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What to Do with Your Tax Refund: 5 Smart Moves for Canadians

  Tax Season · Personal Finance By MoneySavings.ca Editorial Team • May 7, 2026 • 7 min read Tax season is wrapping up across Canada, and for millions of Canadians, that means a refund cheque — or a direct deposit — is on its way. The average Canadian tax refund hovers around $1,800. That's real money. The question is: what's the smartest thing you can do with it? It's tempting to treat a tax refund like "found money" and splurge. But here's the truth — that refund was your money all along. The government was just holding it for you, interest-free. So before it quietly disappears into day-to-day spending, let's look at five moves that will make it work harder for you. $1,800 The average Canadian tax refund — enough to make a meaningful dent in debt, pad an emergency fund, or kick-start your TFSA for the year. 1 Pay Down High-Interest Debt First If you're carrying a balance on a credit card, this should be your very first call. Most Canadian credit car...

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How to prevent heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. They are both caused by problems with the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart and brain. The most common risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent heart disease and stroke, or to reduce their impact if they occur. Here are some tips to keep your heart and brain healthy:

1. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and follow your doctor's advice on how to control them.

2. Quit smoking or avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

3. Manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid abdominal obesity.

5. Exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

6.  Eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats.

7. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

8. Manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

9. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm or leg weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or sudden severe headache.

By following these steps, you can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and improve your quality of life. Remember that prevention is better than cure!


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