Category: Moneywise

Trump’s tariff trade wars are all over the news, and you’re determined to shop Canadian. Well, you’ll be happy to hear that your furry family members can do their part. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of Canadian pet food brands that make it easier to make the switch.

To be considered for this list, pet foods must not only be made in Canada, but also be Canadian owned. That means brands such as Acana and Royal Canin didn’t make our list — that’s because even though this food is made in Canada, the brands are owned by a US parent company (in this case, Mars).

You can buy any of these pet foods directly from the manufacturers’ websites, but if you prefer brick and mortar stores, you can try shopping at Pet Valu. This pet store giant is Canadian-owned and operated. As well, most of the local boutique pet stores in your neighbourhood are also Canadian-owned and operated.

Canadian dry pet food (alphabetical)

• 1st Choice Nutrition
• Canadian Naturals
• Carna4
• FirstMate
• Harlow Blend
• Horizon Pet Nutrition
• Lily & Jax
• Nutrience
• Nutram
• Oven-Baked Tradition
• Petcurean Gather, Go! Solutions and Now Fresh
• Pronature
• Vetdiet
• Zoe

Read More: A surprise trip to the vet can cost $1,000 or more. Don’t get caught off guard. See how pet insurance can ease the stress — and cost — of caring for fur babies. Protect yourself now

Canadian wet pet food (alphabetical)

• Canada Fresh
• FirstMate
• Harlow Blend
• Kasiks
• Nutram
• Nutrience
• Oven-Baked Tradition
• Petcurean
• PetKind
• Vetdiet
• Zoe

Canadian dehydrated or freeze-dried pet food (alphabetical)

• Hurraw
• Grand Cru
• Puppy Love
• Smack
• Zeal Canada

Canadian frozen raw pet food (alphabetical)

• Big Country Raw
• Bold by Nature
• CarivoraBack2Raw
• Healthy Paws
• Iron Will Raw
• K9 Choice Foods
• Legacy Pet Foods
• Pets Go Raw

Did I miss any? If you’ve got one that I’ve missed, please let me know by dropping a comment down below, and I’ll add it to the list.

This article Our comprehensive guide to Canadian-owned and -made pet foods originally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Sometimes what leaders don’t say speaks the loudest. So, when U.S. President Donald Trump recently refused to rule out a recession amid a wave of price-increasing tariffs and stubborn inflation, it sent a clear message: economic pain might be part of the plan whether America wants it or not.

When Trump sat for an interview with Fox News in March and refused to rule out a recession, his answer — coupled with his Cabinet’s insistence that short-term pain could be worth it in the long run — has sparked fresh anxiety among consumers and economists already bracing for impact.

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“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump said when asked by Fox host Maria Bartiromo about a recession. “There is a period of transition because what we’re doing is very big. We’re bringing wealth back to America. That’s a big thing … it takes a little time, but I think it should be great for us."

Cabinet members have echoed their boss, arguing that short-term economic pain caused by tariffs on international imports and slashing federal spending would create long-term gains.

That framing has hit a nerve. After all, recessions are more than abstract economic concepts: They mean job losses, tightened budgets and financial stress for millions. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Below the surface of Trump’s words

The backdrop to these remarks is crucial. Persistent inflation has consumers facing price hikes at grocery stores and retail shops, and housing affordability remains a challenge. Trump and his team argue that aggressive fiscal changes — including cutting federal programs and taking a hard line on trade via tariffs — are necessary corrections.

Suggestions of short-term collateral damage have unnerved many economists, who worry that Trump’s tariffs will elevate inflation, stunt growth and increase recession risks. Goldman Sachs reportedly has raised its recession probability to 35%, citing tariffs as a significant factor.

Deep cuts to government spending is already reducing economic activity and has cost tens of thousands of federal workers their jobs. Broad tariffs are expected to significantly increase the prices of imported goods on everything from electronics to cars, hitting consumers and businesses alike.

