‘Friends and money don’t mix. I got that advice from a friend with money’

CATHAL MURRAY presents Late Date on RTE Radio 1. Originally from Athlone, in Co Westmeath, he now lives in Dublin with his wife Siobhan.

Late Date airs from 11pm to 2am most nights, and from midnight to 2am on Saturdays. See rte.ie/ radio1/late-date for more information.

What’s the most important lesson about money which your broadcasting career has taught you?

In any job, not just broadcasting, it’s always wise to be saving for a rainy day.

What’s the best advice you ever got about money?

Friends and money don’t mix. I got that advice from a friend who has money.

What’s your favourite song about money?

You Never Give Me Your Money by The Beatles — from the Abbey Road album. I first heard it in college when I didn’t have any money. It reminds me of waiting for the cheque for the student grant.

The most expensive country you ever visited?

Switzerland is unreal. I used to visit a friend from Athlone who ran a bar over there. The barometer for me when travelling abroad is the price of a pint. My jaw dropped the first time I bought one in Switzerland. I finished the pint though.

What’s your favourite Irish coin or note?

I used to like the old pound note. As a young fella, I felt rich having the old pound in my pocket. The pound coin ruined everything.

Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

My wife Siobhan’s engagement ring. Worth every penny.

What was your worst job?

I studied accounting in University College Cork and while in college, I blagged my way into a job doing Vat returns for a restaurant. The job involved washing pots and pans when things got busy.

What was your biggest financial mistake? Buying a “Barbour” jacket online from China. Six weeks later, a sheet of plastic that wouldn’t fit a small child arrived in the post. Four-hundred bucks down the old online drain.

What was your best financial killing?

I won a grand in the RTE Credit Union draw.

Are you better off than your parents?

My parents had me, which would make them better off!

If you won the EuroMillions, what would you do with the money?

Having won the RTE Credit Union draw, I dare not dream that big. Also, I’ve never played the EuroMillions.

iTunes or Spotify?

At home, I listen mainly to Spotify through my Sonos speakers and like many, I have gravitated towards vinyl in recent years. I enjoy the ritual of putting a record on and reading the sleeve. As a child of the ’80s, I’m also waiting for the second coming of the cassette.

What was the last thing you bought online? The “Barbour” jacket mentioned earlier.

Would you buy Irish property now?

I have full planning permission for a site I own in Westmeath. I’m working on convincing my wife to move there. It’s not working.

Do you ever haggle?

I’m an embarrassment when it comes to haggling. I’m more likely to ask: “Would you like some more money for this?”

Are you a spender or a saver?

A lifelong spender who has recently dipped his toes into the world of saving. I feel very grown-up for a 43-year-old.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

My car — I’ve been driving the same gas guzzler for 10 years now and I can’t let the old money pit go. I like going out for dinner and I like going to my local, Fitzgerald’s in Sandycove.