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5 Things to Know Today: Gas Tax Holiday Extended to 2027, BoC Holds, TSX Rebounds

  September 3, 2026 A big one for your wallet just landed: Ottawa is keeping the gas tax break alive well past Labour Day. Here's what else moved markets and money in Canada today. 1. Gas tax holiday extended to January 31, 2027 The federal fuel excise tax break that was set to expire on Labour Day (Sept. 7) isn't going anywhere. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed the suspension of the 10-cent-per-litre gasoline excise tax and 4-cent-per-litre diesel tax will now run until January 31, 2027, before being phased back in at half-rate from Feb. 1 to March 31 and fully restored April 1. Ottawa first introduced the break in April to offset oil-price shocks tied to the Iran war. What it means for you: The scheduled Sept. 8 jump of 10–11 cents a litre is off the table for now. CAA pegged the national average at 172.9 cents/litre this week — budget around that level rather than the higher price many drivers had braced for. 2. Bank of Canada holds rate at 2.25% for a...

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How to Save Money on Kids’ Expenses Without Sacrificing Fun

Raising kids can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to cut costs on kids’ expenses without compromising their happiness or well-being. Here are some tips to help you save money and still have fun with your kids:

  • Simplify birthday parties: Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on venues, food and entertainment, host a party at home or a nearby park. Kids will enjoy playing games, eating cake and spending time with their friends. You can also ask guests to bring a dish or a gift to share.
  • Postpone the trips: Traveling with kids can be enriching, but also costly and stressful. Wait until your kids are old enough to appreciate and remember the experience. You can also explore local attractions, go camping or visit relatives instead of flying abroad.
  • Reduce the clutter. Kids don’t need a lot of toys and books to be happy. Having too many can overwhelm them and reduce their creativity. Choose quality over quantity and donate or sell the ones they don’t use. You can also borrow books from the library, swap with friends or buy secondhand.
  • Delay the activities: Enrolling your kids in various activities can be beneficial, but also expensive and time-consuming. Consider whether your kids are ready and interested in the activity before signing them up. You can also encourage them to play outdoors, do arts and crafts or learn new skills at home.
  • Dress them smartly: Kids grow fast and their tastes change quickly. Buying them fancy clothes can be a waste of money and closet space. Opt for comfortable, durable and versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched. You can also shop at thrift stores, swap with friends or make your own clothes.

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