‘In the 90s, I had two radio station jobs in different counties and no car – so I had to hitch-hike from one to the other
There was never a lot of money knocking around when I was young. My parents worked hard and we had a farm, so everyone had to do their bit and you wouldn't ever get paid for that. Later I discovered if I did odd jobs for my older brother, I'd get pocket money. And so began my car cleaning and shoe-polishing days. As a teen I discovered I could get paid for singing and that was AMAZING!
Have you ever seen anyone spend money in a way that shocked you?
Not really but I've often been shocked by people's lack of spending even when they would have lots to spend. For me money is for spending, so I find it hard to understand people who'd rather go without than pay for a nice dinner.
Have you ever felt broke?
Yes. When I joined Dervish and had given up the day job, there weren't as may gigs as I'd have liked. I remember one day searching through every pocket, drawer and shelf looking for enough money to buy milk. The penny jar got raided.
What's the most expensive place you've ever been to?
For a long time 'expensive' was measured by the price of a pint, and when we went to Sweden first, it was so expensive. Nearly a tenner for a pint as opposed to under a fiver in Ireland at the time. It didn't deter us, though.
What was your biggest ever extravagance?
I bought an expensive outfit from an Irish designer for the BBC Lifetime Achievement Awards. I generally like consignment stores and thrift shops, so spending so much on an outfit felt very extravagant.
What was your best ever investment?
My house, which I bought in 2002 in a lovely neighbourhood in Sligo just before the prices skyrocketed. I would pay nearly €100,000 more for it today if it was on the market. It's a lovely house with a wonderful musical history.
Do you still carry cash?
Less and less these days. I tap a lot, which makes it so easy to overspend. Cash seems to have more value and you're more aware of it draining from your wallet, but I don't go to the ATM much anymore and rarely get paid in cash.
What was your worst ever job?
I worked as a DJ and salesperson for two radio stations back in the 1990s, one in Longford, the other in Roscommon. I had no car so I had to hitchhike between the two. More often than not, when I was due to start my programme, I'd be standing on the side of the road in the rain with my thumb out. Selling ads for the stations was also difficult as nobody could find the actual radio frequency.
What's your biggest ever financial regret?
Not starting a pension years ago. I kept putting it on the long finger. I guess the best time to start a pension was 20 years ago and the next best time is now. But I've been getting advice on what I can afford and the different options open to me. I vow to have it sorted by the end of the year.
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