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How to Use a Spousal RRSP to Save Thousands in Retirement (2026 Guide)

  Published: April 2026 | Reading time: 10 min | Category: Retirement, Tax Savings, Personal Finance Most Canadian couples are leaving thousands of dollars on the table every single year by not using a spousal RRSP. It's one of the most powerful — and most underused — income-splitting strategies available to Canadians, and it's completely legal, fully endorsed by CRA, and available to almost every married or common-law couple in the country. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, a spousal RRSP can save your household $5,000–$15,000 or more in lifetime taxes. This guide explains exactly how it works, who benefits most, and the rules you need to know to do it correctly. What Is a Spousal RRSP? A spousal RRSP is a Registered Retirement Savings Plan where one spouse (the contributor ) makes contributions, but the account is owned and will eventually be withdrawn by the other spouse (the annuitant ). The key mechanics: The contributing spouse gets the ...

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Loyalty Programs: How to Keep Your Points from Expiring

                                 

Canadians love their rewards programs, but keeping track of them all can be difficult. Over 90% of Canadians have joined at least one loyalty program, with the average being more than 12, according to data from one big bank. With all those loyalty programs on the go, a key challenge is to keep the accounts active. Not doing so risks having your points expire, and that’s like leaving money on the table. As a points collector, you should always be in the mindset of earning and burning your points. 

Here are some ways to keep your loyalty programs active:

  • Make some kind of transaction within a 12- to 24-month period.
  • Use apps that help by clearly displaying when your points will expire.
  • Have a co-branded credit card that allows you to earn points on your everyday purchases.
  • Make a purchase with a partner.
  • Donate your points to charity.
  • Transfer points from one loyalty program to another.

Remember, loyalty programs are ruthless. Once your points have expired, the odds of you getting them back are next to none unless you’re willing to pay for them. The easiest way to keep your loyalty programs active is to earn points. That said, if you’re constantly looking for ways to do so, it may be more trouble than it’s worth. It might be better to let your points expire and focus on the programs you regularly benefit from.



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