I’M GOING to become an influencer.

A couple of years ago I hadn’t ever heard of this ‘job’, but more and more people appear to be making a mint from setting themselves up as one.

These individuals spend a lot of time on social media, telling others about how they live - what brand of make-up they use, what clothes they wear, what car they drive and so on, prompting others to follow suit. And they get paid handsomely to do it. What’s not to like?

Quite a lot really. Research has revealed how those trying to emulate the lifestyles of influencers are spending beyond their means. A study by a Cheshire-based finance company found that one person in eight is over-spending to match the looks of Instagram influencers, ending up in debt.

So what’s the answer? Maybe I am. I am thinking of establishing myself as an influencer and encouraging people to follow me instead.

My role as an influencer is going to be an antidote to what’s gone before. Anyone who emulates my profile and appearance will find that they save a lot of cash.

I can’t wait to get started. I am itching to tell people about what I have for breakfast (Benefit, from Aldi the poor-person’s Special K), lunch (cheap again - baked potato and tuna) and dinner (simple yet tasty dishes like spag bol, chilli or stir fry).

I am eager to describe my wardrobe - cardigans, cardigans and even more cardigans: with enough exposure the garment might emerge as a trendsetter. And my complete lack of make-up, saving both time and money. I could help thousands with my low-spend, subsistence lifestyle.

I will take selfies while out trawling charity shops and sales, and I’ve got some great tips. I can show people how to keep wrinkles at bay, with a recommendation from my 90-year-old neighbour, who credits a £1.50 cream for her age-defying complexion.

We have forgotten the wartime practice of ‘make do and mend’. Now we buy/throw away as though there wasn’t such a thing as a global environmental crisis.

I’ll be plugging country walks in the fresh air instead of expensive gym memberships. And I can pinpoint the best times to visit supermarkets for cut-price deals.

My influencing - via blogs, vlogs and Post-it notes - will be no-holds barred in its revelations, even down to what haemorrhoid cream works best (unlike some famous influencers, I won’t be recommending it for crows’ feet) and which big knickers are best at flattening flab.

I am not saying it will be easy. As a novice who has failed miserably even to influence her own children, it will be a huge challenge. Most influencers appear to be young, attractive women, of which I am neither. My posing and posturing (well-worn cardigan, no make-up) selfies won’t be pretty.

But for whoever follows me, there won’t be any pressure to keep up or to whip out your credit card. There will more likely be a snap of me waiting for a bus at Bradford Interchange than the VIP lounge at Heathrow.

Whether anyone will be interested in reading about what washing powder I use (the cheapest non-bio) and how often I floss my teeth (when I remember), I don’t know. I certainly am not interested in finding out stuff like that about other people, but that seems to be the way of the world now.

You never know, I could end up attracting more followers than Kim Kardashian and heading a revolution against this superficial nonsense that’s driving people into debt. I hope so.