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.
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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).
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Elvira Rincon never loved the small apartment that sits between Sunset Boulevard and Dodger Stadium. Even 30 years ago, shortly after she arrived from a small town in Queretaro, Mexico, and moved in with her husband and five children, the one-bedroom unit built in the 1920s felt cramped.
But over the decades she made it a home, planting a sprawling container garden of flowers, fruits and medicinal herbs to cure her family of stomach pains and colds. Her husband poured concrete to make a small patio in the courtyard, where they hosted birthday parties nearly every month. At $495 a month the rent-controlled apartment allowed Rincon, her children and now grandchildren to build a life in the heart of Los Angeles.
That made it easy for Rincon, 59, to dismiss the first buyout offer. A developer who bought the complex and a neighboring one last year proposed paying her and her neighbors $22,000 to leave. She did the math and figured the money would be gone in about one year in a county where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,600.
The second offer to Rincon and her neighbors came in February: $55,000. It was more money than she and her husband, who works in a local nursery, could ever save on their own — and still not enough to stay in her neighborhood for long.
Soon after, the ownerssent workersto tear apart a storage shed she’d had for years and haul it away, along with a barbecue and many of her plants, saying they were health and safety violations. Rincon saw it as harassment meant to pressure her to go so the landlord could jack up the rent.
Like so many others, she and her family had one shaky foothold keeping them in a rental market that was otherwise soaring out of reach, and they felt that people with more power than them were trying to shake them off of it.
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The company says it was simply making changes requested by its insurance company and that it is listening to the concerns of residents, not trying to force them out.
Even so, Rincon and her neighbors are on edge, unsure what to expect next and asking themselves whether they still have a place in L.A.
“There are times when I feel desperate,” she said. “I get frustrated. And I tell my husband, ‘Let’s just go. Let’s just go.’ ”
In a city faced with a housing and homelessness crisis, where many renters pay more than half their income to live in overcrowded, aging homes, tenants like Rincon have what many others long for: low-cost housing.
Though city and state officials are desperate to create more of it, developers are simultaneously reducing affordable units by buying out longtime rent-controlled tenants with cash-for-keys offers and renovating old buildings into pricey new apartments or condos. Many residents quietly accept the offers and leave. Others try to hold out, knowing that taking the money probably means leaving their communities or facing rent that’s double, triple or more what they currently pay. Sometimes, tenants say, that leads to harassment or pressure campaigns.
The city has adopted policies meant to protect tenants of rent-controlled buildings from being forced to accept buyout offers or being evicted for not accepting.
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In some cases, landlords are required to offer to tenants a base amount for relocation — which ranges from about $12,000 to $23,000 for long-term renters. At times, owners offer more than that. But for tenants with very little income or credit, the money may not go very far once the sky-high rent of their next apartment is factored in.
City leaders have passed rules against harassment. But advocates say the rules lack enforcement, and plenty of tenants say harassment happens anywaywith little recourse.
Rincon arrived in Echo Park in the mid-1990s, fleeing a severe recession in Mexico that left her family’s farm deeply in debt.
Her first home in the U.S. was in the same apartment complex where she lives now, just across the common area, in a unit she shared with her brother-in-law, Pedro Villegas, her husband and others. Three decades later, Villegas still lives in that apartment, paying monthly rent similar to Rincon’s, whose monthly payments have increased twice over the years to $640.
Despite language barriers, Rincon became close with her neighbors, who include an 80-year-old retiree, a nursing student, her mom and brother, and a Cambodian refugee.Their kids often served as translators.
They’ve watched out for each other’s children and grandchildren, fed each other’s pets and shared lemongrass and guavas from their gardens. Though Rincon doesn’t care for the loquat tree that grows in a corner of the property, she keeps watering it because her neighbors love the fruit.
“We’re more like a community. We have been for years,” said Virginia Watson, 80. “We all know each other. We talk. We watch out for each other. It’s very unusual for L.A. because in other places I’ve lived everybody’s kind of anonymous, in their own little cubicle.”
Once Watson retired and began living on a fixed income, she was able to stay in her home because the rent was manageable. The same was true for Rincon and her family when she injured her back and stopped working.
