Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
Practical Ways to Save Money
Saving money can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty. However, there are some practical ways to reduce your expenses and increase your savings without sacrificing your quality of life. Here are some tips to help you save money:
- Track your spending. The first step to saving money is to know where your money is going. You can use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or a simple notebook to record your income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs and allocate more money to your savings goals.
- Set realistic goals. Saving money is easier when you have a clear purpose and a timeline. Whether you want to save for a vacation, an emergency fund, or a retirement plan, you should set a specific amount and a deadline for your goal. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your progress.
- Automate your savings. One of the best ways to save money is to make it automatic. You can set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account, or use an app that rounds up your purchases and transfers the difference to your savings. This way, you won't have to think about saving money every month, and you'll be less tempted to spend it.
- Cut unnecessary expenses. There are probably some expenses that you can eliminate or reduce without affecting your lifestyle. For example, you can cancel subscriptions that you don't use, switch to a cheaper phone plan, or cook more meals at home instead of eating out. These small changes can add up to big savings over time.
- Shop smart. When you do need to buy something, make sure you get the best deal possible. You can use coupons, discounts, cashback apps, or comparison websites to find the lowest prices on the items you need. You can also buy secondhand, borrow, or swap items with friends or family instead of buying new ones.
- Save energy. Another way to save money is to lower your utility bills by using less energy. You can do this by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, adjusting your thermostat, using energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, or installing solar panels. You can also save water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, or using low-flow faucets and showerheads.
These are just some of the practical ways to save money in 2023. By applying these tips consistently, you can make a significant difference in your finances and achieve your savings goals faster.
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