A common issue faced by recent graduates is one of finances. With the problem of increasing living costs compounded by a lack of job opportunities in today’s economic climate, graduates must learn to be more prudent with their finances. One popular way to do this is by buying ‘budget brand’ items at the supermarket. Evidence to support this growing trend can be seen in the sales figures of leading UK supermarkets, which demonstrate that the sale of own-brand items has more than doubled since the beginning of the recession in 2008. In addition to this, many graduates are forced to take part-time jobs, live with friends or family and acknowledge the fact it may take longer than hoped to achieve their career goals.