Most of us have had financial concerns at some time or another. We may worry about getting made redundant, or rising energy bills; we may feel anxious about our retirement and pension.

Yesterday I was reading an article about the owners of the Aldi chain of supermarkets. They were German brothers by the name of Karl and Theo Albrecht. Theo has now died and Karl has retired and now been listed as one of Germany’s richest men.

There is a story told about Theo that I find rather amazing. It is said that before he died he was shown plans for a new supermarket to be built somewhere. He liked the drawings and agreed them. His only criticism was that the paper they were printed on was too thick. He commented that he wanted his staff to use thinner paper next time.

I was amazed that someone so wealthy could have such a frugal mindset ( but I guess that is the kind of mindset that made him want to set up a shop that sold things so much more cheaply than other stores!)

Still, I think it shows something greater, a huge attention to detail that of course the Germans are known for.

The other thing amazing about Aldi is of course that the managers stack shelves and also are very willing for you to haggle over goods and ask for discounts. I can’t see either of these things happening in Tescos, can you?

This kind of penny-conscious attitude may be thought wise in our society where giant debts loom over people in such a way that some are totally suffocated by them. Money worries are a massive cause of marital problems and breakup stress and anxiety.

So what should our attitude be to money?

I am going to look at this subject in the next few weeks as I try and pinch some spiritual pennies. I hope you enjoy the blogs.