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Achieve the perfect shabby chic aesthetic with these shopping tips and tricks.

Blending vintage and French country aesthetics, shabby chic is one of the most popular interior design trends of today among trendy styles like Japandi and Coastal Grandmother. Elegant, classical furniture is given a rustic twist with distressed paints and worn fabrics.

Cottage-style items like metal jugs meet glittering chandeliers for a look that’s equal parts warm and cozy but also romantic and glamorous. Neutral, muted colors are the main colorways, with pops of color added in — usually soft pastels like pink and blue.

If you want to curate this stylish and trendy aesthetic in your apartment, here’s how you can find the right type of decor and furnishings.

How to find shabby chic furniture and decor for your apartment

Due to its heavy use of vintage (or vintage-styled) furniture, thrifting and going to antique stores are some good ways to source the right style of items for your shabby chic apartment. But that can take time to curate the right pieces.

If you want to realize your vision faster, finding shabby chic decor and furniture online at major retailers like Amazon is easy. You can also follow home and lifestyle influencers and blogs like French Country Cabin and Amy Berry for shabby chic design inspiration and ideas.

17 shabby chic decor ideas for your apartment

Not sure where to start decorating your apartment as shabby chic? These 17 decor items will look right at home in any shabby chic setting, giving you a good springboard for other decor ideas.

1. Shabby chic key holder shelf

Image Source: Amazon.com

Whether it’s for keys or coffee cups or towels, having a wall shelf with key hooks frees up cabinet storage and fills up wall space. The top shelf is ideal for holding letters, sunglasses or whatever else you need.

With its brass-finished hooks and distressed white-and-brown paint job, this key holder shelf both fits the shabby chic style and gives you a handy place for your keys, purse and other regularly used items.

2. Ruffled, farmhouse-style shower curtain

Image Source: Amazon.com

Everyone needs a shower curtain (unless you want to get water all over the bathroom and have no privacy while showering). Give yours a shabby chic twist with this farmhouse-style shower curtain with a ruffled base and cute wooden buttons.

3. Metal jug vase

Image Source: Amazon.com

Cottage and farmhouse elements are a key part of the shabby chic look, which you can incorporate with a vintage-looking metal jug vase. Its petite size, pitcher style and “Flowers & Garden” branding make it perfect as a flower vase.

Put it in the kitchen and fill it with mixing utensils, set it up on your apartment balcony or stoop with gardening tools…the possibilities are endless. Plus, the turquoise color will add a pop of color to the space.

4. Pink and ivory oriental wool rug

Image Source: Amazon.com

With their colorful patterns, most Oriental-style rugs won’t fit the traditional shabby chic color scheme. Instead, try out this ivory and soft pink wool rug, with a floral-style pattern to match the garden aesthetic part of shabby chic. This rug will look nice contrasted against gray and tan furniture, and the wool fabric will feel great underfoot.

5. Lace macrame vintage tablecloth

Image Source: Amazon.com

Delicate accessories go a long way to completing the shabby chic look. Use a lace macrame tablecloth on any kind of table, from side tables to dining tables, to add an air of glamour and elegance.

This particular one is also machine-washable, which makes it easy to clean in case of spills or messes. Just because you love an old-fashioned style doesn’t mean you want to clean and scrub laundry like they did in the olden days!

6. Decorative lantern

Image Source: Amazon.com

Old-fashioned, vintage lanterns are another in-style touch for the shabby chic aesthetic. Distressed white paint on metal adds a rustic vibe, while elegant, curled metalwork brings in fairy-tale elements. With four glass panes, you can add real or fake battery-powered candles to give your shabby chic space a warm, candlelit glow.

7. Tiffany floor lamp

Image Source: Amazon.com

With their lovely and often floral-themed glasswork, Tiffany lamps fit right in with the shabby chic school of design. But you want for one without too many colors, as strong colors stand out too much for the muted, cozy feel of a shabby chic space. This standing floor lamp fits the bill, with its arched gooseneck and burnished brass finish further fitting the shabby chic look.

8. French country-style hanging chandelier

Image Source: Amazon.com

One of the easiest ways to add that touch of glamour to your shabby chic abode is by hanging a small chandelier. Tiny chandeliers are a big part of the aesthetic, elevating the cottage-core theme of the room with its grand appearance. This French country-style example with dangling pendants and fake candles will look right at home in any shabby chic apartment. Just be sure that the chandelier you choose isn’t too big, as petite and delicate is the name of the game for this style.

9. Rustic cottage end table

Image Source: Amazon.com

It’s always good to add an end table to the sides of your couch. They’re handy for holding lamps or just as spots for decorative items. This cottage-style one features distressed paint for a rustic, farmhouse look that will look great paired with an elegant lamp.

