From Beauty Guru to Budget Queen: Fionnuala Jay on Money
Imagine sitting down with your favorite beauty influencer, not for makeup tips, but for a candid conversation about their finances. That’s what it’s like chatting with Fionnuala Jay, the Irish content creator who’s built a career on sustainable beauty.
While she might be known for her enviable makeup skills, Fionnuala is just as savvy when it comes to managing her money. “Despite what my fiancé might think, I’m a great saver," she insists. "I think it’s so important to have some kind of financial foundation for whatever you want to do."
Her responsible approach to money stems from a young age. Her first gig involved scrubbing away at her dad’s office, a classic case of “nepo baby" ethics. But the €50 per shift instilled a sense of value in her.
These days, Fionnuala prefers to invest in experiences rather than extravagant purchases. Her €3,000 trip to Australia last year was a prime example.
“Big purchases on things kind of freak me out,” she admits, "so I’d rather spend on experiences. I spent€3,000 on my trip to Australia last year and I regret nothing because I saw so much and ate like a queen.”
That’s not to say she doesn’t appreciate a good deal. A €15 tripod from a local Army Surplus store proved to be a wise investment – one that helped launch her career. "I still have it," she points out.
Looking back, Fionnuala admits to some spending regrets, particularly on fast fashion. "Similarly, I regret not making an effort to sell more of my wardrobe and my personal belongings when I was done with them,” she reflects.
These days, she’s embracing a more conscious approach, even selling items to save for her upcoming wedding. It’s a strategy that makes her feel "like Alan Sugar," she jokes.
While Fionnuala may be a whiz at budgeting, she’s upfront about her weaknesses. Haggling, for instance, is not her forte. “No, I’ve too much Irish shame," she confesses.
Still, she’s making strides in managing her finances. She’s even started a pension – a move she recommends to everyone, regardless of age.
"The second you turn 25 and your frontal lobe develops, you also get a burning desire to start a pension," she explains, laughing, "This is what happened to me. My advice for anyone is that it’s never too late to start!”
For Fionnuala, managing money is about finding a balance.
"I love spending money on friends and family, and that is probably both my best and worst habit because sometimes I don’t know the limit.
If I can’t include that as my worst habit, then it’s maybe my inability to walk past a bakery without buying something,” she admits with a wink.
So there you have it – a glimpse into the financial world of Fionnuala Jay, where responsible saving meets a passion for experiences and perhaps the occasional pastry indulgence.
Fionnuala Jay is an influencer, podcaster and content creator with a focus on beauty products and make-up and how to be more eco-friendly in that space.
## From Beauty Guru to Budget Queen: Fionnuala Jay on Money
**Introduction:**
Imagine sitting down with your favorite beauty influencer, not for makeup tips, but for a candid conversation about their finances. That’s what it’s like chatting with Fionnuala jay, whose YouTube channel has exploded with tutorials and hauls, amassing millions of views. But Fionnuala isn’t just a beauty aficionado; she’s a savvy businesswoman with a refreshingly pragmatic approach to money.
**World Today News:** Fionnuala, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. You’ve built a huge following thru your beauty content, but today we want to delve into a diffrent side of you – your relationship with money.
**Fionnuala Jay:** Thanks for having me! I’m always happy to talk about something I’m passionate about, whether it’s the latest lipstick or smart financial planning.
**World Today News:** Many perceive the influencer world as glamorous and inherently wealthy. How do you navigate this perception when it comes to your own finances?
**Fionnuala Jay:** It’s definitely a common misconception.While there are influencers who make a lot of money, it’s not a guarantee. there’s a lot of hard work, long hours, and business savvy involved. My approach has always been grounded in reality. While I love gorgeous products, I also value financial security and independence.
**World Today News:** What sparked your interest in mindful spending and budgeting?
**Fionnuala Jay:** Growing up,my family wasn’t wealthy. We learned to be resourceful and make the most of what we had. This instilled in me a strong sense of value for money. As my YouTube channel grew, I realized that financial duty was even more crucial.
**World Today News:** You’ve been open about sharing your budgeting tips with your followers. What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone who wants to be more mindful of their spending?
**fionnuala Jay:** Tracking your expenses is key! I use a simple spreadsheet to monitor where my money goes each month. It’s eye-opening to see where your money actually goes and helps identify areas where you can cut back.
How do you balance your love for beauty products with your budgeting goals?
**Fionnuala Jay:** I’m a firm believer in “quality over quantity.” I prioritize investing in high-quality products that I’ll use regularly and truly love. I
also embrace alternatives, like drugstore finds and multi-purpose products.
**World Today News:** Do you have any favorite money-saving hacks that you’ve learned along the way?
**fionnuala Jay:** Absolutely! Waiting for sales is a big one.I also love using cashback apps and reward programs.It’s amazing how those small savings can add up over time.
**World Today News:** What’s your biggest financial goal for the future?
**Fionnuala Jay:** I want to achieve financial independence, the freedom to pursue my passions without worrying about money. I’m also passionate about helping others learn about personal finance and empowering them to take control of their financial futures.
**World Today News:** Thank you Fionnuala for sharing your insights on money management. It’s inspiring to see someone in your position prioritizing financial literacy.
**Fionnuala Jay:** Thank you! I believe that financial wellness is just as important as physical and mental wellness. We
all deserve the opportunity to thrive financially, irrespective of our career path.