Villegas’ four children have lived their entire lives in the complex, roaming the hills of Elysian Park and riding their bikes to Echo Park. He works at a laundromat on Sunset Boulevard, a short walk away. His youngest is now a junior at Ramon C. Cortines school downtown.
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Like Rincon, heknew the $55,000 offer wouldn’t last long in his community.
“The cost of rent is just too difficult,” he said. “The money doesn’t go far.”
Watson lives in a studio apartment adjacent to Rincon’s. She’s been there for 20 years, lives on Social Security and a small retirement income and pays $529 a month. When she’s looked online for other studios in the neighborhood, the most affordable cost isnearly $1,500 a month, an amount that she said would take about three-quarters of her income.
She might have considered the offer to leave if it was affordable to move in the city, she said.
But “rent is really, really high in L.A. I don’t know how you would manage for any length of time,” she said.
On Nov. 8, a few months afterWatson, Rincon and their neighbors decided not to take the initial $22,000 offer to leave, the property owners, Lilac Development LLC, served Watson with a three-day notice to pay or leave, saying she had not paid her rent for the month, though she says it was paid.
Watson reported the incident to the housing department, which investigated and found the notice in violation of city code for failing to provide proper information under COVID-era tenant protections, according to public records.
One month earlier, the owners served another resident with a three-day notice to pay or vacate the property, saying they owed $86.
In that case, the housing department found a “potential violation of the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance,” records show.
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In both cases, housing officials wrote letters to the owners, explaining the law.
Watson and her neighbors see this and other actions, including the workers who went to the complex twice in March, tore down Rincon’s shed and hauled away her plants, as a pattern of harassment meant to pushthem out of their homes.
“I wake up after dreaming that I’m in a battle with landlords, big companies,” Watson said.
Recently, she packed up many of her belongings, assuming she would soon be out of a home, and she has kept them that way.
“I don’t unpack them because I don’t know how long I’m gonna be able to be here,” Watson said.
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Rory Anglin and his girlfriend, Jenna Loredo, are the newest residents of the two complexes, having moved in four years ago. They pay $1,236 a month for their one-bedroom, which Anglin sees as “the last of the good rents in L.A.”
When he told his mom in Mississippi about the $22,000 offer to leave, she was stunned at the amount.
“In Mississippi, that does sound like a lot,” Anglin said. In L.A. it most certainly does not.
Even so, Anglin said they were willing to consider taking a buyout until they felt a harassment campaign against his neighbors had begun.
“The end game for me is ‘leave us alone,’ ” Anglin said. “If we decide we want to move, we’ll move. But before we do, I gotta make sure all this stuff stops. It has to stop.”
If there’s a silver lining, Anglin said, it’s that the neighbors have become even closer in the last few months, forming a tenants’ association and strategizing together to push back against any harassment.
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Sara Rose, a property manager for Lilac Development LLC, told The Times that although the company initially offered cash for keys in order to “try to get tenants paying market value,” the company was no longer pursuing that strategy and would focus on “making the property habitable for current tenants.”
The company is not trying to evict anyone, Rose said.
“It’s not something we would take further action on if it wasn’t appropriate to do so,” she said.
Rose also said Lilac Development sent workers to haul away Rincon’s shed, barbecue and plants after its insurance company “advised there was certain work that needed to be done” to get the property insured.
They plan to inspect each property to figure out what needs to be fixed. In April, a city housing inspector found several conditions affecting the “health and safety of the occupants” in Rincon’s building and issued an order to fix the problems, which include damaged plumbing, fences and paint, by May 11.
Residents say there is a long list of problems beyond what that inspection revealed: leaking ceilings, mold, broken heaters and damagedflooring.
“I think based on the feedback we’ve received so far there’s no interest from the residents” in cash for keys, Rose said. “If they are interested and they approach us, it would be something we’d be willing to discuss. We don’t want to continue reaching out on something they’ve made clear they’re not interested in.”
Rincon said the first she heard about the change in plans was from The Times.
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For a long time now, she and her neighbors have felt as if they were in a state of limbo, waiting for an eviction notice or the return of workers tasked with hauling away more of their things. Like Villegas, she has seriously considered returning to Mexico, but her husband tells her they could never leave their children and grandchildren.
