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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.