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Money Moves Every Student Should Master Before Day One

  Starting college or university is exciting — but it’s also the first real test of your financial independence. Building smart money habits early can save you stress (and debt) later. Here’s how to set yourself up for success: Create a realistic budget Track your income (allowance, part‑time job, scholarships) and expenses (rent, food, books, entertainment). Use budgeting apps to keep it simple. Separate needs from wants Essentials like tuition, housing, and groceries come first. Nights out and impulse buys should fit only within leftover funds. Use student discounts From software to public transit, your student ID is a money‑saving tool. Always ask if a discount is available. Limit credit card use Credit can build your score — or bury you in debt. Pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest. Cook more, order less Meal prepping can cut food costs in half and keep you healthier. Start an emergency fund Even $10 a week adds up. A small cushion ...

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Tumultuous Fall Session Ends as Parliament Takes Holiday Break Amidst Political Upheaval

 

Members of Parliament are set to begin their holiday break later today, capping off a tumultuous fall sitting filled with non-confidence votes, filibusters, stalled legislation, a growing deficit, and the finance minister's resignation.

After Chrystia Freeland's bombshell departure from cabinet Monday morning, several Liberal MPs called for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step aside as well. Ontario MP Chad Collins left an evening caucus meeting telling reporters the Liberal caucus is divided and that the party needs a leadership race.

Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as the new finance minister Monday, minutes after the government's fall economic statement was released. The economic update shows the deficit has grown to nearly $62 billion, far beyond the $40-billion target Freeland set earlier this year. The update includes $1.3 billion in new spending on measures to beef up the border in response to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose 25 percent tariff threats on Canadian goods.

LeBlanc, who is also in charge of intergovernmental affairs and democratic institutions, says his main priority as finance minister will be to address affordability issues. He will also continue to oversee the public safety file, implementing new border measures, until Trudeau holds a broader cabinet shuffle. That's expected to happen soon in order to replace ministers who have announced they won't seek re-election.

Parliament is set to resume on Jan. 27, after Trump's inauguration. When that happens, the Liberals may not be able to rely on the support of the NDP on confidence matters. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for Trudeau's resignation on Monday, but he stopped short of saying his caucus would vote to bring down the government. His party has so far voted three times with the Liberals on non-confidence motions this fall, ensuring the minority government's survival.

Much of the fall sitting was dominated in the House of Commons by a filibuster on a Conservative privilege motion related to misspending at a now-defunct green technology fund. This has stalled most legislation in the House since late September.


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