How to Combat "Shrinkflation"
Plus, an end to debtors' prisons in Maryland?
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Edward Dworsky of ConsumerWorld are offering tips on how to fight "shrinkflation” - the reality that product sizes are getting smaller even as prices are increasing.
Here’s what they recommend:
· Take advantage of unit pricing to truly compare and know what you’re actually paying
· Compare prices in supermarkets’ weekly flyers
· Substitute store brands for the higher-priced brand names
· Check the “day-old rack” for discounted produce and bread
· Use the store’s loyalty card to save on sale items
· Stock-up on sale items when the price is exceptionally good
· Compare the price per serving instead of just the per pound price
· Use grocery apps to get rebates on items you buy anyway
“The best way to cope with ‘shrinkflation’ is to focus on unit pricing (the price per ounce or per 100-count)—that’s the only way to really compare prices and know what you’re paying,” said Jack Gillis of CFA. “What’s particularly insidious, is that while package contents are shrinking, package sizes often look the same—so beware.”
Maryland House Votes to End Debtors’ Prisons
The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) applauded an overwhelming vote in the Maryland House of Delegates in favor of legislation (HB 349) that ends the practice of issuing an arrest warrant for individuals who fail to appear in small claims court in collection actions. 101 members of the House of Delegates voted in favor of the legislation, sponsored by Delegate David Moon.
MORE on this important legislation in Maryland >
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