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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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The 30-30 Rule: A Simple Strategy to Boost Your Savings


Saving money can be challenging, especially when faced with tempting impulse purchases. The 30-30 Rule is a straightforward approach that helps you manage your finances more effectively. Let’s dive into the details.

What Is the 30-30 Rule?

The 30-30 Rule involves allocating your income into specific categories:

  1. Essential Expenses (30%): Allocate 30% of your after-tax income to cover necessities like groceries, transportation, utilities, and healthcare.
  2. Homeownership Expenses (30%): Set aside another 30% for homeownership costs, such as rent or mortgage payments.
  3. Financial Goals (30%): Use 30% of your income to build an emergency fund, contribute to long-term savings, pay off debts, or invest.
  4. Remaining 10%: The last 10% is flexible—use it for discretionary spending, entertainment, or other personal preferences.

How to Implement the Rule

  1. Calculate Your After-Tax Income: Start by determining your monthly income after taxes.
  2. Divide by 10: Allocate 30% to each of the three main categories (essential expenses, homeownership expenses, and financial goals). The remaining 10% is for discretionary spending.
  3. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to separate accounts for each category. This ensures consistency and discipline.
  4. Review and Adjust: Regularly assess your spending and adjust as needed. If you consistently overspend in one area, consider reallocating funds.

Benefits of the 30-30 Rule

  • Simplicity: The rule is easy to understand and implement.
  • Balanced Approach: It ensures you cover essentials, invest in your future, and enjoy some flexibility.
  • Financial Discipline: By automating savings, you build good habits.

Remember, the 30-30 Rule isn’t rigid; adapt it to your unique situation. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, a dream vacation, or retirement, this rule can help you stay on track. 

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