What was your first pay cheque? £130 per month. What did you spend it on? Contact lenses to replace my NHS specs! Dining out or entertaining at home? Out - a big favourite of mine on a Friday and/or Saturday. Most expensive thing ever bought? A car, but I'm just booking a trip to New Zealand, which will set me back a bit. Best bargain ever had? Pocket guide to marketing. One luxury you're going without during the credit crunch? Mmm ... not as many meals out as I'd like! Best money-saving tip? Don't have children, or make sure they get a job rather than go to university. I'm just on my third university child in a few years. One thing you shouldn't buy but always do? Puddings, when I go out for a meal. Your favourite currency and why? Euro for my city breaks I organise with friends. Best way of spending money on a rainy day is Head for John Lewis in Wilmslow then go out for another meal.