10. Vintage floral wallpaper

Image Source: Amazon.com

With its style references grounded in the French countryside and cottage-core, florals are a motif that shows up frequently in shabby chic interior design. If you don’t want plain walls, put up a refined floral wallpaper like this one with delicate pink roses and white curlicues against a linen-patterned soft blue background.

Best of all, this adhesive paper can also work for cabinets, shelves, dressers and other flat surfaces. So if you don’t want to fill a whole wall with it, you can still incorporate it into the overall look. It’s easily removable as well, which makes it very renter-friendly.

11. Metal frame bed

Image Source: Amazon.com

A simple but attractive metal bed frame that looks like something out of a fairy tale perfectly fits the shabby chic look. This one from Amazon is sturdy, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep while achieving the look and vibe you want.

12. Floral, vintage-style bedsheets

Image Source: Amazon.com

Going back to the floral motif, outfit your bed with floral-patterned bedsheets like this delicate rose set. The cozy and soft cotton with the rose pattern will look and feel good.

13. Vintage bird cage decor and letter holder

Image Source: Amazon.com

Use a vintage-style bird cage for practical purposes like holding letters or simply set it up as a purely decorative element. Either way, it’ll look right at home in your shabby chic apartment.

14. Vintage table clock

Image Source: Amazon.com

Constantly getting out your modern smartphone or using a contemporary wall clock to check the time isn’t very shabby chic. With distressed white paint, an antique watch face and elegant metal work, this vintage-style clock helps you tell the time without taking away from the shabby chic vibe.

15. Entryway table

Image Source: Amazon.com

It’s always handy to have a table in your entryway. It gives you a place for keys, mail, your purse or other items you regularly need when you leave the house. The curving legs, distressed white paint and rustic wooden shelf of this entryway table screams shabby chic, helping you keep your aesthetic while being practical at the same time.

16. Antique-style loveseat

Image Source: Amazon.com

With soft gray fabric, distressed wood and its tufted fabric pattern, this loveseat is petite enough to fit in any shabby chic apartment living room. Not only is the look spot-on for French country, but everyone needs a place to sit.

17. Distressed drawers

Image Source: Amazon.com

This robin-egg blue dresser with distressed paintwork will be the perfect complement to the pink and white tones of the rest of your bedroom, giving you a place to store your clothes without ruining the shabby chic aesthetic.

Turn your dream apartment into a shabby chic decor haven

With its soft, flowy feel and mix of elegant and rustic Old-World styles, shabby chic is a very fun and accessible style for any apartment. Ready to transform your apartment into a cottage in the French countryside with a shabby chic aesthetic? Find the right apartment for your vision by checking Rent.com listings in your desired area.

Source: rent.com

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Christmas is coming at full speed, but supply chain shortages are disrupting the restocking of popular items. In-store supply is being jeopardized by worker shortages, COVID-19 shutdowns and their aftermath, and shipping challenges. We’ve been dealing with shortages since the pandemic first started, so while it’s not a new development, it’s still just as frustrating. This is just one of the many reasons we should patronize small businesses—though they may not have the exact thing we’re looking for, they are likely more competent (and more reliable!) than the corporations we typically buy from. Here are six reasons why you might prefer shopping local this winter!

Unique Gifts

We’ve all become so used to the almost-invasive accessibility of Amazon and other big retail chains that it’s hard to imagine any sort of alternative. After all, being able to order anything we want from the comfort of our own home is tempting. If you want to find unique gifts and a welcoming atmosphere, however, you’ll have so much more luck at a local shop.

Convenience

When it comes to convenience, you’re better off with a small local shop. Maybe you’ve got a mom-and-pop shop just down the road from you, which is likely more convenient than hunting for one toy in the vastness of big-box stores. Plus, shopping locally is a more personalized experience—a smaller business means workers can devote more time and attention to their customers.

Expertise

Consequently, local business owners are experts on the products they’re selling because they themselves have curated the collection. They’re also tapped into what customers want, and can adjust their inventory as needed, providing a more individualized experience than can be offered at chain retailers. Local business owners are passionate about their products and usually take more time to get to know their customers. Local business owners have to be experts in their field in order to keep up with the demands of their customers.

Investment in Your Community

Small businesses have been hit hard by the repercussions of the pandemic, so it’s important to support your local shops by choosing them over chain-stores whenever you can. When you support local businesses, you’re investing in your community, thus allowing new businesses to continue to open up and prosper in the neighborhood. When profits stay local, it increases the community’s wealth. Shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your city and help support the businesses that make your city unique.

Better Deals

These shops are also more likely to have great deals! Since it’s a small business, not only is the customer service more personalized, but the smaller clientele means these shops will have sales to reel in more customers. Big box stores might have a sale here and there, but they are also just as likely to raise prices as demand goes up. Sometimes prices at local businesses are better to begin with, anyway—they don’t have the overhead that larger stores might have, so they don’t have to worry about recouping those funds.

