With more than half the population now checking their account balances more often as a direct result of the downturn, and with more of us comparing prices in virtually every market, it is natural to turn budget management into a skill, an accomplishment, a badge of lifestyle success.

The world is becoming more affluent. We are generating more and more money - so more spending will go on. In the west, we're opening our purses and moths are flying out - but we've got to remember that, in other markets, this is not an issue.

With more than half the population now checking their account balances more often as a direct result of the downturn, and with more of us comparing prices in virtually every market, it is natural to turn budget management into a skill, an accomplishment, a badge of lifestyle success.