During my early days as a sportsman and early career as a policeman, things were tight. In athletics I competed as an amateur and, although I might have received some expenses, very little came my way in earnings.

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.

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.

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.

It seems that nearly every week there is a problem where information is leaked or computers hacked. I'm conscious of keeping my details as safe as possible. I might be old but I'm still bright and prefer to go into my local branch and see a face.

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.

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.