MY MONEY

TRISHA Lewis is a chef from Co Limerick. Earlier this summer, she published Trisha’s Transformation: Beat the Bulge and Still Indulge, which tells the story of how she lost 8st. The book includes 60 recipes which Trisha says have kept her fuelled and nourished on her weight-loss journey — without compromising on flavour. It became the best-selling Irish non-fiction book within a week of its launch.

For more information, visit gillbooks.ie or Trisha’s Ins tag ram page on@ trish as. transformation. What’s the most important lesson about money your career as a chef has taught you?

Money doesn’t matter. If you love your job, it won’t make a difference what you’re paid. However, it can be a difficult enough job so if you don’t have the passion for it, it won’t be worth the money — no matter what you’re paid. Has the coronavirus crisis taught you anything about money?

That I waste a lot of it. I was laid off during the crisis but I was thankfully able to pay bills due to the [State] Covid payment. I didn’t waste money on random trips to the shops during the pandemic. This made me aware of how much money I had been spending mindlessly before. What’s your favourite Irish coin?

The old 50p coin — I thought it was really cool. The most expensive country you ever visited?

Toronto in Canada. We stayed in the city centre — it was expensive. What’s the best advice you have ever had about money?

Those who don’t respect a penny will never deserve a pound. I got that advice from my mother. Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

Probably my car, a Renault Captur. I bought it this year. What was your worst job?

I don’t have a worst job. Any job I’ve ever worked in I’ve adored as it was always linked to food. What was your biggest financial mistake?

Taking out too many random student loans. I applied for loans when I really didn’t need them — and then I had to pay them back. I found them costly and long to pay back. If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?

I’d spoil everyone around me that I love — and I’d continue as normal as I enjoy my life. Have you ever made an insurance claim? No. Touch wood. iTunes or Spotify?

Spotify What was the last thing you bought online? A bottle of perfume. Would you buy property now?

I’m not in a position to buy property at the moment as I’m single. However, if I was to buy, I’d buy in Ireland — I’ve no interest in buying abroad.

What’s the most expensive meal you ever bought?

My niece was working in Berlin. We visited her and we dined in the hotel she worked in. Four oysters cost €64. A bottle of water cost €15. It was great fun though, and probably one of the most lovely experiences we have ever had. We were looking out on the Brandenburg Gate while having the meal. The memory of that is not forgotten. Do you ever haggle?

I’m terrible at haggling. I’d rather just pay than have the nuisance of haggling. I don’t have the willpower for it — though sometimes I’ll haggle for a handbag when on holiday. What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

The answer to this would have been very different pre-Covid. Today it’s my Aldi shop, hair dye — and a good pair of runners. Are you a spender or a saver?

A spender — with the hope of changing that.

‘Those who don’t respect a penny will never deserve a pound’