Quality Products

You’re more likely to find quality products at local shops. Instead of going to a retail store to buy a mass-produced gift, you can visit a local business and find treasures you wouldn’t be able to buy anywhere else. Small businesses are much more likely to carry unique items from local vendors and manufacturers, giving you access to an exclusive lineup of products. It’s a great way to avoid giving predictable gifts, too—while it might be easier buying this year’s hottest toy for a niece or nephew, it’ll definitely be more special to gift them a hand-picked, uniquely designed toy made by local or semi-local artisans.

It’s difficult to overstate the ease of buying from large corporations like Amazon or Walmart, but this year we’re facing supply shortages, shipping delays, and possible price gouging. The best remedy is to shop local and shop small—small businesses really prioritize their customers and the quality of their products. When you buy from a business like this, not only are you able to pick out a one-of-a-kind gift, but you’re also investing in this business and, by extension, your community as a whole. 

Local Recommendations

Here at Total Mortgage, we love showing our support to small businesses! We asked our loan officers to share their favorite local businesses; here’s what they came up with!

Connecticut

The Toy Chest

441 Main St
Ridgefield, CT 06877

(203) 431-9227

Website | Facebook

Mario’s Tuscany Grill & Bar

560 Main Street
Winsted, CT 06098

(860) 379-7415

Website | Facebook

The Old Riverton Inn & Royal Coach Tavern

436 East River Rd
Riverton, CT 06065

(860) 379-8678

Website | Facebook

The Tributary

19 Rowley St
Winsted, CT 06098

(860) 379-7679

Facebook

Finalmente Trattoria

165 Post Rd E
Westport, CT 06880

(203) 226-8500

Website | Facebook

Jimmie’s Pizza

765 Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06119

(860) 232–8961

Website

Quaker Diner

319 Park Rd
West Hartford, CT 06119

(860) 233-9171

Website | Facebook

Red Barn Creamery & Farm Stand

483 Browns Rd
Storrs, CT 06268

(860) 382-2303

Facebook

Rhode Island

Comfy + Cozy by Cee

Local to Cranston, RI

Instagram

Ahead of the Pack

340 Samuel Gorton Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889

(401) 738-7225

Website | Facebook

New Hampshire

Lettered by Rae

Local to New Hampshire Seacoast

(603) 401-9868

Website | Instagram

Massachusetts

South Carolina

Wisconsin

Tosa Bowl & Bun

7212 W North Ave
Wauwatosa, WI 53213

(414) 210-2834

Website | Facebook

Hector’s A Mexican Restaurant

7118 W State St
Wauwatosa, WI 53213

(414) 258-5600

Website | Facebook

United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF)

301 W Wisconsin Ave Ste 600
Milwaukee, WI 53203

(414) 273-8723

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Florida

Source: totalmortgage.com

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So you all know Sunday Suppers, right? The beyond beautiful Brooklyn based company that is known for throwing the most epic dinner parties. E-P-I-C. You may also know them for their seriously cool cookbook. And if you own it like us, you’re likely lusting after the styling and food ideas that fill the pages while wishing you had a kitchen full of beautiful props to make meals prettier. Well wish no further! With the continued goal of inspiring people to celebrate gatherings with friends and family, Sunday Suppers is on their way to making the most beautiful kitchen goods you’ve EVER ever seen with their new line, Ila. From gorgeously designed olive oil bottles to the best and most unique pantry items like black sea salt from Hawaii, we die over this line of pantry essentials.

For their debut collection, Ila has chosen five varieties of sea salt because you can never have enough – especially as a stylist!, spices, wildflower honey, olive oil, and maple syrup – all essentials every cook should have on hand! And right now, you can get your hands on these beautiful kitchen must-haves through Ila’s Kickstarter campaign, so run! We’ve already pledged, obvi – that olive oil is the olive oil of our dreams.

So go on and treat yo pantry to these goodies while supporting their Kickstarter here! Please? Because we don’t know about you, but we want to continue to see more of the absolute dreaminess Ila is throwing down!

images c/o Ila 

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Source: apartment34.com

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Finding motivation can be a hard task for anyone.

Motivation is important because it can help you keep your eye on the goal even when you want to quit.

Motivation will help you continue to work hard towards your goal, even when it seems impossible.

Motivation is what keeps you going so that you do not quit.

Without motivation, most people would give up on a goal very easily. This is why it’s so important to learn how to stay motivated.

Whether your goal is finance-related, career-related, family-related, lifestyle-related, or something else, there are many ways to help you stay motivated so that you can reach it.

Below are eight ways to get motivated so that you can reach your goals and become successful.

