Ashley Tisdale is bopping to the top of motherhood.
The High School Musical alum welcomed her second child with husband Christopher French Sept. 6.
“Emerson Clover French,” the proud mom wrote on Instagram, alongside a pic of the couple and their daughter Jupiter, 3, holding the newborn’s hand. “All three of us are obsessed with you 9.6.24.”
Ashley first shared the news of her pregnancy in March, posting a photo of her baby bump along with the caption, “We can’t wait to meet you.”
And Christopher, 42, was just as excited about the new addition.
“Beyond grateful,” the musician said in his own Instagram post. “Thank you my beautiful love @ashleytisdale for another baby French.”
Ashley—who has been married to Christopher since 2014—she has not been shy about the struggles of her second pregnancy. In fact, she previously got candid about one of the problems she faced while expecting.
“Women at night during pregnancy: Has horrible acid reflux,” Ashley wrote on her Instagram Stories in June. “Can’t get comfortable enough to sleep well. Has a baby inside them jumping around and dancing. Can hardly move their body from left to right. Congestion so they can’t breathe well.”
There is an adage that says you can’t be all things to all people. While this principle applies to many facets of life and business, it is also true when it comes to cloud computing: No single cloud provider can offer the optimal solution for every conceivable use case. Each provider has developed unique strengths, specializations and feature sets that cater to different needs and scenarios. This diversity allows companies to strategically leverage multiple cloud environments in order to create a more comprehensive and tailored solution that satisfies their specific requirements.
Utilizing multiple clouds brings a new level of complexity to the IT infrastructure and makes the work of cybersecurity teams significantly more complicated. This article explores the main data security challenges that organizations face when operating across more than one cloud and provides recommendations on how to address them.
Key Drivers of Multi-cloud Adoption
Since cloud providers each offer a unique set of features, services and tools, some applications simply work better in one cloud environment than another. By adopting a multi-cloud approach, organizations can match each workload or application to the most suitable provider and thereby maximize performance and efficiency. In addition, cloud providers vary in their pricing models, which can make one option more cost-effective than others for a particular workload.
While application optimization and attention to budget are key drivers of multi-cloud adoption, other factors also play crucial roles. Relying on a single cloud provider creates a single point of failure, whereas a multi-cloud approach distributes risk. Data sovereignty and compliance requirements often necessitate using different providers across various geographic regions. Many companies aim to avoid vendor lock-in, mirroring their on-premises strategy. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions can bring together organizations that have different cloud infrastructures in place. Taking a multi-cloud approach can be more practical than consolidating everything onto a single platform, since this strategy allows for smoother integration while leveraging existing investments and expertise across multiple cloud environments.
Challenge of Data Security Across Multiple Clouds
Along with the abundant advantages, however, cloud diversity presents significant cybersecurity challenges, from the need for additional technical controls to more human factors.
Expanded Attack Surface
A primary concern in a multi-cloud strategy is the expanded attack surface. Utilizing multiple clouds creates more areas requiring data protection, just as having multiple sites does in an on-premises environments. In addition, a multiple-cloud strategy increases the potential entry points for threat actors.
Need to Master Different Security Approaches Used by Cloud Providers
All major cloud vendors take security seriously, but their approaches differ. As a result, organizations that utilize multiple cloud platforms must invest more time and effort in order to fully understand all the underlying methodologies.
For instance, Azure security solutions are deeply integrated with the broad range of both legacy and newer Microsoft products and services, while Amazon Web Services (AWS), designed without legacy commitments, uses a more flexible system. Both platforms evaluate policies to grant or deny access requests, but the specific evaluation logic and order may vary between the two platforms: Microsoft employs a traditional permission-based identity and access management (IAM) model, while AWS uses IAM policies written in JSON to control access.
Shortage of Cloud Diversity Experts
On-prem IT teams are often structured by specific skill sets, like data storage or virtualization platforms. However, individuals are often better versed in one solution than another, such as knowing Oracle far better than SQL Server.
The cloud is no different: Cybersecurity professionals often lack equal expertise across different vendor platforms. There are no shortcuts to gaining the necessary knowledge and experience, and the stakes are high — a simple misconfiguration or erroneous click could inadvertently expose sensitive data to the internet. This skills gap poses a significant challenge in effectively managing and securing diverse cloud environments and underscores the importance of continuous investment in training when adopting a multi-cloud strategy.
The Dynamic Nature of the Cloud
The cloud is constantly changing, with not just new products but new core technologies being introduced at an astonishing rate. While the changes are often extremely beneficial, they also pose significant challenges for cybersecurity teams. New technologies inevitably introduce new vulnerabilities that must be swiftly identified and addressed.
