Why Are Some People So Tight With Their Money All Their Life?

[dave50]

I have come across quite a few people who hate spending their money unless it's absolutely necessary. They go through life working hard, don't spend much on clothes, cars, holidays or anything that might be considered frivolous or enjoying oneself, then they die with thousands in the bank. My wife works with the elderly and she comes across this situation very often. Even some younger people I know of have this attitude so it's not just the elderly. Surely it makes your life pretty pointless to end up in that situation, I mean what is the point in working hard all your life if not to enjoy the fruits of your labour? My ambition is to die penniless, knowing I have enjoyed every penny I have earned.

[factor-fiction]

It would be so much easier if we knew the date we will expire.

[margie04]

Some people want to leave as much as possible to their family - so that the family can enjoy it.

[Baldric]

I wish you every success with your ambition dave.

[jno]

if you spend every penny and then unexpectly stay alive another 10 years in poverty, you might come to wonder if you'd made the right choice.

Many people are saving for their old age, thinking (no doubt correctly) that they'll starve on a state pension. And the elderly in particular will already know what it's like to live through hard times without money.

[pixie373]

I hate the thought of having no savings in case of an emergency. It makes me feel safe- although I'm not in a position to save much. For a lot of people, they have struggled financially at some point and learnt to be careful. I would be happy to have thousands in the bank when i die. As long as it went to my children.

[KristalB]

I've told my kids not to expect much inheritance, they think I'm joking: I'm not lol! I intend to have as good as life as I dare, treating myself when I can and hope the funds don't run out before I do. I've had experience of old people living frugal lives only to leave hundreds of thousands of pounds to distant relatives who blow it all on luxury goods, but, it was the choice of the old person to live like that so perhaps the question should be what motivates people to be 'tight' or careful with money?

[DrFilth]

factor-fiction have you seen the post asking for you on the dark side

[factor-fiction]

Morning DrFilth. I'll look later

[Octavius]

So when you achieve your ambition Dave, people will lok upon you and think, all that work and living, and nothing to show for it. Presume any left over will be used up on a lavish funeral...

[jno]

skiing, KristalB?
Spending the Kids' Inheritance

[KristalB]

Octavious you presume you have to have material goods or savings left when you die to prove you have had a good life? Ridiculous! I'd rather have little or no money in the bank but a wealth of happy memories from Living rather than existing. I don't want a lavish funeral, a cardboard box and a box of matches is all that will be needed lol!

[KristalB]

jno yes!

[Canary42]

Hedonistic materialism doesn't bring real happiness.

[mrs_overall]

Some people just cannot help it, especially if they are from Yorkshire or Scotland. It is genetic.

[Octavius]

It wasn't a presumption but an observation.

[woofgang]

why should you or anyone care what they do with their money?

[anneasquith]

excuse me mrs o. its been my experience that English people can be tighter than scotish people, ( except maybe in the Scottish isles )

[mrs_overall]

;-)

[anneasquith]

mrs o..............when I say English people I mean southerners !!!!!!!!! :). sorry for interrupting dave,

[Old_Geezer]

You assume life has a point if you spend and not if you don't. I suspect it's pointless anyway. Security is worth it's weight in gold, and money behind you is a large part of that. And a desire not to waste an admirable one. Of course the trick is to get a balance, but one person's reasonable spending to enjoy life is another's wicked wastefulness on self gratification.