There was some relief hearing that the company would focus on making their home more livable rather than on getting them to leave. But she was also skeptical.
Welcome news for mortgage brokers, and somewhat surprising While welcome news given her role as a mortgage broke,. Rebecca Richardson, of UMortgage, wasn’t completely taken off guard by the development. Still, she added, the lowered rates only added to the contradictory market reports amid today’s uncertain market. “It was somewhat expected after the resolution of … [Read more…]
Free enterprise is an economic system where businesses are privately owned and operated for profit. This system is based on supply and demand, and business competition drives innovation and growth.
The benefits of the free enterprise include increased prosperity, higher living standards, more choices for consumers, and greater opportunity for entrepreneurs. The history of free enterprise can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution in Europe, when new technologies led to the rise of capitalism.
In America, the Founding Fathers enshrined the principles of free enterprise in the Constitution with laissez-faire policies that allowed businesses to flourish.
Today, countries worldwide have adopted various forms of free market economies with varying degrees of success. So how does free enterprise work?
Essentially, it provides a level playing field where anyone can start a business and compete against others without government interference or favoritism. This encourages entrepreneurship which leads to job creation and economic growth.
Additionally, consumers benefit from increased choice as companies vie for their business by offering better products at lower prices.
What’s Ahead:
What Is Free Enterprise?
In a free enterprise, businesses can produce and sell whatever they want if they don’t break any laws. This system is based on private ownership and free competition.
This system is different from socialism or communism, in which the government owns businesses and decides what to produce. In a free enterprise system, businesses compete to attract customers.
This competition can lead to lower prices and better products or services and motivate businesses to be more efficient and innovative.
The free enterprise system has helped create a prosperous and free society and lifted millions of people out of poverty.
The Gist: In a free enterprise system, businesses can produce and sell whatever they want as long as they follow the law. This system is based on private ownership and free competition.
The Benefits of Free Enterprise
This competition drives businesses to be innovative and efficient, which benefits consumers through lower prices and higher-quality products and services.
In addition, free enterprise promotes economic growth and job creation. Businesses are free to expand and hire workers, which helps to grow the economy and create jobs.
Finally, free enterprise fosters political and social freedom. When businesses are free to compete, they are also free to speak out and advocate for their beliefs.
This promotes a healthy exchange of ideas and allows for diverse opinions.
The History of Free Enterprise
It is a system in which businesses are free to compete with each other for profit without government interference or regulation.
The history of free enterprise can be traced back to the days of the early American colonies. At that time, the colonies were mostly agricultural, and the colonists could farm their land and sell their products as they saw fit.
There was very little government involvement in the economy, and the colonists were free to pursue their economic interests. As the colonies began to industrialize, the concept of the free enterprise took on a new meaning.
Businesses began to spring up, and competition among them increased. The government began to play a more active role in the economy, regulating businesses and protecting consumers.
But the basic principle of free enterprise remained the same:
Businesses should be free to compete with each other without government interference. Today, free enterprise is still the cornerstone of the American economy.
Businesses of all sizes compete to provide goods and services to consumers. The government regulates businesses to protect consumers and promote competition.
And most importantly, businesses are still free to pursue their economic interests. Free enterprise is a vital part of the American economy, and its history is long and proud.
The Gist: The key takeaway from the above is that free enterprise is a vital part of the American economy, and its history is long and proud.
How Does Free Enterprise Work?
How does free enterprise work?
This competition drives businesses to be efficient and innovative, which benefits consumers by providing them with more choices and better products and services.
A free enterprise is based on three key principles:
Private property rights, voluntary exchange, and competition. Private property rights protect the ownership of businesses and the things they produce.
This means businesses can keep their profits and reinvest them to grow and create jobs. Voluntary exchange is trading goods and services between two people or businesses.
This is the heart of the free market, ensuring both parties are better off after the trade. Competition is the process of businesses striving to outdo each other to win customers and market share.
Competition drives businesses to be efficient and to offer better products and services at lower prices. The free enterprise system is the best way to create prosperity and opportunity for all.
It allows businesses to flourish and create jobs while giving consumers more choices and better products and services.