In this fast-paced ecosystem, organizations can struggle to balance innovation with robust security. The critical challenge lies in ensuring that security measures keep pace with the relentless speed of cloud transformation. This dynamic environment demands agility and continuous learning from security professionals, who must adapt their strategies and tools as quickly as the cloud landscape changes.
Shared Responsibility Model
A common thread among cloud vendors is their adherence to the shared responsibility model: Providers secure their platforms, while customers are responsible for safeguarding their own data.
However, many organizations underestimate the extent of their role in this model, especially when they are navigating the specifics of security in each of multiple cloud environments. A thorough understanding of the shared responsibility boundaries for each cloud platform is essential to implementing comprehensive security measures and avoiding potential vulnerabilities due to misaligned expectations.
Overcoming Multi-Cloud Security Challenges with Platform-Agnostic Solutions
Much like global summits require translators to bridge language barriers, organizations need a translation layer that will streamline management across their various cloud platforms. Increasingly, they are turning to platform-agnostic security tools from third-party vendors that provide cybersecurity solutions with a unified interface and a single operational model across multiple cloud environments.
For example, this approach allows for consistent data classification, file tagging and access control policies across all the major cloud platforms. As a result, security personnel need to master just one access control policy system, instead of having to gain deep expertise in each one individually. This enables security professionals to focus more on securing sensitive data and less on adapting and learning. Moreover, data classification topped the list of security measures organizations plan to implement in the cloud, according to the 2024 Netwrix Hybrid Security Trends Report.
The implementation process for such solutions typically begins with a comprehensive risk assessment. Third-party tools can analyze an organization’s existing environments, identify sensitive and overexposed data, and provide recommendations based on established security standards. This initial evaluation forms the foundation for a robust, unified security strategy across the multi-cloud infrastructure.
Adopting a multi-cloud strategy enables organizations to leverage the unique strengths of different providers. However, securing the resulting diverse environment can be challenging. Embracing cloud-agnostic security tools can help organizations overcome many of those challenges. By unifying and centralizing security tasks, they can mitigate risks more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, as the cloud landscape continues to evolve, organizations that prioritize and invest in robust multi-cloud security measures will be best positioned to thrive.
Before traveling to Germany you’ll want to buy a German eSIM mobile data plan so you don’t find yourself without reliable data during your trip. To help make things easier, I’ve created this guide to the best eSIM data plans for Germany—including where to find the cheapest prepaid data plan and a few quirks you might experience when trying to buy your data plan in Germany.
Important Information About German eSIM Data Plans
Before we start, I want to cover a few quirks about getting mobile data in Germany—especially as a visitor. If you want to learn more about eSIM data plans in general then check out my Guide To Using eSIM Data Plans in Europe
Many German Carriers Don’t Offer Prepaid eSIM Plans
As of now, the only major mobile carrier in Germany that offers a prepaid eSIM plan is Telekom Germany (T-Mobile)—even they require you to jump through a few hoops so it’s not super convenient for short-term visitors.
Other carriers offer eSIM options to non-prepaid customers (i.e. users who have a long-term contract) but these plans typically must be paid via direct debit from a German bank account (which isn’t possible for most visitors).
However, there are budget carriers that rent space on the major carriers’ networks and offer prepaid eSIM plans (we’ll cover all these later in the article).
eSIM/SIM Registration Is Required
All eSIM or SIM cards purchased in Germany must be registered before the service can be activated—which means you’ll need to submit your passport. Additionally, you might also be required to submit an address as well (just use your hotel/hostel/Airbnb address).
If you buy your eSIM/SIM at a shop they’ll make a copy of your passport or if you buy online you’ll need to upload a clear photo of your passport.
This typically isn’t much of an issue but some shops aren’t used to dealing with non-German customers so there might be a few hiccups.
Registration/activation is often immediate but sometimes it can take up to 24 hours.
The benefit of using the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM or a Holafly eSIM is that you don’t need to provide this information.
You Don’t Need To Buy A “German” eSIM Plan
As of 2017, the EU passed a “roam like home” policy that bans mobile carriers from charging mobile roaming fees for any EU member country. In short, any eSIM data plan bought in the EU can be used in any other EU country without extra fees or restrictions. This is great for travelers because you can use one plan everywhere. However, some plans might limit the number of texts or mobile minutes if you’re out of the plan’s home country.
Here are the countries/areas where there is no data roaming: Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Madeira, Malta. Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Sweden, Vatican
Note: Some plans don’t work in Switzerland since they’re not in the EU but many still have service agreements.
How Much Mobile Data Do You Need?
