There used to be a time when buying something expensive was worth crowing about.

After all, that is the point of designer brands signing up lots of famous names at huge sponsorship costs, so we can all emulate the way they look and dress. It was self branding, a way to send a message to people about yourself, telling them that you are successful and able to afford luxury items.

Somehow it all changed when Primark cottoned on to the fact that as long as something looked good and was cheap enough, people would buy it and throw it away for another one a few weeks later. All of a sudden, cheap was trendy. It became the talking point of dinner parties about how cheap your dress was, or just how many uses you got from it before it was discarded for another just as cheap item.

Regardless of the fact that there may well be exploitation of third world labour, we are all desperate for the next bargain basement buy. It has stimulated the high street to go for cheap but stylish lines and as consumers, we are focusing on frugality over fashion. Even the designer brands have bought into this mind set now with their factory outlet operations offering substantial discounts on out of season or slightly defective lines.

So with cheap very firmly on the menu our insatiable appetite for a bargain has led to an explosion in discount voucher codes.

In the USA, discount voucher shopping has been in place for years. No matter, whether you are in an up market store or a local high street outlet, they will have issued discount vouchers to stimulate customer traffic. Today, thanks to the Internet, discount voucher coupons are now valuable must-have items for UK shoppers.

A recent survey showed that there are over 2 million vouchers used each and every day by UK online shoppers, looking to get better value. This has resulted in an average monthly saving for consumers of around £56 and a staggering £2.8 billion nationwide. The voucher code is a genius of an idea that has transformed the way in which we shop. Although we are content that we are enjoying substantial discounts, the truth of the matter is that we are actually spending more. It has made us almost desperate to use the vouchers in any way we can, because after all, we do not want to miss out on a bargain now do we?

We all love to receive gifts, no matter how big or small, so the fact that your present was only purloined through the artful use of a discount voucher should not in any way land your present giver in hot water. Quite the opposite in fact. You should let them revel in their contentment that they managed to grab the one thing you really wanted at such a great price. Rejoice in it collectively and then of course when it comes to your turn, you will also have no shame or guilt in responding by using your own discount voucher code to get your present.

A story from a Money Saving Voucher Codes visitor.

Feeling unusually peaky one day in in January, with a spotty chest that was definitely indicative of the dreaded lurgy, I popped in to see my GP. I found myself quite rightfully shocked when the diagnosis of chicken pox came back; this was after all an affliction that had managed to elude me for 37 years. Confined to the isolation of my own house like some animal in quarantine, I suddenly found myself dependent on the mouse, not only for entertainment but for my everyday needs.

Sadly for my credit card, the illness had done little to dampen my enthusiasm for shopping and I was horrified at being unable to drive to Dorothy Perkins to buy that perfect silk tea dress I'd spotted in the store three days earlier. Luckily, Dots came up trumps and delivered the dress free within two days. Although it was all set to be a summer stunner, I did find it didn't quite suit with the spots.

As the contents of the larder began to dwindle, hunger kicked in. And so it was that I turned to mysupermarket to stock up on the best of comforting ready meals, illness being the perfect excuse for laziness. Feeling particularly impressed with the Tesco Finest Range Mushroom Risotto, followed by a tangy tarte au citron, I kicked back and relaxed as much as one can when covered with stinging spots. Thankfully Tesco were also able to supply me with a generous bottle of calamine lotion to ease the itching to a manageable level.

I always find that keeping ones dignity by looking clean and smart while convalescing can lift the spirits no end, so imagine the frustration when my favourite hair straighteners finally gave up the ghost. With a host of haircare and beauty websites on hand however I had no problems ordering a new pair of GHD IV salon stylers. Being the best purchase of the decade for millions of sleek-haired women, they would at least have to qualify amongst my top twelve buys ever.

No time spent at home feeling sorry for oneself can ever be complete without the entertainment package and in my case this was adequately supplied by Play.com throughout the week in the form of music, books and DVDs. With Florence and the Machine and Paolo Nutini to wile away the hours spent snoozing on the sofa and Vampire Weekend to send me to sleep at night, all that remained was to switch on the DVD player. Being a sci fi fan at heart, it is no surprise thatMoon and District 9 have become two of my favourite films.

Shopping is of course all about finding what you are not looking for when you least expect it and towards the end of the week, while casually browsing B&Q's website, I happened to spot the most perfect set of outdoor furniture for my garden. With quality hardwood, a matching day bed to die for and fabric to match the red camellias, this was one of those must-have moments, when the desire to spend truly kicks in and the credit card shivers in anticipation. Delivery would be within five days. Fortunately, my GP was able to sign me off work for another week, so I was there for the grand delivery. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together.