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Budget 2026 Brings a Second Grocery Top-Up: Who Gets It and How Much

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Budget 2026  |  November 6, 2026 Another grocery cheque is on the way. In Thursday's federal budget, Ottawa proposed a second one-time top-up to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), a payment worth half the benefit's annual value, expected to land in early 2027. $339 budget estimate, qualifying single person $679 budget estimate, couple with two children Early 2027 expected timing, exact date not announced $4.1B cost of the expanded program What Ottawa actually announced Budget 2026, a 511-page document titled "Masters of our Destiny," is mostly about investment and productivity. But tucked into its affordability measures is a repeat of something Canadians have already seen this year. The government proposes a one-time payment equal to half of the CGEB's annual value, and the Canadian Press reports it is expected in early 2027. A similar payment went out in June. That June payment was a one-time top-up equal to 50% of t...

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Navigating Divorce: The Power of Pre-Nuptial Agreements

 

When it comes to marriage, love and commitment are often at the forefront of our minds. But what about practical considerations? What happens when love fades, and the practicalities of dividing assets and responsibilities come into play? That’s where pre-nuptial agreements (pre-nups) step in.

The ideal outcome with a pre-nup is that you never need to use it. However, life is unpredictable, and there are countless scenarios where having a pre-nup would’ve been helpful. Even for younger couples who may not have significant assets yet, there are compelling reasons to consider one.

Pre-nups aren’t just about safeguarding existing assets. They can also protect what you accumulate during the marriage. Imagine a scenario where one partner inherits a substantial sum from their parents and invests it in the matrimonial home. Without a pre-nup, that windfall could become a point of contention during a divorce. By addressing these financial aspects upfront, couples can avoid messy disputes later on.

Having children significantly impacts a marriage. Whether it’s one parent becoming a stay-at-home caregiver or dealing with daycare costs while both work, children change everything. Pre-nups can provide predictability in divorce proceedings, especially when it comes to spousal support. Sacrifices made for child-rearing should be acknowledged and protected.

Pre-nups can also address growth on assets, whether it’s property or investment accounts. Consider a home brought into the marriage. If the marriage lasts a decade, the property’s value likely appreciates significantly. Without a provision in the pre-nup, an ex-spouse could claim half of that increase. Protecting growth ensures fairness and clarity.

Pre-nups aren’t about planning for failure; they’re about planning for a successful marriage. By addressing financial matters upfront, couples can navigate divorce more smoothly if it ever becomes necessary. So, before you say “I do,” consider the practical side of love and explore the power of pre-nuptial agreements.


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