A reminder that under the new $14.8 billion provincial budget, PST will increase to 8% effective July 1, 2013. The increase is expected to stand 10 years. The increase means an average household is expected to pay $25 more a month.

The increase is due to a $567-million deficit from flood battles in recent years. The province states that the increase is critical to fix roads and for flood protection.

On the plus side, the province will remove PST on baby items including strollers, car seats and diapers. That will save Manitoba families more than $3 million dollars a year.

If you have any large purchases (like a vehicle, or a big screen TV) – then now would be the time to do it.