At the beginning of A Christmas Carol in Prose, abundant evidence is provided to support the conclusion that Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who doesn't want to spend any more money than is absolutely essential, and who begrudges spending for what is necessary.

Scrooge didn't spend the money to paint out Marley's name from the front of the business, even seven years after Marley's death. Scrooge kept the coal-bin in his office so he could limit the amount of coal Bob Cratchit took to heat his clerk's office. Scrooge refused to donate to the callers raising money to support the poor. "I don't make merry myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merry."

Scrooge's living arrangements provide further evidence of his extreme efforts to save money. His apartment is in an old building, is only three rooms, and is furnished very cheaply.

a small fire in the grate;...It was a very low fire, indeed; nothing on such a bitter night. He was obliged to sit close to it, and brood over it, before he could extract the least sensation of warmth from such a handful of fuel.