As long as you’re not streaming music/videos or uploading a ton of photos, you probably won’t use more than 3GB-6GB of mobile data a week. In fact, the average American smartphone owner uses around 15GB of mobile data each month.
If you’re spending a lot of time on social media (notably Instagram and TikTok) then you might use a bit more but if you’re just doing normal web browsing and using Google Maps then you might only use 1-2GB a week.
YOUR PHONE MUST BE UNLOCKED
Some mobile carriers (mainly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand) “lock” their phones so they’ll only work on that carrier’s network—this typically applies if you have a plan that includes a free phone with a multi-year contract. You’ll need to contact your carrier and have them “unlock” your phone so it will accept a third-party SIM card.
In the US, carriers are required to unlock phones if the customer requests it but it’s often not unlocked by default. That said, a few carriers still make customers jump through hoops to unlock their phones so don’t put this off to the last minute or you could be out of luck.
The Best eSIM Data Plans in Germany
Ok, let’s take a look at the best eSIM plans for traveling to Germany.
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM (50GB)
Price: $59.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 50GB
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 28 day
Data Tethering: Allowed
Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
Service works everywhere in the EU
If you need a ton of mobile data, consider the newly released Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).
The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.
HOLAFLY UNLIMITED DATA ESIM
Holafly is a new data-only eSIM provider that I recently used on a trip to Europe—the service was great and I got fast data speeds (read my Holafly eSIM Review to learn more). They sell both Germany-specific and Europe-wide data plans.
I like how Holafly’s plans come with unlimited data and are available in durations of 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip. NOTE: These plans aren’t truly “unlimited” because they’ll throttle your data if you use excessive data.
Holafly doesn’t allow data tethering in most cases so you won’t be able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
Plan Specs:
Prices For Unlimited Data (Check Holafly for details)
5 Days: $19
10 Days: $34
15 Days: $47
20 Days: $54
30 Days: $64
60 Days: $84
90 Days: $99
Service Speed: 5G/4G/LTE
Calls coverage: None
SMS: None
Tethering: No
Data service works everywhere in the EU
Bouygues My European eSIM
Bouygues is another major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.
There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan—especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.
Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 30GB
Data Tethering: Allowed
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and credit for overseas calls
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and credit for overseas sms
Credit validity: 30 day
Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
Coverage: Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM
Price: $49.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 30GB
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 14 day
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Data Tethering: Allowed
Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
This eSIM comes with a French phone number
Backed by one of the largest mobile networks in Europe
The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is one of the most robust eSIM plans for Germany—it also works for every EU country so it’s great for multi-country trips.
As you can see, this is one of the few eSIM plans that comes with voice minutes and texts (most eSIM plans are data-only). This Orange Holiday Europe eSIM also allows data tethering so you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot for your laptop/tablet.
As an added bonus, the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM doesn’t require registration unless you use it longer than 14 days.
Orange Holiday Zen eSIM
Price: $29.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 15GB
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 14 day
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Data Tethering: Allowed
Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
This eSIM comes with a French phone number
Backed by one of the largest mobile networks in Europe
The Orange Holiday Zen eSIM is another excellent option for people traveling to Germany (and the entirety of Europe) because it comes with 15GB of mobile data which should suffice for most travelers who aren’t heavy data users—heavy data users are better served by the Orange Holiday Europe which has 30GB of mobile data.
As an added bonus, the Orange Holiday ZEN eSIM doesn’t require registration unless you use it longer than 14 days.
O2 Go Card eSIM
Price: $24.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 10GB
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Includes $2 of credit to make calls within Europe
Texts/SMS: Includes $2 of credit to send/receive texts within Europe
Credit validity: 30 day
This eSIM card comes with a Czech phone number
Another option to consider is the O2 Go Card Plan—which operates on the O2 mobile network (the largest mobile network in the UK) so the service quality will be good.
And while it’s slightly cheaper than the Orange Holiday Zen plan, you get less mobile data and you don’t get the benefit of any international calls/texts—you also get a very limited amount of EU calls/texts. Personally, I’d opt for the Orange Holiday Zen plan unless you’re a light data user and your trip will last longer than 14 days.
Smart Comfort X eSIM
Price: $17.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 5GB
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: None
Texts/SMS: None
Credit validity: 30 day
Ultra budget travelers might consider the Smart Comfort X eSIM—it’s a budget data-only eSIM plan option that gives you 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still send iMessage if you’re sending messages between iPhones and make calls/texts via WhatsApp, etc).
The Smart Comfort X eSIM is a third-party service so it connects to whatever local network is available—for example, France (Bouygues), Germany (O2), Italy (WIND), Spain (Telefonica), etc.
