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Snowball Cookies

Buttery, nutty, and blanketed with powdered sugar, these nostalgic snowball cookies make a festive addition to any cookie tray. Here’s a clear, calm, truly step‑by‑step guide so you can just follow along and bake. Recipe overview Snowball Cookies  Yield: About 36 cookies Oven temperature: 350°F Pan: Unlined baking sheet (you can use parchment if you like, but not necessary) Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) ½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, plus more for coating 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2¼ cups all‑purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts) Instructions: 1. Get ready Soften the butter Take the butter out of the fridge about 1 hour before baking. It should be soft enough to press a finger in easily, but not melted or greasy. Preheat the oven Set oven to 350°F . Make sure the rack is in the center position. Prepare your pans Use unlined baking sheets (or line with parchment if you prefer). No need to...

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Latest Bank of Canada rate hike is starting to impact people's finances

 

Rising Borrowing Costs Pose Challenges for Homeowners

As the Latest Bank of Canada Rate Hike Takes Effect, homeowners across the nation are feeling the pinch as borrowing costs rise. The central bank's decision to raise interest rates, aimed at curbing inflation, has started to impact people's finances, particularly those with variable-rate mortgages. With each rate increase, mortgage holders are witnessing an uptick in their monthly payments, putting additional strain on household budgets. As the housing market braces for a potential slowdown, potential homebuyers are facing increased difficulty in qualifying for mortgages due to the higher affordability threshold. Moreover, existing homeowners are grappling with the prospect of rising debt burdens, creating a precarious financial situation for many Canadian families.


Savings Struggles Amidst Soaring Interest Rates

The effects of the Latest Bank of Canada Rate Hike are rippling beyond homeowners, as savers and investors face their own set of challenges. With interest rates on the rise, traditional savings accounts are yielding lower returns, making it harder for individuals to grow their savings. Many Canadians, particularly retirees relying on fixed-income investments, are finding it difficult to maintain their standard of living in the face of inflation and rising living costs. Additionally, the rate hike is impacting consumer spending, as people may become more cautious with their finances in the uncertainty of the changing economic landscape. As the financial strain extends to multiple aspects of people's lives, Canadians are adapting their spending and investment strategies to navigate the evolving financial landscape brought about by the rate increase.

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