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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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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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