Our forebears lived through hard times and if they were alive today would no doubt remark that we live in luxury by comparison.
Despite meagre incomes and large families, they provided the essentials of life for their families without support from the Government and without going broke. Their expectations were simple - a roof over their heads, good food to eat, an education for their children and a few short years of rest at the end of their working years.
Theirs was a life without money machines and credit cards, where if you wanted to buy something, you paid cash, and if you didn't have the cash, you saved hard until you did.
Borrowing money meant a visit to the bank manager who would take some convincing to approve a loan. Yes, you could have accounts with the grocer or butcher, but they would be settled on payday. Trust and integrity meant bill reminders were seldom required.
Saving was vital because there was little Government help and it was considered shameful to ask for support.
