Me and my money: Sandy Kelly
She's spent big on shows and shoes, but finds free time with her friends gives the best return
Tuesday March 09 2010
SINGER Sandy Kelly finds that her biggest spending mistakes are always to do with a show she is working on.
"During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, given the passion I have for music and my work, I always tended to put most of my profits back into the sound equipment, lighting and promotion -- looking back it wasn't necessary to spend that level of money myself," she said.
"My best buy ever absolutely was a house near Ballisodare, Co Sligo, in 1979. Money could not buy the hours and hours of happy times there with my family and the wonderful memories created there. Even in the current economic climate I believe the house will hold its value because of the location and it is not over the top in size.
"To be honest I've never had any big savings plan, I was always just so busy and living in the moment. I did, however, set up a pension fund and a little rainy day fund on my grandmother's advice and she should know, she's 105 years this March.
"My biggest ongoing waste of money is clothes, shoes, bags and make-up. But I really do try to be sensible.
"I do, however, love well-made clothes in beautiful fabrics and Bobbi Brown make-up. It's nice to celebrate being a woman and looking feminine. That usually doesn't come cheap.
"If I could buy something that I really don't need, it would be an old cottage or house right on the edge of the sea in Strandhill, Co Sligo. I'd go for long walks every single day.
"I know for sure the importance of having money -- I remember very well growing up and having to do without -- but we should only need enough to be comfortable and time off is much more important than wealth.
"Time off to be with and enjoy our family and friends."
- 'Patsy Cline -- The Concert' features Sandy Kelly and her musicians on Sunday, April 4 in the National Concert Hall.
Irish Independent
