My grandfather
My grandfather was without doubt the tightest person I have ever met.

His expenses were ridiculous, he could live off £15 a month for food quite comfortably, and that would be it. He'd complain that the postman had stolen his premium bonds cheque if one didnt arrive every month.

Christmas times were always fun. I'd buy him a bottle of whiskey, and be given a can of lynx in return.

One year my uncle received a pea-green shirt from Marks and Spencers, which he returned as it didn't fit, to find that the checkout wouldn't even recognise the barcode as they'd stopped making it 10 years previously.

My cousin phoned him for a 5 minute lift when his car broke down, only to find that once they arrived he was charged the petrol money.

We'd often joke about his tightness.

He died a couple of months ago. Really unexpected, an operation that went wrong.

Each of his 11 grandchildren, including me, received £12k. My mother and aunty received £100k each, plus his house to share, worth roughly £220k.

I feel guilty that he spent less on food every month than I would on a night out drinking.

I miss him.
( Regger, Fri 24 Oct 2008, 2:03, 1 reply)

Shit
That's heavy.

It raises some soul-searching questions. Do you follow his example and start being thriftier? Or blow the lot and enjoy it on his behalf?

I certainly wish I had something to show for the money my Grandma left me, but it all got frittered away... partly on debts and bills and stuff but still.

It would be nice to know that I would be able to retire comfortably and leave something for those I love.

*clicks* although "I like this" doesn't seem quite right somehow...
( warmfuzzies Isn't here, Fri 24 Oct 2008, 3:09, closed)