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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...
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Safely Viewing the Solar Eclipse with a Cereal Box: A Simple DIY Guide

 

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to be a celestial spectacle, and witnessing it safely is essential. While specialized eclipse glasses are recommended, you can also create a simple and effective viewer using a cereal box and a few household items. Let’s dive into the steps:

Materials Needed:

  1. Empty Cereal Box: Grab an empty cereal box from your kitchen.
  2. White Paper or Cardboard: Cut a piece that fits snugly into the bottom of the cereal box.
  3. Tin Foil: You’ll need this to create a pinhole projector.
  4. Tape or Glue: To secure the paper and tin foil in place.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Trace and Cut: Trace the bottom of the cereal box onto the white paper or cardboard. Cut out the traced rectangle.
  2. Top Opening: Cut off the side tabs on the top of the box, leaving the center intact.
  3. Tin Foil Cover: Tape a piece of tin foil over one of the openings at the top of the cereal box.
  4. Viewing Position: Stand with your back to the sun and look into the larger hole cut into the top of the cereal box. The sun’s image will be projected through the hole in the aluminum foil onto the white paper at the bottom of the box. This allows you to safely view the eclipse without directly looking at the sun.

Remember, improper observation of the sun during an eclipse can lead to eclipse blindness or retinal burns. Use this cereal box viewer as a safe alternative to enjoy the cosmic event. Happy eclipse watching! 

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