I bought my first house when I was 24 for £19,500 and it was sold two years ago for £256,000. I've always made profit on my houses.

I like paper statements rather than relying on computers. I feel more in control if my account details and transactions are broken down on paper.

I prefer to give money to the person who's provided the good service. But I never tip at hotels, I think they overcharge anyway. But anything which is value for money will get my vote.

Being born not long after the war meant that money was tight. I grew up in a rural corner of Lincolnshire and my father worked on local farms. Being one of nine kids meant we didn't have much.

When you experience having nothing you value everything - and that applies to all aspects of life.

I hate my Visa card but have to use it for diesel, insurance and big items. I prefer paying by cash whenever possible because that way I feel as if I've got a better grasp on what I'm spending.

One thing which frustrates me about state pensions is the disparity between EU countries.

In my view, the money is poorly spent and given willy-nilly to people unlikely to get on the winning rostrum.

I don't spend and save whenever I have spare cash. I dislike people who boast about money.

If you've been frugal during your life and tried to save, you're penalised by the tax system. You pay tax on your wages, your savings and even your private pension.

In the arena of life, so many lessons are taught but few are taken and few are applied

The greywastes was a basin overflowing with insanity, the very earth underneath me was only surviving because it was too mad to know it had died

If we had paid no more attention to our plants than we have to our children, we would now be living in a jungle of weed.

Parents do not owe their progeny an inheritance no matter how much money they have. One of the surest ways to produce loafers and freeloaders is to let children know that their future is assured.

Americans are good at making dance music.

A civil ruler dabbling in religion is as reprehensible as a clergyman dabbling in politics. Both render themselves odious as well as ridiculous.

How could you get angry with Jackie Gleason?

Make in India! By this, we mean we want to give low cost manufacturing, ease of business, skilled manpower. India is a land of huge possibilities & scope.

When intimacy followed love in Italy there were no longer any vain pretensions between two lovers.

You've got to be ready for the fastball.