The Gist: In a free enterprise, businesses compete for customers and profits, which benefits consumers by providing them with more choices and better products and services.
FAQs about What Is Free Enterprise
What does free enterprise mean?
There is no one answer to this question, as the meaning of free enterprise can vary depending on who you ask.
In general, free enterprise is an economic system in which businesses are privately owned and operated for profit and where there is little or no government involvement or regulation.
What is a free enterprise example?
A free enterprise example is a privately owned and operated company that is not subject to government control.
What is a free enterprise class?
A free enterprise class is a class in which students learn about and discuss the principles of free enterprise.
Conclusion
Overall, free enterprise is a system that has proven beneficial for businesses and consumers, and it encourages entrepreneurship and innovation while providing increased choice and prosperity for all.
So what is free enterprise?
It’s the backbone of America’s economy, which we should all support!
Splitting assets and moving out can be messy during a breakup, even more so if you are buying a house during a divorce. While separation can complicate the home-buying process, it can still be done.
Before you consider buying a house during a divorce, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Buying a House During Divorce or After Separation: What to Consider
Moving forward as quickly as possible may be tempting, but buying a house during a divorce or after separation can get complicated. It’s possible to buy a house if you aren’t legally separated, but there are many factors to consider.
1. Finalize Your Legal Documents
First and foremost, your mortgage lender will require your legal separation agreement. This is a court-ordered document used to divide assets, debts, and other responsibilities between a couple.
A mortgage is a big financial obligation and your lender will want to make sure you are capable of qualifying for a mortgage as a single homeowner.
2. Figure Out Your Financials
Next, you should figure out exactly how much you can afford. Divorce typically comes with fees and ongoing costs like attorney fees, child support, or alimony, so it’s important to find out what you’re responsible for before determining what you can afford.
Tip: If you are responsible for an existing mortgage, it will be included in your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and could make it more difficult to buy a home during a divorce. However, if the court awarded your spouse the property, then the lender may exclude that from your DTI.
3. Remove Yourself From First Mortgage
If your spouse was given the house, you will want to make sure you remove yourself from that mortgage so that you are not legally responsible for making monthly payments. This can be done by using a quitclaim deed or by refinancing.
4. Keep Records of Payment History
If you are making payments to your spouse, this will be included in your monthly debt amount. However, if you receive monthly payments, then this can count as qualifying income. Keep records of any payment history and bring this along with your legal separation agreement to your mortgage lender.
5. Get Pre-Approved
After the divorce is finalized, you can take the first step toward getting a mortgage by getting pre-approved. A pre-approval letter can help while shopping for a home. Not only does it say how much you can afford to borrow, but it also lets sellers know that you are a serious buyer.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy a House During a Divorce?
Buying a house during a divorce is possible, but it will be more of a challenge.
If you live in a community property state, then you and your spouse must sign and notarize a quitclaim deed. A quitclaim deed transfers any interest your spouse has in the property over to you or vice versa.
Community property law says that couples who acquire property during a legal marriage own the property equally, and if a quitclaim deed is not signed, then your ex-spouse will have equal rights to your new home.
As a married couple, your spouse’s debts could also affect your ability to qualify for a government-backed mortgage. Lenders calculate your DTI using both your income and debts. If your ex is on the mortgage and has a high DTI, this could also raise your household DTI.
Evaluate your financials and determine whether this is a good time to purchase a home. While you may be able to qualify for a mortgage, it may be better to build your credit score and save money. Improving your credit score and making a larger down payment could make your monthly mortgage payment more affordable.
Are you in the market for a home loan? Total Mortgage’s loan experts are standing by to help you understand your options. We have branches across the country.
What If You Decide to Stay in Your Old Home After the Divorce?
During a divorce, the easiest way to divide the house is to sell it and divide the proceeds. But what if you want to stay in your home?
If both names are on the title, then you both have equal rights to stay in the home after a divorce. However, equal distribution of assets is typically handled in court during a divorce. For example, a judge could award you a percentage of the property based on your income or how much of the mortgage you personally paid.
If both parties want the house, then a court will decide who gets it and at what cost. If you keep the home, you may have to buy out your spouse. However, the court also takes financial viability and children into consideration.
