....Good to hear from you re: your experiences with your Dad and his attitudes to money. ..... In my formative years my grandmother lived with us. She was the 'knowing' person when it came to money. .... A few of her gems: (and I quote) "When you buy something, always try to buy the very best one that you can afford. The pain of paying for it , you will only feel it ONCE. If you buy 'cheap', you will feel the pain EVERYDAY as it probably won't be much good."
 ....and from the same grandmother .... "Buy it once, ... buy it right."

I have tried to live by her wisdom and it has never let me down. When I have gone against her principles and tried to buy 'cheap', I have usually regreted my decision. .... and felt the pain for many days.

I enjoyed reading your story. Thanks. Mark