Related: How To Set And Reach Goals In The New Year

1. Write down your goal.

Writing out your goal is a very important part of the process. I know it helps keep me motivated whenever I do this, and I believe this is a big reason for why we are doing better with our food budget.

Writing down your goal helps keep it in your mind. Whenever I don’t write something down or have it in front of me on a regular basis, I usually forget about it.

If you can’t remember your goal, it would be very hard to reach it. I suggest creating a blog, creating a vision board, and so on.

2. Remember the reasons for why you want to reach your goal.

A big factor in staying motivated is to remember why you are wanting to reach your goal. If there is no reason, then it would be very hard to stay motivated.

You should envision what your life will be like once you reach your goal, why you are trying so hard to reach it, and so on. A little daydreaming can go a long way every now and then.

If your goal is debt payoff, then your reason is probably so that you can stop living a stressful paycheck to paycheck life. Just keep dreaming about what a debt free life would be like!

3. Create a plan to reach your goal.

If you want to learn how to stay motivated with your goals, then one of the first things you do after you create your goal is to create a plan. Without a plan, it would be difficult to reach a goal as you would just be all over the place.

You should create a plan that details the steps you need in order to reach your goal, what will happen as you reach each step, when and how you will track your progress, and more. Being detailed with your plan will help you reach your goal and become successful.

Related:Setting Goals – How To Set Personal Goals

4. Set smaller goals in between so that you can become successful.

When you’re creating your plan, you might want to think about setting smaller goals in between. This can help you learn how to stay motivated because it will help you keep your eye on your goal and fresh in your mind.

One way to do this is by setting smaller goals that directly relate to your overall goal.

So, if your overall goal is to pay off $24,000 in debt in two years, then you might want to aim for $1,000 in debt payoff each month. This seems much more attainable than the $24,000 number, and this can help you stay motivated.

5. Keep track of your progress.

To stay motivated with your goals and become successful with them, you should review your progress every now and then. You might want to check in daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on what type of goal you have and what personally works for you.

Keeping track of your progress is a good idea because it can tell you what you need to do in order to each your goal, if you are behind, or if you need to make a change.

I highly recommend that you check out Personal Capital (a free service) if you are interested in gaining control of your financial situation. Personal Capital is very similar to Mint.com, but 100 times better as it allows you to gain control of your investment and retirement accounts, whereas Mint.com does not. Personal Capital allows you to aggregate your financial accounts so that you can easily see your financial situation, your cash flow, detailed graphs, and more.

6. Make changes when needed.

After you check in on your progress, you might find that you need to make changes in order to reach your goal. You might decide to change your timeline, your goal entirely, or you might set different smaller goals in between your time frame.

You should always make sure your goal is what you want and that it is realistic, so doing this step is important.

7. Be nice to yourself when learning how to stay motivated.

Every now and then, you might fall off track or come short of your goal. If this happens, do not be too mean to yourself. This is a very important step when learning how to stay motivated with your goals, as many people drag themselves down when they are not on track with their goals.

Things happen, but instead of being negative you should analyze what happened and see what needs to be changed so that it doesn’t happen again.

8. Reward yourself when you do become successful.

Whenever you reach one of your smaller goals, you might want to try rewarding yourself so that you can stay motivated.

A reward doesn’t mean that you are cheating your goal progress or that you need to fall off the wagon. You can reward yourself in many ways – you just need to find what works for you while also staying on track.

What are your current goals? How do you stay motivated with your goals?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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You don’t have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.

The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.

Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara

JENNA LYN PHOTOGRAPHY/AZAMARA CRUISES/GETTY IMAGES

Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line’s 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.

The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You’ll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.

This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line’s four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels’ intimate size and Azamara’s focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.

Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.

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Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises

WINDSTAR CRUISES

It’s rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises’ small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.

Windstar’s 10-day Sicilian Splendors, aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.

Five-masted Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Indoors, the ship’s restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.

Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar’s excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY

If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.

Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima, offers an all-inclusive “yachting lifestyle” experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship’s spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

Barbara Muckermann and Adam Sachs during the event “Celebrating the Harvest” organized by Pasta Mancini in Monte San Pietrangeli, Italy. SILVERSEA CRUISES

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023’s first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line’s immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea’s next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.

The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.

Silversea’s sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day’s port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.

Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there’s time to sample all of them.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022’s Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.

The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.

This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.

Onboard Viva, you’ll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit “Beetlejuice: The Musical”) that the line offers.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva’s generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8’s Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises

OCEANIA VISTA. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY

The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises’ newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.

Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You’ll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista’s bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you’ll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.

All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista’s godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don’t have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line’s older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it’s hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas.

It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager’s Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.

Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table) and eight bars/lounges.

The ship has been “amped-up” so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.

Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a ‘70s disco party.

Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking

Aerial view of the Viking Sea leaving Dubrovnik, Croatia. WHITE RAIN/VIKING CRUISE LINE

Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?

If so, check out Viking’s 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary, which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you’ll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line’s longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.

The cruise line’s nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen’s. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi’s for Italian cuisine and The Chef’s Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.

Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.

If you’re willing to come back early from port, Viking’s ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship’s thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.

Bottom line

The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country’s most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

There I was, bustling around the kitchen making lunch for my daughter when our late morning routine was interrupted:Boom! Boom! Boom!

Milligan and I glanced toward the front door where the thunderous pounding had originated. “Holy cow!” I thought to myself, “There are only two groups of people who knock like that! This may not be good…”

Luckily, as I slowly opened the door, there was a stocky little lady in her late forties or fifties (with no badge). “Afternoon,” she said. “I’ve some packages for you… several packages for you. I’m gonna need some help carrying these around to the door.”

I started to tell her she must have the wrong house before I caught myself. “Whoa, that was fast”, I thought. Only 48 hours earlier, I’d been sitting in front of my computer cautiously ordering over 300 boxes of various sizes from United States Postal Office.

Free Boxes from USPS

For a while now, I’ve be aware the postal service provides free boxes when you ship through its Priority or Express Mail. Back when Courtney and I were purging all of our possessions in preparation for the year we spent traveling abroad, we had even stopped by our local post office to pick up several dozen of them.

But I recently discovered that the USPS will actually ship the boxes to you…for free! In fact, it’s painfully easy. Currently, there seem to be two different ways to order free boxes:

  • The USPS Online Store. If you’re willing to take 30 seconds to register an account on usps.com, you can order directly from the post service. This gives you access to dozens of different box and envelope sizes. The website quotes you 7-10 business days, but my huge order only took 48 hours!
  • USPS-eBay Partner Website. Alternatively, you can order free boxes with only your eBay account (no separate account needed with USPS). These boxes are also only for Priority Mail, but are branded with both the USPS logo and eBay’s logo. Unfortunately, you can only order 6 different sizes with your eBay account, but there is a decent variety offered.

When you order online, you can select between a pack of 10 boxes or a pack of 25 for each different box size. You can also order between 10 and 100 envelopes in a single batch. I personally ordered an assortment of 25-packs from each site and received them all within two business days! Now I’ve just got to get through all these boxes!

The Catch?

While the boxes are really 100% free, you can only use the free Priority Mail boxes for… Priority Mail. USPS is very strict on this rule. You won’t be able to use the boxes to ship Media Mail, First-Class, or Parcel Post. However, if in a fit of frugality you decide to use the boxes to wrap Christmas presents, you should be okay as long as no family members are undercover USPS agents!

Priority Mail is the default shipping method for many people who buy and sell on eBay. Packages normally arrive inside the 2-3 day quoted time frame, and the delivery confirmation and tracking (both free when ordering postage online) are important to a smooth transaction.

Whenever Courtney and I ship packages, whether it be through eBay or for family/friends, we almost always send them Priority Mail. So for us, we’ll eventually weed through our new shipment of free boxes!

Avoid the Post Office Altogether!

If you’re shipping a package via Priority Mail, the ability to order free boxes online means you can avoid the post office altogether! You could order the boxes, pack the item at home, print postage online, and even schedule a pickup for your outgoing shipment. That’s right: USPS will come pick up deliveries that contain at least one package that is Priority or Express Mail.

Note: Express Mail is simply the expedited version of Priority Mail. You pay significantly more, but your shipment is quoted at one business day instead of 2-3 with Priority. Express Mail requires its own special boxes, but they too are free at shop.usps.com.

I have to admit that being at the post office isn’t one of my favorite pastimes. Courtney and I will continue to sell our unneeded stuff on eBay (we also sell stuff for our extended family); the process will just no longer include any trips to the post office. Being able to go through the entire shipping process from our home office is much simpler for us!

Oh — and if you know anyone in the Indianapolis area who could use some free boxes, let me know. I have a couple extra laying around!

J.D.’s note: My family has owned a box factory for 25 years, but I never thought I’d host a box-related article at Get Rich Slowly. It’d be a shame if I didn’t mention that if you need boxes in Portland, Oregon, my cousin and brother can steer you in the right direction.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

It’s a good idea to get to know your apartment neighbors — whether you really want to or not!

Whether you are full-on friendly or super-shy, you should make the effort to meet at least two or three of your apartment neighbors for these four simple reasons.

In case of emergency

One of the most basic reasons for saying hello to your hallmates might, at first, appear a little selfish. What if you encounter an emergency and need neighbor assistance? Sure, none of us like to think about unfortunate situations, but it’s smart to have someone to call if you have a medical emergency, safety issue… or if you lock yourself out of your apartment.