Still, regardless of whether Trump’s policies result in a recession, proactively recession-proofing your finances is prudent. Here are three straightforward strategies to fortify your financial health against an extended downturn.

Diversify your investments — smartly

If recession fears become reality, diversified investments can shield your savings from significant losses. Rather than placing all your financial eggs into one basket, consider spreading your assets across multiple investment types:

Dividend-paying stocks: Companies that reliably pay dividends — especially in stable sectors like health care, consumer staples and utilities — typically perform better during economic downturns.

Bonds: Treasury and investment-grade corporate bonds offer steady returns and reduced volatility compared to stocks, providing crucial financial stability during turbulent times.

Real estate: Historically, real estate investments — [especially rental properties]( — often weather recessions well, providing both appreciation potential and steady rental income. The key here is not just diversification, but intentional diversification toward assets known for resilience in uncertain economic climates. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to calibrate your portfolio to your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Trim non-essential spending and build savings

In booming economies, it’s easy to overlook how quickly unnecessary expenses add up. When recession risks loom, now is the time to ruthlessly assess your spending habits: Audit your budget: Go line by line and identify subscriptions, services or discretionary purchases you can either downgrade or eliminate entirely.

Boost emergency savings: Aim to build a safety net of three to six months’ living expenses. Cash reserves offer a vital buffer, keeping you afloat if your income is reduced or interrupted during a recession.

By proactively cutting non-essential spending, you create flexibility in your monthly budget, positioning yourself to weather economic shocks with greater confidence.

Prioritize paying down high-interest debt

High-interest debt can become crushing when economic conditions tighten. As borrowing rates spike during a recession, carrying significant debt can rapidly spiral out of control. Therefore, prioritizing debt repayment now is a critical protective step:

Target credit card balances first: These typically carry the highest interest rates, draining significant portions of your income. Implement strategies like the “avalanche method,” paying down debts starting with the highest interest rates.

Refinance wisely: If possible, consider refinancing high-interest loans into lower-interest options, reducing your monthly payments and overall debt burden. But act quickly — refinancing becomes harder and less favorable as recessions take hold.

Proactively attacking debt not only saves significant money in interest payments but also boosts your financial resilience, giving you greater flexibility if economic hardship strikes.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

There’s a famous quote that goes "the only thing ‘wrong’ with dogs is that they can’t live forever." A dog’s lifespan can range anywhere from nine to 15 years on average, and when you consider a dog as part of the family, that’s just not enough time. But what if there was a pill that could extend your dog’s life? Good news — that pill just came one step closer to reality.

More time with our best friends

Loyal, a biotechnology startup focusing on canine health solutions, received a significant milestone on Wednesday, February 26, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted their new medication a "reasonable expectation of efficacy" certification.

Before veterinarians can begin prescribing this anti-aging treatment, the FDA must still verify its safety and confirm the company’s ability to scale up manufacturing. Loyal expressed confidence in meeting these requirements, citing "extensive data" supporting both aspects, and projects receiving conditional FDA approval by the end of 2025.

The company is seeking FDA approval for their beef-flavored pill to be used in dogs that are at least 10 years old and weigh a minimum of 14 pounds. According to Loyal, the medication targets "metabolic health," which naturally deteriorates as dogs age.

While promising, the treatment does have limitations. Loyal indicates that the medication could extend a dog’s healthy lifespan by at least one additional year (that’s seven dog years!).

Next steps

Loyal plans to introduce its medication through the FDA’s conditional approval pathway for animal drugs. This process permits companies to begin marketing treatments deemed safe and likely effective by the regulatory agency. Simultaneously, the company continues collecting additional evidence to conclusively demonstrate the drug’s efficacy while it’s already available to consumers.

There’s no word on how much the pill will cost pet parents, but Loyal said that it wants to make treatment accessible to as many dogs as possible, ideally for less than $100 per month.

