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10 Proven Ways Canadian Families Can Save Big on Groceries This Summer

  Published on moneysavings.ca | Personal Finance & Everyday Savings If you've been to a Canadian grocery store lately, you already know — the sticker shock is real. Feeding a family in Canada has become one of the biggest household expenses, and with food prices still elevated, many families are looking for smart, practical ways to stretch every dollar. The good news? You don't have to sacrifice quality or go hungry to save big. With a few simple habit changes, many Canadian families are cutting hundreds of dollars off their monthly grocery bills. Here are 10 strategies you can start using today. 1. Shop the "Reduced for Quick Sale" Section First Every major grocery store in Canada — from Loblaws to Sobeys to Walmart — has a section dedicated to items nearing their best-before date. These items are often marked down by 30–50%, and they're perfectly good to eat within a day or two (or freeze immediately). Make it a habit to check this section the moment...

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How to Prepare Your Investments for Rising Rates in Canada

 

On October 25, the Bank of Canada made a decision: they kept the interest rates steady at 5%. This means that investors need to adjust their portfolios to cope with the new normal of higher borrowing costs and lower bond prices. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Reduce your exposure to long-term bonds. Long-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds, so they will lose more value when rates go up. You can switch to shorter-term bonds or bond funds, or use bond ladders to stagger the maturity dates of your bonds.

2. Diversify your income sources. Interest income from bonds will likely decline as rates rise, so you may want to look for other sources of income, such as dividends, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or preferred shares. These assets can provide steady cash flow and may also benefit from economic growth and inflation.

3. Consider adding some inflation protection. Higher interest rates often come with higher inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of your money. You can protect yourself from inflation by investing in assets that tend to rise in value when prices go up, such as commodities, gold, or inflation-linked bonds.

4. Review your asset allocation. Higher interest rates may affect the performance of different asset classes, so you may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired risk-reward profile. For example, you may want to reduce your exposure to growth stocks that rely on cheap debt to fund their expansion, and increase your exposure to value stocks that have strong cash flows and dividends.

5. Seek professional advice. Adjusting your portfolio for higher interest rates can be complex and challenging, especially if you have a long-term horizon and multiple goals. You may want to consult a financial planner or advisor who can help you create a personalized plan that suits your needs and preferences.

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