The Origins Of The Tight Arts – Part 4 15 Sep 2009 by Greg Ellis in Tight Arts Blog

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A good Tight Artist always prepares ahead of time to minimise the risk of unforeseen spends. When travelling that means having cheap accommodation sussed in advance and knowing how to get there in the cheaply on public transport.

When I arrived in Copenhagen at 5pm I broke both of these rules. I was lucky not to get blown away on my first day of the trip.

I also got off the train having zero idea of the exchange rate. That's 3 rookie errors.

All I had was the phone number of a friend of our Online Marketing Manager, Johan. He'd texted saying his place was too small, but that he'd sort something out with a friend of his. He'd get in touch with an update at 6pm or so.

If you're poorly prepared you either rely on luck or expense. I've learnt this the hard way before.

I decided to roll the dice and relax in the town square as the sun set. 15 minutes after it was got darkand not so fun anymore, Nick got in touch. I was relieved.

He said his friend Sophie could put me up a day or two, but she would... Read More »

The Origins Of The Tight Arts – Part 3 14 Sep 2009 by Greg Ellis in Tight Arts Blog

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So far it's been a successful mission.

I've opened your eyes to these important bits of information...

• The Scottish origins of the Tight Arts - Calvinism and Adam Smith, the father of modern economics.
• How appreciating the value of your money makes the world a better place and warms your heart.
• How some Scottish folks view their 'grippy' reputation.
• The difference between being a Tight Artist and just a selfish tight arsehole.

With a solid understanding of where the Tight Arts comes from, it's now time to apply what we've learned.

A Hostile Environment For The Tight Artist

We're heading to a place that has no mercy for your savings and cares not about how broke you are. It's the most unforgiving environment possible for someone who doesn't want to spend - Northern Europe.

That's like sending a man who's scared of he... Read More »

Fact: Flatmates Prefer To Wipe With Yours 10 Sep 2009 by Greg Ellis in Tight Arts Blog

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TIGHT ARTS TIP #101

Freeloading flatmates beware. Watch as the Tight Artist skillfully traps his toilet paper thieving flatmate. After a heated dispute, he nets a tidy little saving. Watch…and learn from the Master.

Ha! Yes... we're having a little fun. But seriously, there's merit in what the Tight Artist has achieved here... Some people, especially flatmates, are a little wasteful and disrespectful…and won't have any shame when it comes to using your stuff. In these economic times, can you really... Read More »

The Origins Of The Tight Arts – Part 2 28 Aug 2009 by Greg Ellis in Tight Arts Blog

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Finally. The search comes to and end. The origins of the Tight Arts revealed.

The Scots built this castle to keep people away from their money. True.

The last time I was talking to Scottish folkin an effort to understand their thrifty reputation, I was getting nowhere - until I met this guy in a Scottish café. He hit it on the head.

Check out the castle.

Listen to him and learn what few people know.

Having problems playing? Click here to Download

I dug deeper..... Read More »

The Origins Of The Tight Arts – Part 1 27 Aug 2009 by Greg Ellis in Tight Arts Blog

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You need to know your roots.

So having just founded the Tight Arts Appreciation Society, I went to Scotland on a fact finding mission. I was burning to discover who the movement's forefathers were and where the Tight Arts originated.

Though I'd consider myself quite generous these days (don't mind sharing my loo paper with my flatmates for example), I've had to be frugal at times in the past and I can really appreciate a good Tight Artist.

I'm not one to blow my own horn, but I consider myself well qualified for founding this new Society.

• I've lived in Scotland before and fittingly worked as a pricing analyst for Statestreet. (Analyst - topical term.)
• I've done a double economics major - so I know how to economise
• I've been exposed to some of the greats throughout my life - I'll introduce you to these guys in weeks to come.

The trip started well. I hobbled off the plane in Edinburgh dreary from sleeping pills to be met by my former work colleague Ian. There was no sign of him waiting... Read More »