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Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are warmly spiced, with crisp edges and soft centers—perfect for holiday decorating and eating. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Instructions Mix dry ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter & sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Combine : Gradually add dry mixture until dough forms. Chill dough : Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll & cut : Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake : Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool & decorate : Let cool com...

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Four Money Tips You Might Be Missing Out On


Saving money for retirement and other goals can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty. You might be familiar with some common money advice, such as creating a budget, paying off high-interest debt, and investing in a diversified portfolio. But there are some other money tips that are often overlooked, but can make a big difference in your financial future. Here are four of them:

1. Automate your savings. One of the easiest ways to save more money is to make it automatic. You can set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account, or use an app that rounds up your purchases and transfers the change to your savings. This way, you don't have to think about saving every month, and you can avoid the temptation to spend the money instead.

2. Increase your savings rate gradually. Saving a large percentage of your income might seem daunting, but you don't have to do it all at once. You can start with a small amount, such as 5% or 10%, and then increase it by 1% or 2% every year or whenever you get a raise. This way, you can adjust to living on less income without feeling too much of a pinch.

3. Negotiate your bills. Many people don't realize that they can save money by negotiating their bills, such as cable, internet, phone, insurance, and even medical bills. You can call your service providers and ask for a lower rate, a discount, a waiver of fees, or a better plan that suits your needs. You can also use online tools or apps that can help you negotiate your bills for a small fee or a share of the savings.

4. Track your net worth. Your net worth is the difference between your assets (what you own) and your liabilities (what you owe). Tracking your net worth can help you see your progress toward your financial goals, and motivate you to save more and spend less. You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or a website to calculate and track your net worth on a regular basis.

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