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Thanksgiving Dinner Costs 10% More. So Why Is Grocery Inflation Only 2.8%?

  Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if you're still planning the grocery run, the numbers are not in your favour. Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab prices a turkey dinner for four at $35.72 this year, up 10% from $32.48 in 2025. Here's the catch: Statistics Canada says grocery prices rose just 2.8% in August, and that was the first time in more than two years that food inflation came in below the overall rate (3.0%). So why does the holiday table feel so much pricier than the grocery aisle overall? The turkey is doing most of the damage Dalhousie's basket covers a 7-lb whole turkey plus potatoes, carrots, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, cranberries, stuffing and gravy. Here's how the pieces moved: Item (dinner for four) 2025 2026 Change Turkey dinner, total $32.48 $35.72 +10.0% The turkey itself (7 lb) $10.43 $12.53 +20.1% Everything else (sides, pie) $22.05 $23.19 +5.2% Ham dinner, total $34.87 $36.37 +4.3% Source: Dalhousie Agri-Food Analytics Lab (totals, t...
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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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