Can You Buy a House With a New Partner Before Your Divorce?
There is no law saying you cannot purchase a home with a new partner before your divorce, but you and your ex must cooperate so that your new home is not viewed as a marital asset.
A quitclaim deed will need to be signed to transfer any interest in the property, even in community property states. You should also be careful of what funds you use to purchase your new home, like the down payment, closing costs, and other fees. The court could decide those funds were community property, which may complicate the entire process.
Consider a Home Loan With Total Mortgage
Divorces can be messy. Before buying a home during a divorce, you need to make sure you can afford a mortgage, especially if you have additional divorce obligations. A certified divorce real estate expert and a divorce attorney can help you maneuver through this process.
If you’re ready to move forward, Total Mortgage has your back. Start your application with Total Mortgage today and get your free rate quote in minutes.
In my last article, I talked about saving money on the big things, like cars and houses.
Multiple readers contributed good reasons why we don’t save as much money as we should on cars and houses. But one of my favorite comments was from Tracy:
See, it would never even occur to me to negotiate on a car, nor do I have any desire to. I realize this costs me extra money and it would do me good to do it. But I find dealing with people tiring and stressful (introvert), and apart from saying “I saw this vehicle priced for this much less” at this other dealer (which wasn’t an option last time we bought a car, because it was the only Suburu dealer within 5 hours of our house), I don’t really know HOW to haggle (I understand it is a skill that you can learn and get better at). And finally, haggling makes me feel trashy. I’d put off buying cars FOREVER if I had to do that.
Amen, Tracy. I don’t think we’re alone in disliking negotiation.
But as I said last time, saving money on the big things is…well, big. So even if I don’t like negotiating, I need to improve my negotiating skills so I don’t pay too much.
Knowing how to negotiate isn’t enough, though. Especially if it makes you feel trashy. Same thing if you feel sorry for the person selling the car or house. Or if you hate conflict (so one round of “Sorry, I’ll have to walk away” is enough to make your palms sweaty). Or maybe you just don’t want to talk to salespeople.
Maybe introversion isn’t the right word to describe these personality traits.
But no matter what, as with money, negotiating is more about the noggin than it is about the math.
But I’m not going to analyze your noggin. (And you definitely don’t want to analyze mine.)
Instead, we’re going to cover negotiation, introverted-style.
Tips for the introverted negotiator
1. Do your research. While this tip applies to all negotiators, I think introverted negotiators really shine here. We are quite comfortable researching online, reading articles, and comparing costs. We are fore-informed and, thus, fore-armed. We know what a good deal is; we’re just not always prepared to get it.
2. Decide how much you can (or will) spend. Again, this tip should be easy(ish) for everyone. Many times, your ability to secure financing will determine how much you can spend. Or maybe you just want to cut your bill by a certain amount. If you do have some wiggle room, sticking to the limit will be more difficult when personal interaction is thrown into the mix.
3. Know what you want (but don’t want it too much). Your research and spending limits will usually dictate what you want. However, decide ahead of time what is negotiable. If buying a home, is a certain school district a must? Is the number of miles from your workplace negotiable? Will you still keep your service with your company even if they don’t cave to your requests? As I know from experience, don’t get your heart set on a specific house, but do clarify what you really want or need.
4. Negotiate via email if possible. Although I haven’t personally done this, it would be much easier for me to follow Nicole’s plan to negotiate by email than to negotiate face to face or even by phone. If you can’t negotiate by email, the next tip may help.
5. Use scripts. If you call any utility company to negotiate a service, they have scripts in front of them to benefit their company, but keep you as a customer. Creating your own scripts again helps you clarify what you’re really looking for and also helps focus on your own needs. But here’s where I start to get uncomfortable. Scripts might mean…confrontation. By focusing on #2 and #3, you can stay strong!
6. Be pleasant, but firm. Whether you’re negotiating by email, phone, or in person, be pleasant. And smile. But don’t be too nice. You can be kind while still focusing on what you need. If you can keep your eye on the goal, saying “No, thank you,” or “I really want to keep my business with you, but I really need a better price,” isn’t as painful. On a related topic…
7. It’s not (really) about you. When the steel shows underneath my “nice girl” exterior, it’s usually because I sense unfairness or I’m fighting for someone else. When you’re about to back down, think about why are you negotiating. Are you trying to cut your cable bill so you have enough money to send your daughter to music lessons? Or afford a house so your children get a better education? Eventually, though, you may need to walk away.
