Pound poweer
Domestic financial worries were further compounded this week when price comparison website mySupermarket.co.uk revealed that shoppers were paying up to 58% more for basic grocery items than three years ago.
Tea, bread, eggs, rice and pulses were said to cost considerably more in 2010 than in 2007. The 30% hike in the price of tea was in stark contrast to the current overall inflation rate of 3.2% a year.
Such figures make worrying reading with analysts predicting even further rises.
It means shoppers could struggle to get more for their money making it essential, for struggling families in particular, to account for every pound they spend.
Not perhaps a good time then to launch an appeal urging people to donate £1 each in the quest to raise £1m.
University student Rob Taylor, 20, of Long Bennington, is not deterred, however, as his internet-based appeal to persuade a million people to each donate £1 to Cancer Research UK gets under way.
Rob is positive about reaching his goal and, thanks to the popularity of online social networking sites, linking people across the world, his target could quite possibly be within reach.
With more than one in three people predicted to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime, few would begrudge a £1 donation in the search to find a cure and provide the latest treatments to sufferers.
In terms of the cost of living £1 may soon barely cover the cost of a loaf of bread, but if it can help in the fight against cancer — the number one fear of British people according to Cancer Research UK — then that £1 will be priceless.