Money & Me: Gadget addict living for the here and now

The technical director of Archimedia Middle East loves spending on gadgets - particularly if it has an Apple logo on it.

Peter Aylett, regional technical director of Archimedia. Antonie Robertson / The National

Peter Aylett is the technical director for Archimedia Middle East, a company that offers smart home solutions, lighting control and dedicated home cinema systems. The Briton, 46, has lived in the UAE for the past three years.

Describe your financial journey so far.

The worst financial decision we ever made was also coincidentally the best life decision we have ever made. In 1998, my wife and I sold a valuable London property and spent the entire profits on travelling the world together for two years. Though we came back penniless, those years and the perspectives they gave us in life will be with us forever and have created long-lasting memories. Since then, financial prudence has been higher on the priority list.

Are you a spender or saver?

I am most definitely a spender, absolutely. Though now with two teenage children this has started to change to save for their higher education. I will, however, always be totally addicted to gadgets, hi-fi and photography equipment. No matter how much I aim to save, I will always try to budget to include these indulgences in my spending habits.

What is your philosophy towards money?

I’d rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, which is why my attitude is biased towards using money to enjoy life while we can. Now that I’m getting older this may have to change a little bit. My children will be provided for, but apart from that I don’t want to die rich, I’d rather spend the money and enjoy myself. I also support three UK and three local charities. Travelling has really made me appreciate how lucky we are and it’s important to give something back to those less fortunate.

Have you made any financial mistakes along the way?

I’ve never had enough disposable income left over to make bad decisions with that money; it has always been well budgeted. I have avoided many mistakes by using an independent financial adviser. They were especially helpful in minimising the inheritance tax liabilities for me in the UK when dealing with my parents’ estate.

If you won Dh1 million, what would you do with it?

I would probably put aside half of the winnings for my children’s future and spend most of the rest on the house. The single thing I would love is to build myself a reference home cinema. Hopefully, this would leave me with a little left over for a trip or two to Patagonia and Japan.

What has been your best investment?

My wife and I have made some great property decisions in the past, as all the houses we have bought were bought first and foremost as homes, and as investments second. Rises in these property markets have allowed us to keep moving ourselves up the housing ladder to our current home – this one is a keeper for a while.

Do you plan for the future?

Only as far into the future as some of the property we own in the UK will see us through our retirement. Apart from that, so long as our children are provided for that’s as far as we go. We enjoy living in a “spur of the moment” fashion.

What do you enjoy spending money on?

Gadgets, plain and simple. Oh, and of course, if it has an Apple logo on it I’ll buy it regardless of whether I actually need it or not.

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