‘I do have a retirement plan, and that plan is to retire in the future. As yet, there is no money involved’

A musician who described himself as a “spender” despite claiming to be a “saver” revealed his financial habits in a recent interview with The Irish Times. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, spoke candidly about his approach to managing money, including his lack of a formal pension plan and his tentative thoughts about investing in cryptocurrency. The conversation began with the subject addressing whether he considered himself a saver or a spender. He admitted to being a saver due to advice from others to deposit small amounts regularly into a savings account. However, he quickly acknowledged that this habit often gave way to impulsive spending, describing himself as a spender overall. This duality in his financial behavior became a recurring theme throughout the interview. When asked about his first job that paid him, he recalled mowing lawns for 50 pence each time during his teenage years. At 16, he worked part-time in a shop on weekends, earning approximately £10 per day. He noted that times have significantly changed, as he now mows lawns for free, indicating a shift in both his personal circumstances and societal norms. The interview touched upon his shopping habits, revealing a preference for immediate gratification over price comparison. He stated that if he sees something he likes, he tends to buy it immediately, only later seeking better deals as a form of self-amusement. His most extravagant purchase was a vintage Fender Telecaster guitar, acquired in 2011 from a music store in Dublin. Despite its high cost, he praised its quality and historical significance. Among his purchases, the subject highlighted the value of his current Volkswagen Passat, citing its reliability and performance as a testament to German engineering. Additionally, he mentioned a tangerine-colored shirt purchased from a discount store, which he wore consistently for two years during performances. Now framed in his home, the shirt holds sentimental value, symbolizing both humor and dedication to his craft. He expressed a reluctance to engage in price negotiations, preferring to make quick decisions based on personal preference rather than haggling. When asked about investments, he admitted to having no prior interest in stocks or cryptocurrencies. However, he hinted at potential future involvement in cryptocurrency, comparing the stock market to a “fancy bookies,” which discouraged him from participating. Regarding retirement planning, the subject clarified that while he does have a retirement plan, it is not tied to financial security. Instead, it involves the idea of retiring in the future, though currently, there is no monetary aspect to it. He remained optimistic about the potential of cryptocurrency to change this dynamic. His latest purchase, a pair of trousers from a retail chain, was deemed excellent value. He speculated that these could one day be paired with his tangerine shirt, potentially increasing their perceived worth. Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned occasional losses, typically small amounts, and a brief period of financial uncertainty in his youth. As a part-time gambler, he shared a few wins, with the largest being €170 from a horse racing bet. He described himself as a casual participant, enjoying the thrill without serious intent. His best financial habit was setting up automatic payments for essential expenses, ensuring timely management of bills and insurance. Conversely, his worst habit was impulsive spending, which he acknowledged as a challenge to overcome.