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Bond Yields Are Nearing 5%: What It Means for Your Mortgage and HELOC

  Published September 11, 2026 Something is happening in the bond market this week that matters more to your wallet than the daily swings in the TSX. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note closed in on 5% on Friday — 4.95% , its highest level since 2023 and approaching territory not seen since 2007 — after climbing 18 basis points in a single week. Canadian bond yields have followed the same path: the 10-year Government of Canada bond hit its highest level in over two years earlier this month, and the 5-year bond — the one that actually sets your fixed mortgage rate — has drifted up to roughly 3.41%, about a quarter-point higher than it was a month ago. If you're renewing a mortgage, shopping for a HELOC, or just trying to figure out whether now is the moment to lock in, here's what's actually going on and what it means for your payments. Why bond yields, not the Bank of Canada, are driving fixed rates right now It's a common mix-up: people watch the Bank of Canada...

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How to Eat Healthy on a Budget in 2024

 


The cost of food is expected to rise by 3.5% in 2024, according to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization. This means that eating healthy can be challenging for many people who are on a tight budget. However, there are some ways to save money and still enjoy nutritious meals. Here are some tips:

- Plan your meals ahead and make a shopping list. This will help you avoid impulse buying and wasting food. You can also look for sales and discounts on items that you need.

- Buy in bulk and freeze or store the leftovers. You can save money by buying larger quantities of staples like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and frozen vegetables. You can also cook large batches of soups, stews, casseroles, and other dishes and freeze them for later use.

- Choose seasonal and local produce. Fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown locally are usually cheaper and fresher than those that are imported or out of season. You can also visit farmers' markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to get fresh produce at a lower price.

- Grow your own food. If you have some space and time, you can grow your own herbs, salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and other crops in pots, containers, or a small garden. This will not only save you money but also give you access to organic and pesticide-free food.

- Cook from scratch and avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, fat, and additives, which can harm your health and increase your medical bills. Cooking from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and the portion sizes. You can also use cheaper cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs, ground beef, or pork shoulder, and make them tender and flavorful by using marinades, spices, herbs, and slow cooking methods.

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