‘Even the air smells expensive on Hvar. The taxis almost had me broke after two days’

Síomha Ní Ruairc is the presenter of Réalta Agus Gaolta, the TG4 show tasked with finding Ireland’s most talented family. Born in Galway but bred in Dublin, Ní Ruairc has been presenting with TG4 for a number of years. She has also recently delved into production. Réalta Agus Gaolta airs on TG4 on Sundays at 8.30pm and runs until St Stephen’s Day

 

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

That this is a fickle industry and nothing is promised, so after you’ve been paid for a big job, don’t splash out on a ‘treat yourself moment’ – as you will need that money to live. 

 

What has the coronavirus crisis taught you about money?

It has taught me how easy it is so save – as long as you’re not leaving the house, not seeing anyone and not doing anything!

 

What’s your favourite saying about money as Gaeilge?

‘Is fearr cáirde ná ór’ – which means friends are better than gold. I like this saying because it emphasises that you don’t need money to have the best things in life.

 

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

It wasn’t advice as such – more like enforced assistance! My mam would take some of my wages or pocket money and save it – to give to me when I needed it. Although I wasn’t keen on this at the time, I learned the value of this lesson later in life.

 

Your favourite song about money?

She Works Hard For The Money by Donna Summer.

 

What’s the most expensive country you have every visited?

I once stayed on the island of Hvar off the coast of Croatia. Even the air smelled expensive. The taxis almost had me broke after two days – and a cocktail was about €18.

 

What’s your favourite Irish note?

I love a fiver. They’re so handy. I like to make sure I have one on me so I can break it for parking and tipping.

 

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

Probably a holiday to the Amalfi Coast. Or my car – although I took out a loan for that.

 

What was your worst job?

I worked in a jewellery shop while I was in college – try piercing toddlers’ ears when hungover. Not fun!

 

Your biggest financial mistake?

I invested way too much money into my hair in my early twenties. I was dropping hundreds on a monthly basis on highlights and extensions – only to go back to my natural colour. It did look good at the time though!

 

What was your best financial killing?

I don’t think I would consider anything about my finances a success just yet – but I have gotten really good at saving the past year, thanks to the global lockdown.

 

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

I have fantasised about this for years. I have a whole trip planned and flights and accommodation priced for my 30 nearest and dearest. It would be three nights in Las Vegas followed by a fortnight in the Maldives – no expense spared. I also need a house so I’d buy that too.

 

The last thing you bought online?

My dad’s birthday presents – some new swimming trunks and a running jacket. I’m also a regular user of the Depop app so I bought some zebra print jeans off of that too!

 

Would you buy Irish property now?

I would like to but I’ve read too much recently to be jumping in! Apparently we should wait two years until there’s more supply and better quality homes. 

 

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

At least one oat milk latte a week. A few bits from a charity shop once a month. And cleaning products.