Read More: A surprise trip to the vet can cost $1,000 or more. Don’t get caught off guard. See how pet insurance can ease the stress — and cost — of caring for fur babies. Protect yourself now

How much more do I need to budget (if my dog lives longer)?

The average cost of owning a dog in Canada averages between $660 to $4,430 per year, depending on the breed you own. And if you consider your pet as part of your family, this added cost to keep your dog with you for another year is a drop in the bucket. But these are the senior years of your dog’s life and there are going to be added costs, including special dietary needs, supplements and more frequent vet visits. This means you would need to budget for the higher end of the cost spectrum. Be sure to take these factors into consideration when putting together a budget.

This article Anti-aging pill for dogs one step closer to reality as it’s certified ‘effective’ by FDA. What does this mean for your budget?originally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It’s easy to go overboard when you’re getting a new pet. Whether it’s supplies, toys or even clothes, some things are just too cute to pass up. But these things quickly add up, even if you try to stick to necessities. It’s possible to budget and plan for your new furry addition, and we’ve put together a list of expenses to plan for during that first year.

Canadians love their pets

Pet ownership in Canada has reached new heights, with about half of households sharing their homes with furry family members. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, that equates to 7.9 million dogs and 8.5 million cats. While these furry companions bring immeasurable happiness and joy to our lives, it’s important to recognize and plan for the financial responsibilities that come with pet parenthood.

The commitment extends far beyond the initial adoption or purchase costs. Pet parents need to provide essential care, including quality nutrition, regular grooming services, veterinary care and various other necessities. Statistics from Rover.com highlight a significant 12% increase in pet-related expenses since 2022, mainly due to inflation that’s caused everything from pet food to vet bills to go up in price, making financial planning more crucial than ever.

Fortunately, by being proactive, you can manage and reduce pet care costs.. By understanding and anticipating both immediate and long-term expenses associated with pet ownership, you can develop a practical budget that ensures your beloved companion receives the best care while maintaining financial stability.

If this is the year you’ve decided to bring home a pet, we’ve broken down the costs you can expect in the first year for a new dog or cat. We’ve focused on dog and cats for the purpose of this article as they are the most popular (and expensive) pets, but I do know there are other pets out there, such as bunnies and guinea pigs, that people love to have in their homes.

Bringing a new dog home: First-year costs

When you bring a new dog into your home, there are several initial expenses to consider. These one-time costs include both the price of acquiring your pet and essential supplies needed to provide proper care.

We’ll also cover the must-have items you’ll need before welcoming your new companion, including feeding equipment, grooming tools and walking accessories.

While these are typically considered one-time purchases, it’s important to budget for eventual replacements. Items may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, and puppies will outgrow their initial supplies as they mature into adult dogs. You may want to spend more on quality, brand name products that will last years instead of months. For instance, a well-made harness will cost more up front, but replacing it with a cheaper model every few months or years will add up over time.

You can expect to pay upwards of $5,000 to $7,000 in the first year of getting a puppy (it’ll be closer to the higher end if you’re purchasing a purebred puppy from a breeder, and of course, it depends on the dog breed).

You’re thinking to yourself “What? That much for a puppy?! But I’m planning to adopt, won’t that bring down the amount?” While most adoptable dogs are cheaper than ones from a breeder (plus, they come spayed or neutered), that’s just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re planning on bringing home an adult dog, it’s a bit cheaper — the price is more like $4,000.

Read More: A surprise trip to the vet can cost $1,000 or more. Don’t get caught off guard. See how pet insurance can ease the stress — and cost — of caring for fur babies. Protect yourself now

Here are just a few of the common costs that can come with the first year of puppy/dog ownership (these are approximate costs):

• Breeder costs: $1,000 to $4,500
• Adoption fees: $200 to $800
• Total veterinarian bills: Around $2,000
• Veterinary exams with vaccines: $500 to $600
• Neuter/spay: $750 to $1,200
• Microchip dog cost: $45 to $95
• Deworming medication: $70 to $80
• Pet Insurance: $600 to $1,800 per month
• Pet food: $1,100
• Grooming: $60 to $150
• Collar and leash: $50
• Bed: $30 to $70
• Crate: $100 to $300
• Obedience classes: $500
• Licence: $35

Additional costs to consider when owning a dog include pet care services like dog walkers or doggy daycare, especially if you work full-time out of the home. These services ensure your pet gets proper exercise and attention during the day. When planning vacations, you’ll need to factor in boarding facilities or pet sitting services, unless you opt for pet-friendly travel destinations.