8. Know when to walk away. Sometimes you have to smile (see #6), but know that what you want (#3) is more than you should spend (#2). And you walk away, literally or figuratively. This is the hardest for me. I imagine scenarios (he needs the money more than I do; his pay will be docked if I ask for another discount; I’m cheap! I’m stingy! I’m greedy!). And I guess the answer to all those questions could be “yes.” But that brings me to my last tip…
9. Look for the win-win. I am most successful at negotiating when I keep this tip in mind. You’re negotiating, because each of you has something the other one wants. You want to buy a car (or save money on your phone bill, etc.); they want to sell you a car (or keep you as a customer). The best situations are ones in which both parties get what they want.
As an example, we know a couple who wanted to sell their home on their own, so they called up their neighbors. Several neighbors expressed interest, but this couple asked the first one how much he was willing to pay. He named the exact price they needed. They didn’t negotiate further. And both parties were happy.
Maybe it’s not the best example of negotiating. After all, the buyer named a price, and the sellers took it.
But focusing on the needs of both parties is a style I’m comfortable with (and it would save me more than I’m saving now). And we should all do what works for us.
Now I’m off to practice negotiating with my husband…to see who gets to do the dishes.
Today we’ll deep dive into “Asset Mutual Mortgage,” a company that claims to have a reputation as one of the best mortgage lenders in Chicago.
It could have to do with their motto of “Less paperwork and more personal attention,” which should appeal to just about anyone who has ever experienced the arduous home loan process.
And thus far, their reviews seem to back up the assertion, so if you’re looking to enter the “frustration-free zone from application to decision,” they could be the lender for you.
Read on to learn about them.
Asset Mutual Mortgage Fast Facts
Direct-to-consumer mortgage lender that operates mostly online
Offers home purchase loans and mortgage refinances
Founded in 1989, headquartered in Lombard, Illinois
Currently licensed to do business in six states nationwide
Employs about 16 loan officers across two physical offices
Asset Mutual Mortgage is a direct-to-consumer mortgage lender that has been operating since 1989, led by current president Adam Karno.
They are headquartered in Lombard, Illinois, but also have a second physical location in Queen Creek, Arizona, which is a suburb of Phoenix.
At the moment, the company is licensed to do business in six states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia.
It’s unclear if they plan to expand to additional states or focus on the ones they’re already approved to do business in.
They refer to themselves as a “local lender,” and as stated previously strive to provide a personal, human experience driven by the latest technology.
Whether you’re a prospective home buyer or existing homeowner, they’ve got solutions to suit all parties.
In Illinois and Michigan, they are also Quicken Loans Mortgage Partners, meaning you could be referred to them if Quicken (soon to be Rocket Mortgage) feels they can’t meet your needs directly.
How to Apply at Asset Mutual Mortgage
Call, email, or simply fill out a real mortgage application on their website in minutes
They offer a digital home loan experience where most tasks can be completed electronically
Once approved you can manage your loan from the online borrower portal
They aim to close loans quickly without all the unnecessary paperwork
To begin, you can either call or email to get in touch with a loan officer, or cruise right over to their website.
If you go online, you’ll be given the opportunity to fill out a short contact form on their website or jump right into the long application, which is an actual digital form 1003 that can also be completed via smartphone.
They say their long form takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to fill out, at which point you’ll be prompted to sign disclosures, have your credit pulled, and lock your rate.
Once you’ve completed your application and/or received loan approval, you can log on to the borrower portal via the website to check loan status 24/7.
You’ll also be able to securely upload any necessary documents to satisfy any outstanding conditions.
All in all, they seem to utilize the latest technology to ensure the mortgage process is mostly paperless where possible, and seem to be well organized to avoid unnecessary documentation requests.
Asset Mutual Mortgage Loan Programs
Home purchase loans
Mortgage refinance loans: Rate and term, cash out, and streamline
Conventional home loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
FHA loans
One area where information is lacking is their loan product menu. For one reason or another, they don’t list what programs are available to customers.
