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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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Essential Retirement Investing Tips

 


Start Early and Be Consistent

When it comes to retirement investing, it's crucial to start early and be consistent. The power of compounding works wonders over time, so the earlier you begin investing for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. Take advantage of retirement accounts such as RRSP that offer tax advantages and employer matching contributions if available. Set up automatic contributions from your paycheck to ensure a consistent investment habit. Remember that even small contributions can make a significant difference over several decades of investing.

 

Diversify Your Investments

Diversification is another key aspect of retirement investing. Spreading your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, can help reduce risk and increase potential returns. Consider diversifying within each asset class as well. For stocks, for instance, diversify across different industries and sectors. This way, if one investment performs poorly, the impact on your overall portfolio may be mitigated. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain diversification and adjust your asset allocation as you approach retirement to reduce risk further.

 

Maintain a Long-Term Perspective

Finally, it's essential to have a long-term perspective and avoid making impulsive investment decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Market volatility is a natural part of investing, and trying to time the market consistently is challenging. Instead, focus on your long-term goals and stick to your investment plan. Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide guidance and help you navigate the complexities of retirement investing. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your investment strategy as needed, but avoid making knee-jerk reactions based on temporary market conditions. Remember, retirement investing is a marathon, not a sprint.

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