"I'm a spender: you can't take it with you when you die!"
Jay-Jay Feeney, host of More FM drive.
Money. It's the driving factor behind many life choices, but is it the be-all and end-all?
'Me and My Money' is a weekly feature that investigates Kiwi attitudes towards money and what drives the choices they make.
Newshub spoke to More FM drive host Jay-Jay Feeney about using Fly Buys points to buy gifts and how the right people - and good health - are key ingredients for happiness.
Share an example of a goal that you achieved in 2019.
I wanted to get our drive show to number one in the ratings - and we did it!
My goal in 2020 is to maintain and grow this position and also clear my credit card so I can afford to go to Algeria to visit my boyfriend.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm a spender: you can’t take it with you when you die!
You need a new dishwasher. Are you mainly driven by quality, price or both?
Quality first, always. But price definitely comes into it too.
Give an example of a recent purchase that you consider was great value for money.
This is a difficult question because I think most things are overpriced. I don't remember the last time I got a real bargain.
In saying that, it was awesome to use my Fly Buys points online to buy Christmas presents.
Have your buying habits changed from in-store to online?
I discovered online shopping many years ago. I believe I was an early adopter - and now I might be considered an addict!
If you had spare money to invest, what would you invest in?
Property, but I'd love to invest in a good business idea if I came across one.
What was your last impulse or 'fritter' purchase and how did you feel about it afterwards?
I bought a pair of sandals on a hot day - but since I arrived home, I didn't really like them.
Do you have a household budget?
No. I'm not good at budgeting. I was never taught and now I'm well gone.
Does having more money increase happiness?
It can relieve a lot of the stress that causes unhappiness, so I guess the answer is yes.
But money alone doesn't make you happy. The right people in your life and good health make you happy.
What are your golden rules for saving money?
Buy property because it's like compulsory savings - and get a retirement savings fund.
How much cash do you have on you right now?
$100.
I don't usually have cash, but I went to dinner with a friend last night [and] the bill was $200.
She paid in cash, I paid the whole bill with Eftpos and took her cash.
