‘I’ve always made the most from my broke times, they were always filled with fun’

I was born in Dublin. When I was three my parents separated, and then when I was five my mother, brother and I moved to Spiddal in Connemara. I saw first-hand the financial burden of separation.

Moving from our home, selling it and spending a number of years moving from rental to rental. My mother always instilled in us that money does not equate to happiness, so I’ve never been driven by money. After college, I moved to London and worked as an intern for MTV.

We got basic pay, but it was a struggle to make ends meet. Still, I found a way to live a relatively nice life. The last time I felt financially worried was during lockdown.

Pre-lockdown I was working full-time six or seven days a week. I had mortgage approval and was trying to buy an apartment. When lockdown hit, work was cut back to three days a week and my mortgage approval was swiftly pulled from under me.

But I’ve always made the most from my ‘broke’ times. They were always filled with fun because I never let money control my mood. I reckon my friends and family are all wise in terms of spending and saving.

On social media, you see people with extravagant cars and multiple holidays a year. But is that all just a false reality? Sydney, Australia. I was in Oz last November and found it very expensive for eating out, coffee, hotels and excursions.

But the place was stunning, and the price matched what you got in return — quality. When I was around 19 I bought a horse. I grew up riding ponies and it has alway.