It’s easy to talk about a boycott against the U.S., but actually following through is a challenge in your day-to-day life.
While a U.S.- Canada trade war has been at least temporarily averted, there’s still a great argument for shifting much of your consumption to Canadian goods. But checking the origin of each item on your shopping list is time-consuming, not to mention awkward. What those who follow the Bye, America strategy need is a list of made-in-Canada products. Here are some resources I’ve found. Please send any additional contributions my way at rcarrick@globeandmail.com.
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CNN explains tariffs to its domestic audience, including the potential for higher living costs. Not much is done to question U.S. President Donald Trump’s line that the U.S. is a victim and must strike back for the sake of fairness. A refreshingly strong corrective can be found toward the bottom of this daily note published by Scotiabank Global Economics for its clients. And, a look at ways tariffs could affect Canadians.
An explanation of why you might see food prices rising in the weeks ahead. An annual industry-wide freeze by grocers on prices from suppliers is coming to an end. A trade war with the U.S. won’t help.
An investing blogger’s fun post on things he’ll never do – financial and otherwise.
A writer who installed an electric heat pump and high-efficiency water heater talks about how small his natural gas bill is these days.
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Reader comment: “Hi Rob, I’ve enjoyed reading your column over the years. Regarding your recent article: “Netflix is the brazen exception to falling inflation,” I’d like to share our strategy. We use the hotspots on our cell phones instead of cable and stream movies on free apps such as Kanopy, Plex, YouTube and Tubi. The movies on these services tend to be older, not first-run but just as entertaining. We have not paid subscriptions to any streaming services. Our phone plan gives us combined data of 165 GB per month, which is more than ample for our viewing needs.”
Do you have a question or comment for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can’t answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity.
An overview of a U.S.-dollar account at EQ Bank. Worth a look if you’re looking for alternatives to big bank U.S.-dollar accounts.
Social Media: Great advice for people scared by predictions the stock market is going to crash.
Watch: The comedy show This Hour Has 22 Minutes on buying Canadian in the grocery store.
Money-Free Zone: Summing up the national mood. Blue, by Joni Mitchell.