18 GAZETTE 20 September 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Robert Prestage, owner, the Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown MY FINANCEE’S DEBTS ... Q – MY FIANCEE and I are getting married in six months, but she is paying credit card debt and bank loans through MABS [the Money Advice and Budgeting Service]. So, when we get married, can they take my wages into account, and make me liable for her debts, too? Gerry – Clondalkin A - SHE must be a wonderful girl to marry her with all this debt. I suppose the phrase: “For richer, or poorer” comes to mind! By going to MABS, it means that perhaps some of her debts require professional management and strategy. This time of your life is certainly a time when all the cards should very definitely be on the table – no secrets, especially financial ones. You would want to ensure there are no other skeletons in her cupboard. The first thing I would do is for both of you to set out a monthly income and expenditure budget – you HAVE to know how much is coming in and, importantly, how much is going out. You will also need to tell each other EXACTLY what liabilities and assets you have. You may decide to escalate the debt repayment prior to marriage, so it doesn’t act like a millstone around your necks. As regards your liability for her debts after marriage, the answer is no – her debts remain her debts, even if she cannot afford to repay them. However, if her credit history is affected (judgments stay on your credit history for life), then that will affect your application for joint loans, such as a mortgage. Even if she has a sound job with a healthy income, she will be precluded from being approved because of her past record. Guard your good name, but talk openly NOW about it. Anti-money laundering rules stipulate: “Know your customer”, but in your case, it is more like: “Know your wife”! But may I wish you many happy years together. All the best. Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
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Bathroom designs to make a splash ROBERT Prestage has more than 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, running his own company in South Africa’s Cape Town before moving to Dublin 12 years ago. Initially coming for a holiday, professional curiosity got the better of him and, before the holiday was finished, he found himself working for a couple in Shankill, Co Dublin and, through referrals, he has never looked back. Establishing Prestage Plumbers and Renovators soon afterwards, the business has gone from strength to strength; culminating in his latest business venture, the Bathroom Boutique. The showroom, based in Churchtown, specialises in retail and offers full installation service and maintenance service by its sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators. The showroom is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, offering a wide range of products from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. Customers can find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles. Robert says that Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on
delivering superior quality and outstanding service, and products are sourced through Irish companies – mindful of his belief in keeping business local. He adds that Tony and Tracey, the showroom staff, have more
than 30 years’ experience between them in the bathroom retail industry, with experience working with all the world’s leading brands and designer ranges. They look forward to meeting and advising customers through
the various stages of designing, choosing and installation of their dream bathroom. For testimonials of finished projects, see www.thebathroomboutique.ie, and www.prestageplumbers.ie.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A farmer
thing that you once thought you could not pull off? A: No
TV or movie pleasure? A: Farming and fishing pro-
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Donedeal.ie
Q: What was your first job? A: Worked in a hardware store
Q: What part of your working day do you delegate? A: All day
Q&A
in Cape Town
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: 250 rands per month – about €25
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: Yes – a part-time mechanic
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Robert Prestage, owner, Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown, with some of the outlet’s wares
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: Mail Q: What sport do you follow? A: Rugby and horseracing
grammes
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D or Jedward? A: Jedward Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Netflix app
Q: What sport can you play? A: Golf and archery
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Family
ever since
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Smoking
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Steak, chips and mushroom
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Customer satisfaction
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: moving house
Q: Have you ever achieved any-
Q: What is your guilty music/
Q: When did you start your present job? A: 1981; I’ve been a plumber
sauce, and apple pie
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Neither
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Four Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Barbados Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: It would have to be sitting in the sun in a quiet place drinking a glass of rose
Q: What would be your dream job? A: A farmer Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Maybe I will become a farmer then