It’s wise to swap phone numbers with a few people that live above, below or next door to you. Before you exchange apartment keys, however, make sure you get to know that neighbor and feel comfortable first, of course.

Read more: Ways to Break the Ice with New Neighbors

When you need a helping hand

A more likely scenario is that you’ll need some help at home and could benefit from a neighborly relationship. Run out of coffee on a Sunday morning? Call your neighbor. Need someone to feed your cat or check your mail while you are on vacation? Call your neighbor. From spare light bulbs to plant watering, it’s totally worth it to get to know the girl or guy next door.

For fun and friendship

The big bonus of having cool apartment neighbors is that you instantly get a bunch of built-in friends. Planning a movie night, supper club or walking group is a piece of cake when you have pals just steps away. (No one will ever complain about your place being too far!) Remember those BFFs from your college dorm? Neighbors can be just like those buddies if you choose your neighbor-friends wisely and then make an appropriate effort.

Read more: How to Hang Out in Your Apartment Community

To maintain mental health

Today’s world of texting, tweeting, online relationships and telecommuting can leave you feeling lonely. Put a stop to solo sadness by starting up a few face-to-face relationships with your neighbors. You don’t have to spend hours chatting up everyone you see on the sidewalk, but a friendly wave and hello will make you both feel infinitely better.

Read more: Fear of the Unknown: How to Handle New Neighbor Anxiety

If you don’t know a soul in your apartment community, make a point to meet some folks this week — at least two people. You never know when you’ll need – or how much you’ll value — each other’s help and friendship!

Read more: What If Justin Bieber Moved In Next Door?

Apache is functioning normally

I love to learn. That’s part of what makes me who I am. And so I spend large chunks of time pursuing passions like astronomy and Spanish…and investing. Sometimes I’m asked if I have a method for picking up new skills and new knowledge. “Not really,” I say. “I just try to keep an open mind and to absorb as much information as possible.”

As you’ve probably noticed around here, I try to never say “THIS IS THE WAY THINGS ARE!”. Sure, at any give time I have a set of beliefs — I currently believe index funds are the best investment for me (and many others), for example — but I’m never so locked into any given belief that I’m unwilling to change my mind.

So, I continue to explore opposing viewpoints. I listen to new ideas. And, every once in a while, one of these new ideas will stick, will change the way I think. That’s the way I learn.

Passive investing — with an open mind
For me, one of the best ways to learn about money is by listening to others who have been successful. I’ve found it profitable to seek out mentors, for instance. Plus, I like to gather with groups of like-minded folks to share ideas. So, once or twice a year, I attend the meeting of a local investment group — the Diehards.

I’ve written about the Diehards a couple of times before (2008, 2010). This is a report on the most recent meeting.

Note: For those of you who aren’t familiar, Diehards (also called Bogleheads) are fans of indexed mutual funds — funds that track the movement of stock market indexes — as popularized by John Bogle, the founder and retired CEO of The Vanguard Group. These Diehards discuss investing in the Bogleheads investment forum. From my experience, they’re friendly, smart, and knowledgeable people.

As followers of John Bogle, you might expect most of these folks to be passive investors, but that’s just not the case. Many of these folks are actually active investors (though everyone seems to make decisions informed by the principles of passive investing). This group has a wide variety of approaches to investing based on their own goals, risk tolerance, and opinions about the economy. But each person comes to these meetings ready to learn more about investing, and to share their stories.

Keeping a level head
Most members of the group are retired. I’m not. I feel like this gives me an advantage. I’m able to pick the brains of people who are twenty or thirty years older than I am. For instance, every meeting I learn something new from Bruce about preferred stock.

Bruce teaches in the financial planning program at a local university. He’s a vocal advocate of preferred stocks, which are a sort of hybrid between bonds and common stocks. “I don’t need capital appreciation,” he says. “I want capital preservation. And income.” It’s all Greek to me, but it’s also intriguing. Now I want to learn more about preferreds. (To find out more about preferred stocks, check out Quantum Online — I’m going to!)

At this meeting, I sat next to a woman named Kris (just like my wife). At the last meeting I attended, she stressed the importance of always being a saver. At this meeting, Kris said she no longer worries about market downturns. “I’ve been investing since 1968,” she said. “I’ve been through this three or four times now, depending on how you count. I don’t like when the market drops, but I also know that if I wait five years, then things will be fine.”

Loren, too, tries to keep an even keel when it comes to investing. “I don’t try to make my rebalancing too accurate,” he said. “I’ve never been sure what the right balance is in the first place!”

Andy says that he does his best to follow the investment mantra “buy low, sell high”. “When something’s down, I buy it,” he told us. “It’s hard — it goes against human nature — but I do it. I try to stay broadly diversified.”