Telekom Germany eSIM
Telekom (T-Mobile) is the largest mobile provider in Germany so their eSIM plans have the best/fastest coverage but they’re also the most expensive local provider. You can sign up for their eSIM service online but it’s somewhat complicated and their website is only in German.
It might be easiest if you buy this plan from a Telekom shop in Germany—but then you lose out on the convenience factor of instant delivery. Personally, I’d only consider this if you’re going to be traveling in Germany for an extended period.
eSIM Plans From Other German Mobile Carriers
As of now, these major German mobile carriers offer eSIM plans but they’re only available to users who have long-term contracts—i.e. they’re not available for prepaid customers. Things might change in the future but for now, these aren’t viable options for visitors.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR USING YOUR PHONE WHILE TRAVELING IN GERMANY
I’ve written extensively about using smartphones and data plans in Europe as well as tips for buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe but below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in Spain.
BUY A PORTABLE BATTERY POWER BANK
I highly recommend a portable battery for your phone because traveling with your phone will quickly drain your battery. I use Anker PowerCore 10000 because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options on Amazon.
HOW TO LOWER YOUR MOBILE DATA USAGE
Data can be expensive and it’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.
USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS
I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.
DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS
Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good YouTube video that explains everything.
MAKE CALLS OVER WIFI
WhatsApp is an excellent app for free calling and text messages—I’ve found that many Europeans exclusively use WhatsApp to communicate (including many Airbnb hosts).
MORE GERMANY TRAVEL TIPS FROM THE SAVVY BACKPACKER
Here are some more helpful articles I’ve written about visiting Germany on a budget:
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the author of the book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On A Budget”. He’s been blogging about budget travel in Europe since 2010.
Latest posts by James Feess (see all)
No Funny Business
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.
Thanks For Reading! — James
Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us.
Google has officially announced the rollout of offline maps in Google Maps on Wear OS watches, including the Pixel Watch 1 and 2, OnePlus Watch, recent Galaxy Watches, and more. The feature has been slowly trickling for a couple of weeks, but it should now be available to everyone and I think you should put it to good use right away, just like I did before packing for a 10-day trip to Albania.
The truth is that no one plans to be lost in unfamiliar areas with no connection, but unexpected things do happen at the most unexpected of times. I like to be prepared, and since I live in a relatively new country and like to travel to even more unfamiliar places, I rely on Google Maps a lot to guide me around. I also always download the offline map of my current city to my phone, just in case I’m in an area with a spotty connection. But what happens when the phone’s battery runs out? Well, offline maps on smartwatches come to the rescue!
When your phone is out of reach or its battery is dead, having a backup offline map can be very handy — even on a tiny display.
If the feature is available to you, you’ll see a notice the moment you open the Maps app on your watch. Go ahead and scroll down, past the recent searches, and to the bottom of the options. Right above Settings, you’ll see a new Offline maps menu. Opening that reveals a new screen where you can manage your offline maps.
By default, nothing is downloaded to your watch, and the app explains that you need to first manage offline maps on your Android phone. So you start by downloading an area on Google Maps on your phone and once you do, you’ll see that map pop up as downloadable on the watch, just like you see with the Albania map below.
Tap to download, tap the checkmark, and you’ll see the download progress. If it’s a big map, you might want to leave your watch on a charger within your Wi-Fi network to speed up the process and avoid wasting battery life. Once the download is complete, you’ll see the map’s full size along with a checkmark next to it.
Now, you can tap that map again to delete it or just leave it be and go back to the main Maps app. In my experience, downloaded maps load much faster on the watch when I wanted to browse around and, as you can see in the two screenshots below, they do work offline (stricken cloud icon on top).
During my 10 days in Albania, I was able to use the map even when my phone was away or disconnected. I could zoom in and out as much as I wanted, right down to street level, check my surroundings in Shkoder, search for places in Tirana, and get driving directions in Vlore. Having that gave me a bit of extra peace of mind, knowing that I could return to my hotel even if my Pixel 9 Pro XL‘s battery collapsed under the stress of a million daily photos of the beautiful Albanian landscape.
The limitations here are similar to offline Google Maps on the phone. You don’t see ratings or reviews; you can’t get walking, transit, or biking directions; and there are no traffic updates when driving. I do understand the limitation behind some of these — ratings or reviews would take a lot of space, while transit and traffic require live updates — but I’m still a bit miffed that I can’t get basic walking or biking directions when offline. It shouldn’t require an internet connection to tell me how to walk from point A to point B.