As such, it’s unclear what they offer, though they appear to originate both home purchase loans and refinance loans, including rate and term, streamline, and cash out refinances.
Additionally, they appear to offer conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with government-backed FHA loans.
They don’t seem to offer VA loans or USDA loans, or second mortgages.
So their lending menu looks to be a little thin, though I can’t confirm this since they don’t mention all available loan programs on their website.
You may want to call first to ensure they have the loan program you’re looking for before spending too much time filling out lengthy forms.
Asset Mutual Mortgage Rates
One slight downside to Asset Mutual Mortgage is their lack of disclosure when it comes to mortgage interest rates and lender fees.
Unlike some other lenders, they don’t post daily mortgage rates or list their lender fees online, so you’ll want to get a quote first before you apply.
Another option is to compare mortgage rates on the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, where Asset Mutual Mortgage is often listed alongside other lenders.
I came across their listing for both a 30-year fixed and a 15-year fixed, both of which were being offered with just $1 in lender fees (basically a no cost mortgage).
And their rates were nearly the lowest on the platform, with only one or two lenders beating them in rate by .125%.
In other words, they should offer very competitive mortgage rates when compared to other online mortgage lenders, which generally are cheaper than the larger, brick-and-mortar name brand lenders.
Additionally, it appears they structure loans with no out-of-pocket fees while remaining economical, so even if they do charge lender fees, the mortgage APR may still be top notch thanks to a lender credit.
As always, put in the time to shop their rates and fees with other lenders, brokers, banks, and so on to ensure you get a good deal on your home loan.
Asset Mutual Mortgage Reviews
On Zillow, Asset Mutual Mortgage has a 4.95-star rating out of a possible 5 from over 500 customer reviews.
Aside from being near-perfect, many of those reviews indicate that the interest rate and/or closing costs were lower than expected.
If you peruse their ratings on Zillow, be sure to drill down to individual loan officer ratings to see how each employee is rated, then you can ask to work with someone specific.
Over at Birdeye, they have a 4.5-star rating from about 20 reviews, which are gleaned from Facebook, Google, and other ratings websites.
The company also boasts an ‘A+’ rating with the Better Business Bureau based on complaint history, though they aren’t an accredited business.
In summary, Asset Mutual Mortgage could be a good choice if you’re looking for a low-cost home loan, whether it’s a home purchase or a refinance.
The only question mark pertains to their product menu, which doesn’t feature on their website. That said, they might be best served for borrowers with straightforward, vanilla loan scenarios.
Asset Mutual Mortgage Pros and Cons
The Good
Offer a digital mortgage application and online borrower portal
Can apply for a home loan on your own without human assistance
Appear to offer low mortgage rates with limited lender fees
Welcome to the vibrant city of Wichita, where summer ushers in a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. As the temperature rises and the sun shines brightly, this Midwestern gem becomes a playground of endless possibilities. Whether you’re a long-time local or you just rented your first apartment in Wichita, you’re in for a treat.
From captivating museums and scenic parks to thrilling outdoor adventures and lively festivals, this Redfin article will guide you through a handpicked selection of the best things to do in Wichita this summer. So, get ready to embrace the warm weather, delve into exciting experiences, and create unforgettable memories right in the heart of Kansas.
1. Indulge in the local food scene
Landon Huslig, the founder of Wichita Life Update, suggests “embracing Wichita’s diverse food scene.” You can find everything from traditional Kansas barbecue joints and farm-to-table eateries to international cuisines like Thai, Italian, and Mexican. Food lovers should consider visiting the Old Town Farmers Market this summer for fresh, local produce and homemade products. Food truck events are also a regular feature in the city, offering delicious street food.
2. Take part in various Pride events
Wichita Pride is a colorful and vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Kansas. This year’s Pride events are expected to be bigger than ever, with a parade, a fair, and a series of parties and picnics planned. Many other Pride events can be discovered throughout the month of June. Everyone is encouraged to come and support the local LGBTQ+ community and allies. Whether you want to join the parade, watch from the sidelines, or enjoy the festivities, there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, filled with love, acceptance, and of course, pride.