Property damage is another financial consideration of dog ownership. Dogs may occasionally have accidents indoors, and puppies or anxious dogs might exhibit destructive behavior like chewing furniture or causing damage to flooring and carpets (I know this one too well). It’s important to budget for potential repairs or replacements of damaged items.

Bringing a new cat home: First-year costs

The financial commitment of cat ownership is less than that of dogs, with Canadian pet parents spending an average of $2,542 annually on their feline friends, according to Statista. First-time kitten parents should prepare for higher initial costs compared to subsequent years of cat ownership. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association reports that the first year of kitten care typically costs between $3,091 and $3,231. This higher first-year expense is due to one-time purchases and essential medical procedures that set your kitten up for a healthy life.

Here are just a few of the common costs that can come with the first year of kitten/cat ownership (these are approximate costs):

• Total veterinarian bills: $1,500 to $1,800
• Vaccinations: $500 to $600
• Spay/neuter: $600 to $800
• Microchip: $45 to $95
• Deworming medication: $70 to $80
• Peet insurance: $29 to $35
• Pet food: $500 to $700
• Collar: $20
• Bed: $50
• Scratching post: $40
• Litter and litter box: $275
• Licence: $15

Final word

It’s easy to get in over your head when it comes to the first year of pet ownership costs. But by planning ahead and budgeting, your new dog or cat will have everything they need when you welcome them into your home.

Sources

1. Canadian Animal Health Institute: Biennial pet population survey shines a light on how pet population statistics changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and pet owner habits.

2. Rover.com: Home page

3. Statista: Annual cost of caring for a cat in Canada

4. Ontario Veterinary Medical Association: Annual cost of caring for a cat in Canada

This article What to expect when you’re expecting: First year cost for petsoriginally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Are you an American planning to stay at the Hotel California? Well, bring your alibis — and maybe your passport too.

For the third time, supporters of what’s known as “CalExit” are attempting to get a measure on the ballot that asks California voters a once unthinkable question: Should the state secede from the United States and become its own nation?

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The question has failed twice before, but movement leader Marcus Ruiz Evans has managed to shepherd the initiative to the signature-collection phase. And he says he believes the third time might be the charm.

His reasoning? The current presidential administration and American Republicans “hate” California.

“Republicans now hate us in California more than ever. The hate was palpable in 2016. But now it’s palpable and focused,” Evans told the San Francisco Standard. Between the state’s severe political divide with the current administration and President Trump’s response to the devastating wildfires in January, Evans says Californians are fed up.

So, as Billy Joel rues in his eponymous song, is it really time for America to “say goodbye to Hollywood”?

How could CalExit happen?

Secession appears highly unlikely. The legal and political hurdles would be immense. But does that mean CalExit has no shot at all?

Secession attempts have happened before — the most famous being the Confederate States during the Civil War and Texas’s bid to break away, both in the 1800s. Both were declared illegal.

Still, while the idea sounds extreme, 61% of Californians say the state would actually be “better off” if it seceded peacefully, according to the January 2025 Independent California Poll from YouGov. At the same time, 62% of respondents said they didn’t think a peaceful and legal break-up would be possible.

The California Constitution says the state “is an inseparable part of the United States of America” and affirms that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Notably, the U.S. Constitution neither grants nor explicitly prohibits states from seceding — an omission that has fueled debates since the 19th century over whether secession is an inherent state right.

