Why do people save money just to "save money"?
Sounds like you and your dad's friend are opposite extremes. At 82, he lived through the depression and was probably very influenced by it - being afraid of not having food to eat or a place to live at a young age will really shape someone's attitude. Plus he's probably happy to leave his money to his family when he passes away. You have nothing to save for today. But it sounds like you aren't prepared for buying a car, going to college or moving out on your own. I hope your parents can buy those things for you and will let you live under their roof for a long time.
What are the most effective yet simple ways people can save energy?
I’ve taken simple steps and a few more ambitious ones. Believe it or not, one of the best, easiest, and most rewarding things you can do to save energy is eat locally. The average item on the American dinner plate has traveled 1500 miles. I eat locally and love it. I eat fresher & tastier. I drive less. Traffic sucks; I take public transport everywhere and love it. I get to read when I’m en route instead of cursing the traffic. I walk and bike a lot, too. For energy usage at home, I’ve upgraded my insulation and turned the thermostat down a few degrees, it’s just as comfortable and cut the bill by 20%. I have a flash water heater and energy star appliances. I’ve changed all the light bulbs, of course, to CFB’s, but now there are CFB’s with nicer softer light, so try those. I have power strips for all appliances so I can easily unplug all my devices when I’m not around to eliminate drawing “vampire power”. On the more ambitious side, I’m currently converting electricity and gas over to solar and wind power generated on site at home.
When is it too late to repent and be saved?
its too late when you die and judgement has been set. if you read in Revelations, John does mentioned souls that were saved after Jesus' second coming(the rapture), some of those souls survived the 7 year tribulation while most have their heads cut off by the Antichrist for refusing to take the mark of the beast(666). When Jesus does come back, it will be in the twinkling of an eye. Thats like you see someone you blink for a split second and then they are gone. Too late to be taken in the rapture, but you still have the opportunity to accept Jesus during the tribulation. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, you may go to sleep tonight and not wake up tomorrow. this life is just a speck in time, but eternity is forever.
Why are some people stuck on tradition when they don't make sense anymore in this day and age?
Let's not confuse tradition with etiquette. Even etiquette guru Judith Martin (Miss Manners) tells us that traditions which are distasteful or impracticable should be "discreetly edited out" of weddings. People may urge you to follow tradition or express dismay when you do not, but they can't rightly say you have been been rude. Another respondent defends the practice of hosting showers for members of ones own family. To her I say: To host a fund raiser for a needy bride who is not a relative is gracious and generous. To host a fund raiser for your own family is greedy. That this form of greed may be gaining social acceptance in some circles does make it any less greedy. These relatives have the option of giving a luncheon, dinner, or other sort of party to honor the bride but CHOOSE to demand gifts from guests. How is this NOT greedy? Thank you for letting me address that.
Do you think religion can save you?
Yes, I do beleive religion can save you. Worshipign gives you something to beleive in and a moral code. When you have a moral code you realize when you are violating it therefore it is able to help you in everyday life!