1 week Ago
My Money: Meghann Scully Presenter Meghann Scully Meghann Scully is a radio presenter and producer on Classic Hits FM. She’s also the author of the best-seller Broken Love and is currently working on her second book. 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 always been a massive part of my life. But keeping a horse is expensive and every penny I had went towards that mare.
But that’s for the love of them. And I also realised how much my parents had spent on horses when I was growing up. My car.
For my 30th birthday I bought myself a new car. As a freelancer, I work all around the country. Buying a brand new car meant I could drive with peace of mind.
Absolutely not. The prices are extortionate for what I want. Now and then.
But with more places becoming cashless, it’s becoming more difficult to actually spend it. Yes, I’ve a Revolut account that I use mainly for holidays, weekends away and festivals. Buying that horse when I was 19.
I could have got one much cheaper. I did a lot of promo work during my college years. One job was bread tasting in supermarkets, and I got a lot of negative feedback – who knew so many people would get so offended by free bread? I’m a ‘spaver’ – a spender and a saver.
I set aside money each month but also enjoy travel and socialising. That’s where most of my money goes. And on petrol.
Eating out, as I love trying new restaurants. Hotel stays, as I love a night away to relax. And travel, as I love going to new places – but I keep an eye out for the best deals.
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