Shoes take a pounding every time they're worn

THERE is a science to shopping that boils down to mathematical precision that even Carol Vorderman can be proud of.

Like most theories, the secret to its success is simplicity - and it's called the 'pound a wear rule'.

It applies across the whole spending spectrum, from spilling a few pennies on accessories in Primark, to soothing you through those scary purchases where you part with serious poundage.

This mantra has talked me in and out of innumerable buys, never failing to guide me to the right decision at that critical moment.

Let me break it down for you. Say you are faced with a pair of shoes which are 50; you feel like you couldn't possibly live without them, but it's two weeks until payday and if you come home with more footwear, you are almost certain it will end in divorce.

This is when the 'pound a wear rule' rides in like a knight in shining armour to help you make the right choice.

Now here comes the maths part, so please stay with me. If you are to wear said shoes five times, that takes your shoes down to 10 a wear - a bargain in anyone's books.

Wear them 50 times in your life together and that gives you 1 for every outing, proving they are economically sound and a good investment.

Now, no-one can fall out with you when you put it like that.