Well, for a start, I work at home, which is wonderful - I have four young children, who are also wonderful (most of the time).

As a freelance hack I manage my life via writing for a variety of papers, starting with The Sunday Times, where I write for the Home section and the News Review. Actually, its not just about paying for the childcare. I love the writing. I also have a marital column - Mr and Mrs Millard - in Body and Soul, which is in the Saturday Times, and for which I am running the London Marathon. I’m actually doing the 26 mile monster for Help the Hospices, a great cause. Do sponsor me!

I’m also a bit of a financial basket case and dispense somewhat ironic financial tips in my Thrifty Living column in the Indy. You can find me in a whole load of other places including the Mail, New Statesman, Breakfast News, and the odd programme on Radio Four.

In order to stop the number of my children going to FIVE, I recently acquired a Border Terrier who has a nasty habit of puncturing footballs with his sharp teeth, but is otherwise adorable. Most important domestic tip? Send your husband on a cooking course. Mine went on one, and has never looked back. Its been quite the most crucial improvement to our home life you can imagine.