Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Battle Against the Flames: Aftermath of the Major Wildfire Near Athens

 

In the wake of a devastating wildfire that swept through the northern fringes of Athens, Greece, authorities and firefighters are grappling with the aftermath. Here’s what we know:

  • The Blaze: The wildfire, which began on Sunday afternoon, quickly escalated due to strong winds and tinder-dry pine forests. These conditions were exacerbated by the scorching summer temperatures, making it an exceptionally dangerous fire.

  • Evacuations: Hospitals, residential suburbs, and even monasteries were evacuated as the flames advanced. A children’s hospital, a military hospital, and a children’s home were among the facilities cleared. Evacuation orders were issued for more than a dozen areas, including Marathon and several Athens suburbs.

  • Emergency Response: Over 670 firefighters, backed by specialized wildfire teams and armed forces personnel, battled the flames. More than 180 vehicles were deployed, along with 30 water-dropping planes and helicopters providing aerial support.

  • Human Impact: Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, and several civilians were treated for smoke inhalation. Police officers heroically carried elderly residents to safety, their efforts captured against a backdrop of a night sky turned red from the flames.

  • Environmental Toll: The fire ravaged pine forests that had already suffered from repeated heat waves during the summer. Greece experienced its hottest June and July ever recorded, following the warmest winter.

As the dust settles, the scars left by this wildfire serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and effective disaster management. The battle against the flames continues, but the community’s resilience shines through as they come together to rebuild and protect their beloved landscape.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment