What was your first pay cheque? About £500 for my first month at British Rail. As I was on a year out placement scheme from university, I suddenly felt rich! What did you spend it on? Probably wasted the lot on expensive clothes. Dining out or entertaining at home? I'd best say entertaining, given my partner trained as a chef in Switzerland. Most expensive thing ever bought? After the usual house and car, it is a luxury watch. Buying it with a small inheritance was a way to remember my grandparents. Best bargain ever had? A flight to New York on Concorde for about £250 and loads of air miles. A fabulous experience! One luxury you're going without during the credit crunch? We stayed in the UK for this year's summer holiday, and got rained on daily. We got what we paid for. Best money saving tip? Listen to your partner. She has certainly saved me money in the last 12 months. One thing you shouldn't buy but always do? I know I buy too much running and cycling gear, even when I don't need it....but I justify it on health grounds! Your favourite currency and why? The Swiss Franc, because its colourful, its strong, and because I've spent it every year for as long as I can remember. Best way of spending money on a rainy day is Certainly not in an indoor shopping centre! I really don't like them.