3. Experience the Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series is a staple of Wichita’s summer scene. Local, national, and even international acts often play in various outdoor venues across the city, including the iconic Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. This year, the lineup includes a mix of rock, country, blues, and pop acts, offering something for every music taste.
4. Sway beneath the stars at Twilight Tunes
The Twilight Tunes series provides free live music in various parks throughout the city. These events are an excellent opportunity to enjoy a picnic and relax with friends and family while listening to local musicians play everything from folk and bluegrass to jazz and rock.
5. Enjoy live acoustic music at Artichoke Sandwich Bar
The Artichoke Sandwich Bar is not only known for its delicious sandwiches but also for its live music scene. According to owner Tracy Rutledge, you can also enjoy “cold Guinness and a friendly welcome on tap!” This summer, they’ll host a series of acoustic nights where local musicians perform intimate, stripped-back sets. It’s the perfect setting for those who appreciate good food, music, and a cozy atmosphere.
6. Vibe at the lake with The Dam Jam Music Festival
Coined “the biggest lake party in the state of Kansas,” The Dam Jam Music Festival is a highlight of Wichita’s summer calendar. Lidia Potgieter shares how the festival is “set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Afton, the thrill of camping merges seamlessly with the pulsating beats of live music.” Experience the two-day outdoor music event held at the scenic Sedgwick County Park. This year’s lineup features a mix of local and national bands across multiple stages.
7. Sip wine at the Wyldewood Cellars
Wyldewood Cellars is a family-owned winery in Peck, just south of Wichita. Social Media Manager and Graphic Designer of Wyldewood Cellars Winery, Christine, shares how the winery “produces a wide range of award-winning wines, including their renowned elderberry wine.” Enjoy vineyard tours and wine tastings this summer, and attend various events, such as their famous Wine and Paint nights.
Bottom line: Maximize your summer fun in Wichita this summer
This summer in Wichita, opportunities for adventure are abundant and diverse, making every day exciting. Regardless of where your passions may lie, Wichita is ready to meet them head-on. If you’re seeking out this season’s most vibrant happenings or hunting for hidden gems within the city, turn on the Summer Sunflower App offered by Wichita on the Cheap and discover more to do.
The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) declared its support this week for a bill introduced by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reinstate the Loan Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) structure that was in place prior to May 1, 2023.
Lawmakers proposed similar legislation in April. However, it was more limited in scope and sought to cancel the changes announced in January and continue risk-based pricing.
The new version seeks to restrict Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) adjustments to the single-family pricing framework and prohibit LLPA changes based on debt-to-income ratio.
If passed, the bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to “conduct a study of the revisions made by the [FHFA] to the standard single-family pricing framework under the recalibrated single-family pricing framework” by analyzing the basis for such revisions; inputs supplied by the GSEs; and how proposed revisions comply with the Enterprise Regulatory Capital Framework.
“Borrowers who have demonstrated a propensity to manage credit in a responsible manner should not be penalized when obtaining financing,” said NAMB President Ernest Jones in the announcement. “There is data which shows that lower credit scores do not directly correlate to lower income, furthermore, there are higher income earners who fail to manage credit effectively.”
The earlier version of the bill passed the House Financial Services Committee in May. However, the passage was along partisan lines, and the issue should face an ideological split between political parties, NAMB said.
“NAMB believes opposition to this policy should not be a partisan issue, it is a matter of fundamental fairness,” the association said.
The proposed LLPA changes caused an uproar when announced earlier this year. The main issue stemmed from the belief that the changes would punish borrowers with good credit, which FHFA Director Sandra Thompson characterized as a misconception.
The changes were later rescinded, but not before House Republican lawmakers took aim in a House Financial Services subcommittee hearing and an additional hearing with Thompson as a witness.
“I want to be very clear on one key point, and one that bears repeating: under the new pricing framework, borrowers with strong credit profiles are not being penalized to benefit borrowers with weaker credit profiles,” Thompson said during the hearing. “That is simply not true.”
The new bill is sponsored in the House by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio). It currently has 13 Republican cosponsors; no Democrat had signed on as a cosponsor as of June 8. An amendment to the proposed bill was passed out of committee on June 7.