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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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Delta Airlines Increases Checked-Baggage Fees by 17%


              

In a move that may prompt travelers to reconsider their packing strategies, Delta Airlines has just raised the cost of checking your first bag by 17%. The previous fee of $30 for domestic flights now increases by $5, bringing it to $35. Additionally, the charge for a second checked bag has risen from $40 to $45.

Delta’s decision follows similar fee hikes by other major U.S. carriers. Both American Airlines and United Airlines announced their own increases in February, and smaller carriers like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways have also adjusted their fees recently. This trend of carriers adjusting their pricing in response to one another is often referred to as “herd instinct” by behavior analysts.

While passengers with status perks can still check their first bag for free, and those with first-class tickets can check two bags without charge, the majority of travelers will feel the impact of these fee adjustments. Baggage fees have become a reliable source of revenue for airlines, especially since their introduction in 2008 when jet fuel prices were soaring. In 2022, U.S. airlines collectively earned $6.8 billion from checked-bag fees, with American and United leading the way at $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Delta followed closely in third place with $979.4 million.

As travelers prepare for their next flights, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes and consider how they might affect travel budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a first-time traveler, keep an eye on those baggage fees—they’re more significant than ever.


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