Children’s book author and illustrator Fiona Breheny is one of the artists participating in the Incognito 2026 Secret Art sale, in which the artist’s name remains hidden until after a purchase has been made. The sale takes place on Wednesday, May 20th, in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. www.incognito.ie
Are you a saver or a spender?
I aim for a balance. I like to have a bit tucked away for a rainy day, but I also get very excited to buy things for myself and other people. I love my coffees out and little treats here and there, but I wouldn’t be one to make big purchases.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
My first job was in a children’s play centre during my summer holidays from college, and I was paid minimum wage. It was a good starting point. I worked hard, and it made me really value the money that I earned. From my earnings, I saved up for a trip to New York to visit my relatives. It felt great to have some financial independence.
Do you shop around for better value?
In general, yes. This is especially true when it comes to grocery shopping. I will try to find offers and use vouchers, because the cost of living is so high at the moment.
What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost?
I think the most extravagant thing I ever spent my savings on was a two-week trip to Australia. We went to visit relatives in Sydney, and we spent the whole two weeks living in the lap of luxury. We ate at top restaurants, took a seaplane out to go snorkelling, took a helicopter ride to a private beach, and made some beautiful purchases of clothes and jewellery. I can’t remember the exact cost of the trip, but it was in the thousands.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Definitely my iPad. I bought it during lockdown when I had a newborn baby, so I could still draw and paint, but without having any of the cleaning up to do from using oils and acrylics. Since then, I have used that iPad to create numerous illustrations, portrait commissions and even my first picture book.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
I don’t think I regret anything. I get very excited about new projects and new hobbies, and yes, there are bits and pieces around the house that I have bought and have only used for a short time, but they have brought me a lot of joy for a time. Now that our two daughters are slightly older, they are making use of some of the copious amounts of paper, paints, pencils, collage materials and so on.
Do you haggle over prices?
Unfortunately, I did not inherit that skill. If I need any help with haggling, my dad is the one to call upon. He’s great at that.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
No. I don’t know anything about those areas.
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
Yes. I am a primary schoolteacher as well, so I have a pension plan as part of my job. It is definitely very reassuring to know that it‘s there for the future.
What was the last thing you bought, and was it good value for money?
I recently bought some raised beds and compost to start growing my own vegetables in the back garden. Fingers crossed they grow! They were good value from B&Q. I love the idea of going out to the garden to pick a few vegetables for dinner. I did this all the time with my granny growing up, so there is huge nostalgia there.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, our wedding and our house. We were lucky enough to get planning permission in our local area and built our home just before Covid. Most of our purchases now are for our two daughters.
Have you ever lost money?
Never.
Are you a gambler, and if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, I’m not a gambler. It wouldn’t be my thing at all. That said, I love the arcade games and coin games in Salthill. They bring back a lot of wonderful childhood memories, so I would spend some money on those whenever we are there.
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
My best habit is sectioning out my wages into pockets for all my known expenses; for example, food shopping, petrol, and so on. My worst habit is thinking I must have something right now and ordering it immediately online. Since having children, I am much better at pausing and asking myself, “Do I really need this?” Usually, I can do without it.
How much money do you have on you now?
I don’t carry cash at all. It is a strange thing to never see your own money, apart from on the screen of a phone.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
