Paul Merson: Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought?

Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this standing prompt, with minor contractions and word-order variation.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded Paul Merson said elsewhere, not written here

Thirty-odd years ago I bought a black pinstripe suit which I thought was £900. But when I went to pay that was just the jacket – the trousers and waistcoat were extra. I didn’t have the balls to put anything back. I dread to think how much it cost me in the end.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 January 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 196 →

Adeel Akhtar British actor

A snazzy coffee machine that grinds beans and steams milk.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 May 2018 source ↗

Sofia Helin Swedish actress

I spend most money on my garden.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 September 2020 source ↗

Lee Child

A painting by Renoir, paid for by demanding a huge fee for a screenwriting deal with a producer I didn’t want to work for. The movie was never made.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 June 2025 source ↗

Suzanne Vega American singer-songwriter

The most extravagant thing was a bottle of 1904 armagnac for $1,000. I spent $10,000 on a Martin guitar in the 90s. I also spent $100,000 on a Fairlight keyboard and I ended up giving it away. Oh well.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 September 2017 source ↗

More from Paul Merson

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Question What single thing would improve the quality of your life? Daily life

Nothing, because it’s up to me how I feel. I’ve been a millionaire three times and I still wanted to kill myself.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 January 2023 source ↗

Question What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Time & hindsight

That materialistic things will not make you happy.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 January 2023 source ↗

Question When were you happiest? Time & hindsight

On holiday in Orlando with my wife, Kate, and kids just before lockdown. I wasn’t drinking or gambling. I was so happy, so at peace with myself – I’d been searching for that for many a year.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 January 2023 source ↗