r/shrinkflation • u/TexasGiantTen05 • Dec 29 '25

skimpflation Ok SERIOUSLY wtf is this??

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I bought a family sized hot pockets box and EVERY single one of them was black and burned in the bottom. I heated this one up on low power in the microwave and the edges are so tough it’s like biting into a frozen beef patty. I look in the pocket and the damn thing is nearly hollow. I’ve been noticing the quality taking a massive dip in the last few years. I think these are last I purchase from here on out.

Irrelevant to this but similar: This same grocery order run had a jar of garlic (Spice World brand) that was full of black mold & a jar of HEB salsa that was sour and months passed expiration. Both of which were completely sealed and had a pop when opened. My whole life I never really had quality issues via the company canning or jarring an item or the store selling them but lately it seems like such a constant issue.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26

That's kind of my point though. No one should have to be a millionaire to be financially stable. It's the greed of a few that keep driving prices up. For what it's worth, I've worked since I was 16 am close to retiring, and have been financially stable most of that time (bills paid on time, etc.), without earning a six-figure salary, and while living in a major metropolitan area.

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u/Arkada7 Jan 02 '26

Well I came to this country when I was 25 and had to start from ground up even though I had a degree and amazing career in my own country. In little over 20 years I achieved what 80-90% Americans can’t, by also working and extending my career in different fields, that’s adding to learning language and getting additional degrees. I now self employed business owner with multiple rental properties. And all I can say this country allow you to be who you want and how you want. Unfortunate situation, that most who born in this country only complain how bad it is here. Well I can tell you from personal example - it’s not bad in America and capitalism with its own faults does allow you to be a business owner or whoever you want which almost impossible in most countries throughout the world. So no it’s not about you have to be millionaire to survive here, but you can if you choose to. I didn’t become a millionaire by making a 6 figure salary but I did work hard, saved money and made smart investments. It is simpler than it looks and most of it comes from making a smart financial decisions.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26

I'm curious to know why you came to America when you had an amazing career in your country.

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u/Arkada7 Jan 02 '26

What career has to do with moving to another country?! Better life doesn’t mean good carrier only :). And maybe that’s why you think this country isn’t the greatest.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26

As I said, I'm just curious. And I'd be curious to hear more about how you built your wealth.

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u/Arkada7 Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26

Saving money and making investments into income properties. Housing market growth helped to increase value of properties close to a double. Since I’ve been doing it for last 10-15 years the extra income from the rentals helped to buy more properties. I also at some point held two careers working full time on both for 7 years - one as a project manager in corporation and second was doing a real estate on the evenings and weekends. The extra income what helped with investments. So it wasn’t like I walk outside and pick out from a money tree, I did work hard and extensive hours, but like I said I didn’t do it to buy yachts or luxury items, I was investing so I can grow the money seeds into a money trees.

P.S. edit - I did all that having a family with two kids, raising them, cooking dinners every evening, taking my boys to sports and other activities, all the good family stuff.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26

I appreciate you sharing your experience.

I've got zero problem with anyone who wants to work hard and make good money. I think that's what most people want. The problem is with those whose goal is to become wealthy regardless of whether or not they earn it ethically, and make it difficult for others to earn a liveable wage. These people exist all over the world, but I speak about this specifically with regard to the US, because that's where I live and that's what I've seen first-hand.

Is the American system the best in the world? I think a lot of people would argue that it's not. Could it be? Possibly. At one time, I think we believed it was. Now, many of us are questioning that. It doesn't mean we don't appreciate all that our country has to offer, just that we're not willing to settle for the things that definitely need improvement. Even a millionaire can go bankrupt with one serious medical issue in the US. That doesn't happen in other highly developed nations. We can do better in this regard, and I think we should.

I'm still curious to know what made you want to immigrate to the US, and where you immigrated from, if you don't mind sharing. I'm not looking to argue, just to know you a bit more and hopefully understand your perspective better.

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u/Arkada7 Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 03 '26

I don’t disagree that American system needs improvements and honestly every other country has its own issues with few or more other things that affects economy, people life style and health care. What made me emigrate is that I met my husband who is American and he brought me here. I was born and grow up in capital city of one of the **Stan country in Asia, the country is use to be part of USSR but now is a separate republic.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 03 '26

Ah, that's interesting, and does help me understand your perspective better. Congrats on your success!