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Budget 2026 Lands Nov. 5: What to Do (and Not Do) With Your RRSP and TFSA First

  CANADIAN MONEY BRIEF  |  FEATURE  |  OCT. 23, 2026 The federal budget is 13 days away, tax-reform calls are getting louder, and “act now” headlines are about to pile up. Here’s what is actually confirmed, what is just lobbying, and what to leave alone. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told the House of Commons on Oct. 20 that Budget 2026 will be tabled on Nov. 5 . It is the second budget since the Liberals moved the fiscal plan to the fall, and it lands two days after the U.S. midterm elections. Between now and then, expect a flood of speculation about RRSPs, TFSAs and capital gains. Before you move a dollar, it helps to separate three things: what’s confirmed, what’s being asked for, and what the rules say today. Key dates on your calendar Oct. 28 Bank of Canada rate decision (9:45 a.m. ET) Oct. 29 Ontario fall economic statement Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections Nov. 5 Federal Budget 2026 Dec. 9 Final Bank of Canada decision of 2026 Mar. 1, 2027 RRSP...

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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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