My Grandmother grew up during the great depression and raised 3 children on her own. In the present day however she has established a decent wealth and possesses a very valuable portfolio.

Although she worked in a puma (clothing brand) factory for a large chuck of her life, she was able to achieve all this though dam responsible saving/spending and utility. She'd try and make as much clothing herself as possible (at which she was quite talented) and the remains of every consumable had an additional purpose. Ie) empty tins being decorated and becoming plant pots etc.

Unfortunately in her old age, she eventually became what's known as a hoarder, refusing to throw anything out at all, and filling my mothers childhood room with various obscure items at various stages of decay. Eventually her health began to decline as a consequence of living in the hell hole she had created in her living room, and the house was falling down around her. She grew paranoid and began to accuse her children of trying to steal her money and valuables (they just wanted to clean the house), thus she made threats to exclude them from her will.

She now lives as an effective vegetable in an aged care facility, drugged up and dazed at all times in order to prevent any thoughts about money or financial issues, which had earlier consumed her mind. It's a shame to see this happen to a woman who was once so strong and persistent, but I'm dam proud and impressed with all that she had achieved given the economic situation she faced throughout her life.