31-year-old actress and writer Kate Gilmore is from Dublin and has worked primarily as a theatre actor since graduating from the Gaiety School of Acting in 2013.
Most recently, she performed in Safe House by Enda Walsh and Anna Mullarkey at the Abbey Theatre and will be travelling to New York in February to perform the show at St Ann’s Warehouse.
In 2024 she set up a film/TV production company called Two Sparks with her friend, actor/writer Fionnuala Gygax.
The aim is to write and produce high-quality female-driven comedy dramas for screen.
Away from the stage Kate when she has a moment or two to herself runs and loves to find an all-consuming book to read and find new places to eat and pretend to know anything about coffee and/or wine.
Are you a spender or a saver?
Spender. It’s literally written in the stars that my astrological chart indicates I’ll have trouble acquiring assets but that doesn’t bother me. I spend most of my money on travel and experiences.
How much do you spend a month on bills?
I couldn’t tell you but if I were to estimate it excluding rent it would be about €290. Thankfully, I live in an apartment owned by my Mam (and the bank). So I pay the remaining mortgage which is €450, less than the average rent at the moment.
How much do you spend a month on clothes/beauty products?
Too much although I have cut back and try to shop primarily vintage now. Clothes in particular are my weakness so about €100 a month. If I’m being naughty I love ASOS, if I’m being thoughtful, Depop.
Do you have any money-saving hacks?
Yes, don’t become a freelance artist. I genuinely don’t have any great hacks but recently I’ve discovered the importance of keeping receipts, particularly as a self-employed person.
What is the most expensive item you have ever bought?
My Car which is worth a paltry €2k. As I said, I haemorrhage money on travel. And when I go abroad food is what my money goes on!
What is the biggest financial mistake you have ever made?
Not getting a pensionable job.
Has a money situation ever caused you to cry?
All the time. Last year taxes were a notable low point. I hadn’t put the appropriate amount away on my self-employed earnings and was met with a tear-jerking bill in November.
Have you ever been scammed?
No, although I wouldn’t put it past me.
What was the last significant item you bought?
A coat for my trip to New York. I’m going with a show called SAFE HOUSE by Enda Walsh & Anna Mullarkey. We had a run at the Abbey Theatre in Oct/Nov and now are running at St Ann’s Warehouse in New York Feb/Mar. It is currently -10 degrees there so I bought a jacket which was €250 reduced to €180 from the mountain shop.
Is there one item looking back that you wish you had bought?
Insurance on pretty much everything. I never bought fully comp on my car (to ‘save’ money) but when I crashed it into a bollard and it needed €800 worth of work which isn’t covered by third party, fire and theft, I regretted that.
How much money do you have on you?
A 20-dollar note. A tip from a recent tour I gave. When I’m between acting jobs, I work with Original Dublin as a tour guide. A brilliant, rewarding nourishing job. Occasionally tourists top in their currency hence the dollar note – I rarely carry cash otherwise.
Source: Money Diaries: A freelance actress living in Dublin
