Really mean things people do to save money.

It is worth saying that in many of our early lives it wasn't meanness it was rationing. The allowances were very small indeed and children did have to take second place. A joint did have to last several days and took many guises. My mother was a good cook and we had an allotment so lived quite well comparatively. But meals were boring and today's choice would amaze my mother, born in1904.

There's meanness and meanness of spirit

Just sayin'

Once again, I must say, the post is about meanness, not thriftiness or good money saving tips.

Should I start a " money saving" thread?

I am new to internet forums, so don't know the form.

This thread has prompted some great hints on saving and poignant memories of our mothers and grandmothers making ends meet.
My advice to you, Daddima is 'Let it Go!'

No one has been abusive to you.

And are you really new to internet forums?

Coffee was too expensive and rarely served

I remember Camp coffee - a liquid mix of coffee and chicory.

You can still buy Camp coffee rose.

I can't remember a time when instant coffee wasn't readily available, I must say. My grandparents drank it, certainly (and they were ordinary, working-class folk!).

I do remember powdery Nescafe as well.

Yes, that's all that was on offer I think. No one in our circles drank 'real' coffee!

My dad was the only one in the household who drank real ground coffee, though I seem to remember Camp Coffee being used in my granny's house. As students, we bought a huge tin of own brand instant coffee which didn't bear much similarity to the real thing and the coffee they sold in some of the coffee shops was more like washing-up water! However, going to live in Kenya where they grew it was a revelation.