Homeless man wants to save money

A few months ago, I asked a man sitting on the road if he had something to cut a piece of string on my bike. He was smelly but otherwise together.

Over time I have learned his name. He disappears for weeks sometimes. Bit by bit, I found out he has three homes: a flat in South London, a house in Kent and a house in Suffolk. He does not rent these out but keeps 'things' in there.

Yesterday I asked where he is spending Christmas, he is going to 'North London' because even though his friends call him Scrooge he can't see the point of spending all that money.

He has worked for British Airways in France in some capacity. He never begs but just finds life cheaper living on the street. He says winter is even better as he saves even more money.

He seems very isolated, has a good vocabulary and does not drink, smoke or take drugs. I suddenly realised he is a miser - I shall continue having a chat without trying to interrogate him.