases, I’d have to say my iPhone, which I use constantly and has essentially become my portable workstation, was the last. However, the drawback is my growing dependency on it – I observe it’s now much like the modern-day cigarette. I find myself reaching for my phone automatically if I notice others engrossed in their own devices in a public setting. It’s reminiscent of my old smoking habit, which I successfully quit in 1998.
On the subject of savings, I have a habit of setting aside little “nest eggs” for larger expenses, usually related to recording costs. And yes, I have definitely experienced financial losses. Case in point, every album I’ve ever recorded has cost me financially. There was also a Facebook campaign I neglected to discontinue, leading to a loss of €1,200!
As for gambling, I tried my hand at poker on the day I received my first paycheck from ESB and lost everything. That was my first and last gambling experience.
Is money important to me? Indeed, it has funded my possessions, my children’s education and even last night’s supper.
As of currently, I have €45 in my pocket.
Discussing money matters with Tony Clayton-Lea.
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