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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 Boost Your Income in a Tough Economy


Many Canadians are feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living, and cutting expenses may not be enough to make ends meet. Financial experts say that increasing your income is a better strategy than slashing your budget to the bone.

Here are some ways to boost your income according to experts:

1.  Negotiating a higher salary at your current job is a good first step. Do your research on the market value of your skills and achievements, and being prepared to make your case for a raise.

2. Diversifying your income sources by selling your unwanted items, renting out your space or possessions, or starting a side hustle. However,  these options may require trade-offs in terms of time or privacy.

Many professionals in this field agree that boosting your income is more effective than cutting your expenses in the long run. You should be looking for opportunities to use your skills, hobbies, or passions to generate extra income, while being mindful of the tax implications.

Also seeking professional advise if you are struggling with debt or budgeting, as there may be solutions that you are not aware of. Increasing your income can help you achieve your financial goals and improve your quality of life.

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