POCKET WATCH: Brenda Ryan
Brenda Ryan is director of claims and provider relations, as well as a shareholder, of Laya Healthcare, the new name in the Irish health insurance market. She lives with her husband and son in Co. Cork.
**What's the best investment you ever made?**
Investing in Laya Healthcare.
**What's the worst investment you ever made?**
In these current times one would have to say property, the lucky ones today are those that do not have a mortgage.
**Do you own your own home or other investment property?**
I invested in my own home and have other investment property.
**What type of car do you have?**
An Opel Antara.
**Do you have a pension?**
Yes, I believe everyone should have a pension and think about the future. I started mine when I was 23 and working for BUPA Ireland.
**Which investment options do you currently favour?**
I have never been a big share investor, and while property is currently not going so well I believe it will come around again.
**What was the best financial advice you ever received?**
Probably from my Father, ‘watch the pennies and the pounds will follow’.
**If you were the Minister for Finance for a day and could change one thing, what would it be?**
I would immediately work to remove the current health levy system which, at €285 per adult, means that all customers, and particularly those on the lowest level schemes, continue to carry a disproportionate burden.
**Are you a saver or a spender?**
A bit of both, all work and no play makes for a dull life!
**What's your top financial priority?**
Security for the future for me and my family.
**How would you describe your attitude to your personal finances?**
A bit like the Elvis Presley song, ‘you are always on my mind’!
**What's your top money saving tip?**
Start saving once you start earning.
**What's your biggest indulgence?**
A nice spa break away.
**If you had all the money you could wish for, what three things would you buy?**
1) A top notch gift for everyone in my family
2) A holiday home in the sun
3) A personal chef
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