Evans faces an uphill battle to get the question on the 2028 ballot. He needs at least 545,000 valid signatures by July. Even if he gets them, bigger hurdles await: If 55% of voters approve the initiative, a commission would be formed to analyze whether California could function as an independent nation.

Key questions for the commission:

• Could it govern itself?
• Could it sustain its own economy?

Even if the commission said yes, the debate wouldn’t end there. The federal government isn’t obligated to honor the results or recommendations. A legitimate path to secession would likely require a constitutional amendment — meaning approval by Congress and 38 states.

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Could CalExit work?

Let’s say the Golden State clears all the voting hurdles, survives a constitutional change and legally declares itself independent. Could it sustain itself?

Consider California’s economic might: its $3.9 trillion GDP in 2023 places it among the top five economies in the world. The state is home to global tech giants like Apple and Google, vast agricultural operations and it’s chock full of more Fortune 500 companies than any other US state.

On top of all that, California controls the entire Pacific coastline, giving it access to vital trading ports. And, of course, there’s the entertainment behemoth that is Hollywood.

Still, the state would face major adjustments. It would need to establish new trade agreements and tariffs to keep global imports and exports flowing. Businesses might experience supply chain disruptions and the loss of federal subsidies. (Would President Trump slap tariffs on a newly seceded California?)

The state would have to establish its own military, build new diplomatic ties and govern a population of 39 million people speaking hundreds of languages and practicing religions and cultural traditions.

A new California Republic is unlikely — but the idea is clearly on many people’s minds. Is it more than just California Dreaming? Time will tell.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Months after wildfires in California displaced thousands of residents and spurred a massive housing crisis in Los Angeles County, the ongoing impact points to a larger — and unquestionably disturbing — trend.

As extreme weather events increase in both frequency and severity, a growing number of insurers are pulling out of disaster-prone regions. That could make homeownership even less attainable in the future.

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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently testified before the Senate Banking Committee and was asked about the availability of mortgages in states like California.

His response?

“Those banks and insurance companies are pulling out of areas, coastal areas and … areas where there are a lot of fires,” Powell told the committee. “So what that’s going to mean is if you fast-forward 10 or 15 years, there are going to be regions of the country where you can’t get a mortgage.”

Why insurers pulling out is a problem

It’s common practice for mortgage lenders to require borrowers to have homeowners insurance in place before giving out loans. But the requirement to carry homeowners insurance doesn’t end there.

You’re typically required to maintain homeowners insurance while you’re in the process of paying off your mortgage. If your insurance is canceled, your mortgage lender will typically be notified. If you don’t then find replacement insurance, your lender could compel you to use insurance it procures for you, known as force-placed insurance.

But with more insurance companies pulling out of disaster-prone states, homeowners’ options for coverage are getting whittled down.

Between 2021 and 2023, the average annual rate for homeowners insurance increased by roughly 20%, according to Insurify.

The cost to insure homes in disaster-prone states has also risen at a significantly faster rate than the national average. Between 2018 and 2022, consumers living in the top 20% of the at-risk zip codes paid $2,321 in average annual premiums, according to a Treasury Department report. This is 82% higher than those residing in the 20% of lowest risk zip codes.

Finding affordable insurance coverage

Insuring your home shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

You can compare offers from leading home insurance providers near you for free through OfficialHomeInsurance.com. Simply enter some basic information about yourself and the type of home you own, and OfficialHomeInsurance.com will browse through their database of over 200 insurers and display the lowest quotes in just two minutes.

By comparing your options and selecting the best rate available, you could save an average of $482 per year on premiums.

On this easy-to-use platform, you can read reviews of various insurance providers, and once you select the one you like, set up a free introductory call with your preferred provider, with no obligation to hire.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do if your homeowners insurance is cancelled

When your homeowners insurance is cancelled, it’s important to find out why. If it’s due to a specific issue with your home, there may be steps you can take to remedy it. But if it’s part of a broad pullback at the county or state level, your options may be more limited.

