better." Joanie reckons that she's spent 5 hours a week on average to save £500 in a year. That works out at £1.92 per hour - just over a third of the national minimum wage.

Apart from wasting time, it could be argued that money saving is addictive; certainly, the ingredients of addiction are apparent - the short-lived thrill

of achievement, followed by a period of growing dissatisfaction until the next hit - or bargain.

Some people are convinced it's worth the effort - my friend Chris, for instance, a learning support worker who's married with two children. He claims a saving of £1,100 from a yearly total of 4 hours online research and form filling. "I know my way round the web; I don't dither," says Chris, thus 'earning' £275 an hour for his efforts.

But Chris is unusual - and, anyway, should he be encouraged? Television pundits like Martin Lewis promote