My money: 'Don't grant money a higher status than it deserves'

Harrington co-founded Maverick House, a non-fiction publishing company, in 2002, where she was managing director until 2011.

She was elected as the Irish representative to the Federation of European Publishers in 2010, where she remained until 2012, when she left publishing and started working in education.

What's the most important lesson about money which your career has taught you?

When I was running my publishing company, someone once said to me: "If you aren't making a profit in a business, it's like cancer - but if you don't have access to cash when you need it, it's a heart attack." Money comes and goes, but it's important to have access to cash when you need it. When things are good, I remember that it won't last, so I try to put some money aside. And when cash is tight, I know it [the money shortage] won't last forever.

What's the most expensive country you ever visited?

I transited through Zurich last year on the way to Australia - and bought three small bottles of water for €27. When I asked whether the price was correct, the till assistant told me to keep the receipt as a souvenir.

What's the best advice you ever got about money?

My mother taught me that money is a tool. It's there to be used for things you need, but don't grant it a higher status than it deserves.

What's your favourite Irish saying about money?

Gheibheann pingin pingin eile.

Apart from property, what's the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

My car. I needed a car with a big enough boot to carry a harp and a cello, as my daughter plays in a harp ensemble and I play in a cello ensemble. When I went shopping for a new car, I brought the harp and cello with me to make sure both would fit in the boot!

What was your worst job?

I had a series of temping jobs when I left college and not all of them suited me, but I haven't really disliked a job.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I bought a small amount of cryptocurrency last year and can't remember the codes to access it, so it is sitting somewhere in the ether. I haven't given up hope though. Maybe I am a secret millionaire and don't know it!

If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?

After making sure that my extended family was taken care of, I would set up a foundation to give every child in Ireland access to a musical education and a musical instrument - similar to the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation in Britain. Every child deserves the chance to experience music education. It really does change lives.

Have you ever made an insurance claim?

Yes, the boiler in my house leaked oil recently and I have had to claim off the house insurance to get the remedial work done.

iTunes or Spotify?

Spotify. I have discovered so many new artists because of its 'Recommended Songs' facility.

What was the last thing you bought online?

A birthday present for my son.

Would you buy Irish property now?

I intend to move house in the next few years to be closer to everything - because I spend a lot of time in the car.

Do you ever haggle?

I try to do it when abroad, where haggling is the culture, but I don't haggle in Ireland.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

My cello; cello classes; and dancing.