This led the discussion back to Harry Browne’s permanent portfolio. There are many ways to approach safe, steady investing, but Brown has some specific recommendations for his own Permanent Portfolio:

  • 25% in U.S. stocks, to provide a strong return during times of prosperity.
  • 25% in long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, which do well during prosperity and during deflation.
  • 25% in cash in order to hedge against periods of “tight money” or recession.
  • 25% in precious metals (gold, specifically) in order to provide protection during periods of inflation.

Because this asset allocation is diversified, the entire portfolio performs well under most circumstances. One of our members practices this investment philosophy, and has done well with it. He actually hopes to write a book providing a modern update of the technique.

Near the end of the meeting, Bruce pointed out that a recent article in the Journal of Financial Planning once again showed the terrible, terrible drag of expenses on the returns of the average investor. (You can read the article here.)

Strength in numbers
It’s certainly possible to learn about investing from books and blogs and magazines. But I think meeting and exchanging ideas with other people adds a new dimension to the subject. That’s why I think meetings like this are invaluable. They’re a chance to exchange ideas with fellow investors, and to profit from their success and mistakes.

I highly recommend finding a similar group in your area. There’s no need to be intimidated. It’s fine to show up and just listen if you feel like you don’t have anything to contribute. I feel lost a lot of the time, but the more often I do things like this, the less lost I become.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

Today we’ll check out a large-scale mortgage broker by the name of Sunnyhill Financial that’s looking to start a “Doc Less Revolution.”

By that, they mean make it easier for folks to apply for a home loan without having to track down lots of paperwork, scan/upload it, fax it, etc.

Yes, all those things are still verified to ensure you’re a creditworthy borrower (it’s not 2006!).

But it’s done so in a more efficient manner (using the latest technology) so you can spend less time getting a mortgage, and more time enjoying that new low rate.

Sunnyhill Financial Fast Facts

  • Independent mortgage brokerage
  • Offers home purchase loans and refinances via it wholesale partners
  • Founded in 2018, headquartered in San Francisco, California
  • Currently licensed to do business in 10 states nationwide
  • Provides a digital home loan experience to their customers

Sunnyhill Financial is an independent mortgage broker, which means they connect consumers to wholesale mortgage lender partners.

This gives them the advantage of shopping your loan scenario on your behalf so you don’t have to.

For those who don’t like to comparison shop, or simply don’t have the time, a broker can accomplish the shopping piece for you by checking out rates from their partners, then presenting you with the best offer.

Aside from saving you time, it could also save you money if they match you with a lender that offers lower mortgage rates and reduced lender fees.

The San Francisco, California-based company seems to be pretty young, having been founded as recently as 2018. But says it has over 50 years of combined mortgage experience.

Currently, they’re licensed to do business in 10 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.

They plan to roll out to additional states soon, including Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.

So they should have a lot more coverage in the near future, with licensing in about half the country.

How to Apply with Sunnyhill Financial

  • They offer a digital mortgage application powered by Blink
  • Allows you to verify income, assets, and employment electronically
  • You can also eSign disclosures and other necessary documents
  • And potentially fund your loan via a virtual e-closing from the comfort of your home

As noted, the company say its starting a “Doc Less Revolution,” and instead of asking you to gather documents, they automatically verify income, assets, and tax returns for you.

This is possible thanks to Single Source Validation, which lets you use login credentials to access things like pay stubs and bank statements that are then automatically imported into your application.

And you won’t have to sign any necessary paperwork with a pen and then scan it back – they let you eSign documents and disclosures so you can speed through the process, no matter where you happen to be.

To get started, simply visit their website and click on “Apply Now” to create an online account and begin the process.

Their digital mortgage app seems to be powered by Blink, which is provided by United Wholesale Mortgage, the largest wholesale lender in the country.

Alternatively, you can request a personalized mortgage rate quote via their website first, or simply call them up to get connected with one of their loan officers.

Once your loan is submitted, you’ll be able to track status via the online borrower portal, and receive updates as your loan progresses to the next step.

Aside from it being easy and convenient, Sunnyhill Financial aims to close loans super-fast thanks to the use of the latest technology.

So if you’re the type that likes to do things remotely, potentially from a smartphone, this company might be for you.

Of course, you can still get in touch with a loan officer and loan processor along the way if and when questions arise.

Loan Programs Available at Sunnyhill Financial

  • Home purchase loans
  • Refinance loans: rate/term, cash out, and streamline
  • Conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
  • Jumbo home loans
  • Government-backed loans: FHA and VA
  • Fixed-rate mortgages: 10, 15, 20, and 30-year loan terms
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages: 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARMs

Sunnyhill Financial provides the majority of the most popular loan programs available, including conforming loans, jumbo loans, FHA loans, and VA loans.

The only major loan type missing seems to be USDA loans, along with second mortgages, such as HELOCs.

