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Three Smart Levers to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill

Taxes are inevitable, but overpaying them isn’t. With new rules and opportunities in 2025, smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are three effective levers to reduce your tax liability this year: 1. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to retirement accounts such as RRSPs (Canada) or 401(k)/IRAs (U.S.) remains one of the most effective ways to lower taxable income. Contributions qualify for tax relief at your highest marginal rate, meaning every dollar you save reduces your tax bill significantly. Employer-matching programs make this even more attractive, and withdrawals in retirement can be structured for lower tax exposure. 2. Leverage Tax Credits and Deductions Common deductions include childcare expenses, education costs, and home office claims. Tax credits, unlike deductions, directly reduce the amount you owe, making them especially valuable. Temporary tax breaks introduced in 2025 can be maximized before they expire. 3. Use...

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China's Lunar New Year Travel Rush: A Record-Breaking 9 Billion Trips Expected

 

As the Lunar New Year approaches, China's annual travel rush, known as Chunyun, has kicked into high gear. This 40-day period, which began on January 14, 2025, is expected to see a record-breaking   9 billion trips. This massive movement of people is the world's largest annual migration, with most journeys made by car.

The Lunar New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Snake, falls on Wednesday, with New Year's Eve on Tuesday reserved for family gatherings and traditional fireworks displays. The travel rush will peak over the weekend, with 510 million trips by train and 90 million by air.

While the festival has traditionally been a time for families to reunite, rising prosperity has led many to travel overseas, with cross-border trips expected to rise by nearly 10%. Despite the economic challenges, the festive spirit remains strong, with temple markets and other traditional events drawing millions of visitors.

This year's extended public holiday, from January 28 to February 4, aims to boost consumer spending and support the economy. As travelers rush to their hometowns, the excitement and anticipation for the Year of the Snake celebrations are palpable.






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