"I can't walk past [a Huffer clothing] shop without buying something.
"I always feel great, as although I'm now in my 40s, it's a cool brand that I can wear comfortably."
Jason Paris, chief executive, Vodafone New Zealand.
Money. It's the driving factor behind many life choices, but is it the be-all and end-all?
'Me and My Money' is a new feature that investigates Kiwi attitudes towards money and what drives the choices they make.
Newshub spoke to Jason Paris, chief executive of Vodafone about his penchant for Huffer clothing, the convenience of buying online and memories of a happy childhood while living on the basics.
Goals that I've achieved this year:
I had an unforgettable two-week family holiday with my wife, children and both sets of grandparents.
Are you a saver or a spender?
A spender - unfortunately my wife is too!
You need a new dishwasher. Are you mainly driven by quality, price or both?
Quality first, then research and negotiate the best price on that dishwasher. There is always a deal to be done!
Give an example of a recent purchase that you consider was great value for money:
Pre-buying a drinks package for the grandparents before the holiday [mentioned] above!
Have your buying habits changed from in-store to online?
Yes, we almost always buy repeat purchases online now, versus going into a store. [Buying online is] normally cheaper - and more convenient too.
If you have spare money to invest, what would you invest in?
The sharemarket - but I'd reduce my risk by investing in a share portfolio instead of individual stocks.
What was your last impulse or 'fritter' purchase and how did you feel about it afterwards?
It was on Huffer clothing - they're great Kiwi owners and designers. I can't walk past one of their shops without buying something. I always feel great, as although I'm now in my 40s, it's a cool brand that I can wear comfortably!
Do you have a household budget?
Yes, whatever is left in the bank account.
Does having more money increase happiness?
I don't think so. My mum had me when she was 17 and my father left soon after. We depended on social welfare, [yet] even though we didn't have a lot, those were some of the happiest days of my life.
In saying that, I always had a roof over my head and food in my tummy, which too many people in NZ don't have today and I can only imagine the stress that this creates.
What's your golden rule for saving money?
Get money taken out of pay before it even hits the account, such as via KiwiSaver. [It's] surprising how quickly a little [amount] each week builds up over the years.
How much cash do you have on you right now?
$140.