However, they lend on all property types, including single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit properties, and offer financing on second homes along with investment properties.

You can get purchase loan or a refinance loan, including rate and term and cash out refinances.

Both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options are available in a variety of different loan terms.

Sunnyhill Financial Mortgage Rates

One slight downside to Sunnyhill Financial is the fact that they don’t publicize mortgage rates or lender fees on their website.

Of course, because they operate as a mortgage broker it means they have access to rates from all their wholesale lending partners.

As such, they can scour all their partner’s rate sheets and provide you with the most competitive rate quotes.

I believe they are approved to work with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), so those looking to work with that company might be able to via Sunnyhill Financial.

One hint we have about rates comes from their participation in the Bankrate mortgage comparison tables. From what I saw, their rates were pretty low relative to other lenders listed.

More importantly, they offered some of the lowest mortgage APRs on the platform, which is a more important figure that factors in lender fees including discount points.

You also might be able to haggle with them if you don’t like what you hear the first time around since they can shop your loan with multiple lenders.

In terms of lender fees, they don’t mention them on their own website but I did see a flat $999 underwriting fee via their Bankrate listing.

Be sure to inquire about both rates and fees to get the best deal on your home loan.

Sunnyhill Financial Reviews

On Google, Sunnyhill Financial has a perfect 5-star rating out of 5 from just over 200 customer reviews. Both professionalism and responsiveness seem to stand out as keywords.

Over at Bankrate, the company also has a perfect 5-star rating from about 150 reviews, with 100% of reviewers saying they’d recommend them.

They’ve also got a 5-star rating on Zillow, albeit from a much smaller number of reviews (about 30 at last glance).

But most of the reviews on Zillow indicate that the interest rate was lower than expected, which is a good sign on the pricing front.

All in all, it’s pretty impressive to see perfect ratings across several major review sites – hopefully this means they consistently make their customers happy, regardless of their loan specifics.

In summary, Sunnyhill Financial seems to be excelling in customer satisfaction, perhaps thanks to their digital loan process and hopefully their low mortgage rates.

They could be a good fit for both a new home buyer or an existing homeowner looking to refinance in order to save money and/or pull cash out of their home.

The one downside might be that you’ll need to work remotely, which for some might not be a good fit if looking for a more hands-on approach.

Sunnyhill Financial Pros and Cons

The Good

  • Offer a digital home loan process
  • Can apply from any device in a matter of minutes
  • They’re able to shop your rate with multiple lenders because they are a broker
  • Plenty of loan programs to choose from
  • Offer virtual e-closings (sign from anywhere)
  • Perfect customer reviews across major ratings sites

The Not

  • Only licensed in a handful of states currently
  • No physical locations
  • No mention of rates or lender fees
  • Do not offer USDA loans or second mortgages
  • Do not service loans

(photo: Tambako The Jaguar)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Skipton Building Society is increasing its track record mortgage, otherwise known as its 100 per cent loan to value (LTV) mortgage, by around 0.4 per cent on Friday 16 June to 5.89 per cent for new customers.

Charlotte Harrison (pictured), CEO of home financing at Skipton Building Society said that it would be increasing the rate from 5.49 per cent to 5.89 per cent for new customers.

She explained: “The increased rate reflects the recent changes within the mortgage market, we have repriced the product fairly to ensure it remains on the market at a competitive rate. The rate change will not impact existing customers who’ve recently taken out the fixed rate product at 5.49 per cent.”

Harrison said that as a responsible lender it needed to be “sensible with our approach to market with this product to ensure tenants don’t take on more than they can realistically afford”.

“The track record mortgage has been carefully designed to ensure anyone applying for the product will not pay any more than what they’re currently paying in rent. Therefore, the rate increase will not increase the monthly payments beyond what a person is already used to paying in rent,” she noted.

Brokers who have submitted applications prior to 16 June will secure the 5.49 per cent rate and their loan amount will remain unchanged.

Affordability changes

The mutual said that the interest rate would impact the maximum loan that a customer could borrow, and the affordability calculator would be updated on 16 June.

The lender brought out the product in May aimed at helping renters get onto the property ladder without the Bank of Mum and Dad or guarantors.

The product is a five-year fixed rate term with rates priced 5.49 per cent for a maximum term of 35 years.

Eligible tenants can access between 95 and 100 per cent LTV, comes with a maximum loan size of £600,000, and applicants can have no missed payments on debts or credit commitments in the last six months.

There are no fees and subject to affordability and credit score there must also be evidence of 12 months of a good track record of rental payments.

The lender added that it would make sure monthly mortgage payments were not more than the average of their last six months rental costs paid.

The product has been welcomed by brokers, who said that it could help a specific cohort of first-time buyers.

Source: mortgagesolutions.co.uk