From Influencer to Investor: Fionnuala Jay Talks Money, Baking, and Building a Future
Fionnuala Jay, the Irish beauty guru known for her eco-friendly makeup tips and heartfelt podcast conversations, isn’t just a pro at blending concealer; she’s also a savvy saver. Despite jokingly calling herself "a nepo baby" for her early cleaning gig in her father’s office, Jay takes her finances seriously.
"I’m a great saver," said Jay, "I think it’s so important to build up a financial foundation, no matter what your goals are."
Her frugal streak extends to shopping, although she admits it sometimes takes a back seat. "I’d like to say I always shop around for better deals," she confessed, "but I often forget until after I’ve made a purchase."
Jay’s big-spending aversion is evident in her largest outlay to date: a €3,000 trip to Australia.
"
Big purchases kind of freak me out," she explained. "I’d rather spend on experiences. I saw so much and ate like a queen on that trip– it was worth every penny!"
For Jay, the best value investment came in unexpected form: a €15 tripod from an Army Surplus store. "I still have it, and essentially built my career around it," she shared, highlighting the importance of smart, long-term purchases.
Regret lingers over some past purchases, particularly in the fast-fashion realm. "I wish I had been more conscious about selling my old clothes instead of just buying new ones," she admitted, adding that she’s now embraced reselling to fund her wedding. "It makes me feel like Alan Sugar!"
While haggling is a no-go zone for the Irish-born creative ("I’ve got too much Irish shame for that"), she is exploring new avenues for financial growth. Cryptocurrency and stocks pique her interest, though she’s still researching before taking the plunge.
One area Jay tackled head-on: retirement planning. "The second your frontal lobe develops at 25, you get this burning desire to start a pension," she joked, urging her peers: "It’s never too late to start!"
Even everyday expenses are subject to scrutiny. "I recently bought a six-pack of popcorn and three liters of milk for €9.30, and I’m officially middle-aged– complaining about the price of everything!" she chuckled.
Perhaps her biggest financial achievement? Buying a home in 2022 with her fiancé.
"That involved working two jobs for about three years," Jay revealed, adding, "We were also fortunate enough to save during the pandemic because we weren’t spending as much."
Losing money might not be a regular occurrence for Jay, but losing debit cards certainly is. "I should change my name to Butter Fingers Jones," she joked.
While Jay enjoys the occasional flutter on the Irish lotto or scratch cards, betting on sports isn’t her thing.
Ultimately, Jay credits her love of giving to friends and family as both her best and worst habit when it comes to money.
"I often don’t know when to stop," she admitted. "If not that, then my inability to walk past a bakery without buying something gets the better of me."
As she pockets the €6 she found in her jacket – leftover from a recent clothes sale – Jay is clearly ready to embrace the future, financially prepared and still treating herself to occasional sweet treats.
Originally published on world-today-news.com
## From Influencer to Investor: Fionnuala Jay Talks Money,Baking,and building a Future
**By: [Your Name],Senior Editor,world-Today-news.com**
Fionnuala Jay, the Irish beauty guru known for her eco-amiable makeup tips and heartfelt podcast conversations, isn’t just a pro at blending concealer; she’s also a savvy saver. Despite jokingly calling herself “a nepo baby” for her early cleaning gig in her father’s office, Jay takes her finances seriously.
“I’m a great saver,” said Jay,”I think it’s so crucial to build up a financial foundation,no matter what your goals are.” But Jay’s ambitions extend far beyond a perfectly winged liner.She’s recently ventured into the world of investment, adding another dimension to her already notable portfolio.
We sat down with Fionnuala to discuss her views on financial literacy, the importance of diversifying beyond the influencer sphere, and her surprising passion for baking.
**WTN: Fionnuala, you’ve cultivated a strong following online. How has that platform influenced your approach to finances?**
**FJ:** My platform has definitely made me more aware of financial obligation. When you’re in the public eye, there’s a certain pressure to portray success, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of making smart financial decisions. I want to be clear with my audience about my financial journey, both the highs and the lows.
**WTN: You mentioned being a “great saver.” Can you tell us more about your saving habits?**
**FJ:**
I’ve always been frugal, even as a teenager. I track my expenses diligently and set aside a specific portion of my income each month. It’s about creating a buffer for unexpected expenses and working towards long-term goals.
**WTN: Recently, you’ve branched out into investing. What sparked this decision, and what advice would you give to others considering taking that step?**
**FJ:** Diversification is key. Relying solely on influencer work can be unpredictable. Investing felt like a natural progression to secure my future and make my money work for me. My advice is to start small, research thoroughly, and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor. It’s a journey, not a race.
**WTN: You’re also known for your passion for baking. How does that creative outlet intersect with your more “serious” pursuits like finance and investing?**
**FJ:** Baking is my escape, my way of unwinding after a long day of content creation and financial planning. It allows me to be creative and indulge my love for tasty treats.And you know what? There’s even a financial side to that!
**WTN: Intriguing! Could you elaborate?**
**FJ:** Well,perhaps I’ll launch my own vegan bakery someday! Seriously though,my baking has taught me about precision,following recipes – which is crucial in investing – and the satisfaction of building something from scratch.
**WTN: A vegan bakery sounds delightful! what’s your ultimate financial goal?**
**FJ:** I want to achieve financial independence, a place where I have the freedom to pursue my passions without being tied to any one income source. For me, it’s about security and the ability to create a positive impact on the world through my work.
** Fionnuala jay reminds us that financial literacy doesn’t have to be dry and intimidating.By sharing her journey transparently,she encourages her audience to take ownership of their finances and embrace a holistic approach to success.**