You could, of course, shop for replacement home insurance. But you may not have many affordable options.

In that situation, your best bet may be a FAIR plan. Short for Fair Access to Insurance Requirements, FAIR programs are state-run and provide insurance coverage for homeowners who can’t get it the conventional way, due to living in a high-risk area.

The problem, though, is that FAIR plans can be pretty basic, offering only coverage for dwelling and personal property. This means you may not be able to get loss of use or liability coverage.

Worse yet, FAIR plans commonly only insure homes at their cash value, as opposed to their replacement cost value — meaning, the amount of money it would take to rebuild. Such is the situation a number of Los Angeles wildfire victims are in now, where they’re entitled to some payout from their insurance, but not enough to rebuild the properties they’ve lost.

That’s why it’s important to research insurance coverage options before buying a home. And if you find that your options are limited, consider it a red flag.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

While billionaire Elon Musk claims his team is merely weeding out waste and fraud across government programs, fellow billionaire Mark Cuban believes his changes will hurt the nation’s most vulnerable.

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In a March 19 post on X, formerly Twitter, the former Dallas Mavericks’ accused Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of trimming payments for retirees by making it more difficult to seek assistance from the government. Already around 7,000 jobs at the agency have been eliminated and dozens of field offices have been closed.

“Got to give Doge credit for being the first to cut entitlements,” he wrote. “End telephone support for Social Security, cut dozens of SS offices and make Grandma and Grandpa finally get online to confirm their payments. What an amazing back door way to cut payments! Gonna be some upset seniors at town halls!”

He continued in response to a comment, “You good with making it harder for seniors to confirm the bank accounts? Potentially leading to them not be able to get their checks?”

Cuban isn’t the only one with these concerns. In recent weeks, lawmakers, advocacy groups and research groups have raised the alarm about the future of this program that supports more than 70 million Americans.

This is probably what prompted the agency to postpone changes to phone services and partially relax new rules on identity verification on March 26.

Here’s what taxpayers need to know.

DOGE makes fraud claims

The Trump administration has repeatedly said that cutting Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits is not on the agenda.

But it has previously claimed millions of dead people were collecting benefits, which was widely debunked. Musk also told Fox News people are using stolen Social Security numbers to claim benefits, but he has provided no evidence to support this claim.

Nevertheless, in an effort to clamp down on fraud and waste the SSA has enhanced identity procedures. These changes could make it more difficult for some Americans to claim their benefits.

For example, acting commissioner Lee Dudek said $100 million is lost each year to direct deposit fraud. This represents just 0.00625% of the $1.6 trillion the government distributes annually in Social Security benefits, but it’s the reason the agency cited for cutting its phone services.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Service changes coming April 14

The SSA’s enhanced identity verification procedures are due to be implemented on April 14. They would require Americans unable to go online and use their personal my Social Security account to visit Social Security offices to change their direct deposit information for any benefit or apply for benefits. Only individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can complete their claim entirely over the telephone.

“How many seniors no longer have a SS office near them now that dozens have been closed?” Cuban asked on X. “What are people without internet or the ability to travel, or don’t have an office near them supposed to do if they need to reconfirm their bank account?”

Laura Haltzel, a former associate commissioner at the Social Security Administration who resigned in late February, told Fortune that DOGE was using waste and fraud as a pretence to implement a “de facto” cut to Social Security payments for many seniors.

"We have always tried to make it easier for claimants … more efficient for claimants. And the justification that’s being put forward for why they are pushing this is the idea that there’s a great deal of fraud taking place," she said. "Well, the math there just doesn’t add up."

If you or a loved one is concerned about your benefit payments, reach out to the SSA or a financial expert who can help you navigate some of the recent or upcoming changes.

What to read next

• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Here are 3 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Nearly 1 million Americans have a net worth of at least $10,000,000 — here are 3 ‘quiet’ ways the ultra-wealthy grow their riches (and how you can join the club ASAP)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.