The financial realities of homeownership have shifted dramatically as rising property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs strain homebuyer budgets, making it more difficult to manage finances.
Dabners Pet Shop, located in Croydon, will close permanently on August 16, after over 60 years of serving the community. The closure is attributed to rising costs and increased shoplifting.
"The federal funds that helped businesses like TLC stay afloat during the pandemic - with grants and pay boosts - had expired in 2023... The staff still expected higher salaries, which at around $14 an hour was not close to a living wage."
