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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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Six Smart Financial Decisions to Make in 2024

 

The year 2024 is a great time to start making smart financial decisions. Here are six tips to help you get started:

  1. Track your money: Write down all your expenses in one place so you can see exactly how much money goes in and out of your current account each month. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending and save more money.

  2. Set a budget: Once you have a view of the money you earn and the money you spend, you can start to set a budget. Make sure you are covering all your essentials and then set monthly amounts for non-essential items. Making small, frequent changes can make a big difference.

  3. Create an emergency fund: You never know when you might need some extra cash, so it’s best to have some money saved up for emergencies. Generally, it’s recommended that you have enough savings to cover six months’ worth of expenses, but having any sort of savings is a good start.

  4. Manage debt: If you have any outstanding debts, make sure you are paying them off as quickly as possible. High-interest debts like credit card balances can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t keep them in check.

  5. Invest in your future: Consider investing in stocks, bonds, or other assets that can help you build wealth over time. If you’re not sure where to start, consider speaking with a financial advisor.

  6. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest financial news and trends. This will help you make informed decisions about your money and stay ahead of the curve.

Remember, making smart financial decisions is a journey, not a destination. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a financially secure future.


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