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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...

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Six Smart Financial Decisions to Make in 2024

 

The year 2024 is a great time to start making smart financial decisions. Here are six tips to help you get started:

  1. Track your money: Write down all your expenses in one place so you can see exactly how much money goes in and out of your current account each month. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending and save more money.

  2. Set a budget: Once you have a view of the money you earn and the money you spend, you can start to set a budget. Make sure you are covering all your essentials and then set monthly amounts for non-essential items. Making small, frequent changes can make a big difference.

  3. Create an emergency fund: You never know when you might need some extra cash, so it’s best to have some money saved up for emergencies. Generally, it’s recommended that you have enough savings to cover six months’ worth of expenses, but having any sort of savings is a good start.

  4. Manage debt: If you have any outstanding debts, make sure you are paying them off as quickly as possible. High-interest debts like credit card balances can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t keep them in check.

  5. Invest in your future: Consider investing in stocks, bonds, or other assets that can help you build wealth over time. If you’re not sure where to start, consider speaking with a financial advisor.

  6. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest financial news and trends. This will help you make informed decisions about your money and stay ahead of the curve.

Remember, making smart financial decisions is a journey, not a destination. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a financially secure future.


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