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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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Understanding Credit Score Ratings in Canada - Easy Guide

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What is a Credit Score Report

A credit score rating is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness, which reflects their credit history and financial behavior. Ranging typically from 300 to 850, a higher credit score indicates a lower credit risk and a greater likelihood of obtaining credit on favorable terms. Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, utilize credit scores to assess the potential risks of lending money to individuals. A good credit score implies responsible financial management, timely repayment of debts, and a history of low credit utilization. On the other hand, a poor credit score may signal past financial difficulties, missed payments, or high credit card balances, making it harder to secure loans or credit cards, and potentially leading to higher interest rates when approved. Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for accessing financial opportunities and achieving one's long-term financial goals.


Credit Score Agencies

There are three major credit reporting agencies that provide credit scores:

Equifax

Experian

TransUnion

These credit reporting agencies collect and maintain credit information on individuals, including their credit history, payment behavior, and outstanding debts. They use this information to calculate credit scores, which lenders and financial institutions often use to assess creditworthiness when approving loans, credit cards, or other financial products. Keep in mind that credit reporting agencies may have different methods of calculating credit scores, leading to slight variations in the scores they provide for the same individual.

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