Still, if you rely on Maps in your everyday life, this is a welcome bonus and a nifty trick — even on a tiny display — to make sure you have a backup plan when your phone is out of reach, or its battery is dead.
LONDON — Britain’s biggest high street lenders are continuing to slash borrowing costs after the Bank of England’s first interest rate cut in four years sparked a boom in homebuyer activity.
Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and NatWest are among the lenders now offering five-year fixed-rate mortgages of under 4%, below the BOE’s 5% key rate.
The best five-year fixed rate is currently 3.83% for buyers with a 40% deposit, according to a new report from property portal Rightmove. This marks the lowest level for such a product since before the U.K.’s disastrous mini-budget in September 2022.
It follows a prior easing of tracker rates, which fell in line with the bank’s 25 basis point rate reduction earlier this month.
The improving economic environment, as well as the political certainty gained from the U.K.’s July general election, has led to an “immediate upturn,” in buyer activity, Rightmove found.
The number of house hunters contacting estate agents for viewings is up 19% versus a year ago following the BOE’s Aug. 1 decision, the property portal said in its report, adding that this is a marked hike from the 11% annual increase recorded in July.
The number of new sellers coming to market also rose 5% this month compared with the previous year. The number of sales being agreed, meanwhile, is 16% ahead of the near-peak mortgage rate period of a year ago.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property science, said that, while minimal, the rate cut had brought some relief to struggling homebuyers, adding that he expects activity to pick up further through the autumn.
“While mortgage rates aren’t yet substantially lower since the rate cut, the fact that the long-hoped-for first cut has finally arrived, and mortgage rates are heading downwards, is positive for home-mover sentiment,” he said in the report.
Rightmove now expects new seller asking prices to rise marginally by 1% in 2024, an upward revision from its earlier prediction of a 1% fall in prices.
The BOE is scheduled to meet on Sept. 19 to make a new interest rate decision. Markets are currently pricing in around a 37% chance of a September rate cut, with expectations rising to 74% for November, according to LSEG data.
Peter Gettins, product manager at L&C Mortgages, said many buyers will be closely watching the outcome of the meeting for signals on the future path for mortgage rates.
“Many people may be inclined to wait and see whether rates come down more. Should we get another base rate cut in the next few months, we’d expect confidence to firm up further,” he told CNBC via email.
Have you even been made to take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain? Ricky Martin claimed that he had back in 1999, via Livin La Vida Loca, a song that you may well not like, but have almost definitely heard. The folks at PlayStation definitely seem to have heard it, having included the tune in a playlist that’s arrived alongside what looks like it could be the first official tease of the PS5 Pro’s design.
All of this was packed into a blog post detailing some of the stuff that the console maker’s doing to commemorate its 30th anniversary later this year, a milestone that I’m sure won’t make anyone who grew up with a PS1 feel old in the slightest.
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.
This weirdness comes not long after leaker bilbil-kun shared an illustration that they claimed shows what the unannounced video game playing box will look like, as well as some apparent details about it.
That sketch feature a console that looked a lot like the PS5, but had three diagonal ridges about halfway down its outer shell. If you take a look at the artwork that serves as the header image for Playstation’s 30th anniversary post, you’ll find that it includes the iconic shapes which adorn the buttons of its contorllers, made from silhouettes of Sony hardware and peripherals past and present.
Sandwiched between the PlayStation logo and the three in 30th, there’s a device that seems to resemble that mockup of the Pro, just chilling away there. Now, as always with stuff like this, it’s probably worth waiting for official confirmation that doesn’t require you to drag an image into an editing program of your choice or squint at your screen like your’re starring in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly before you go into hype overdrive.
Forgive my bad circle drawing skills. | Image credit: VG247
While you wait to see if a reveal is coming though, you should definitely check out the official PlayStation 30th Anniversary playlist Sony included as part of that same blog post. It’s comprised of “fan favorite songs from the past three decades which gamers have listened to the most”, according to the console maker. So which iconic tracks filled with PlayStation nostalgia mafde the 100-song list?
Well, there’s the aforementioned Livin La Vida Loca, Justin Timberlake’s SexyBack, and, er, Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda. Don’t think that all though, there are bangers to cover a whole smorgasbord of tastes, such as Dani California by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys, and Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie. For the very up to date crowd, the PlayStation DJ’s chucked on stuff like Doja Cat’s Paint the Town Red and 21 Savage’s Redrum.
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.
Also, 50 Cent’s Candy Shop and Snoop Dogg’s Drop It Like It’s Hot are in there. Has PlayStation listened to the lyrics of that first one? We’re not sure, but hey, it can at least teach any kids that whack this on about the power of thinly-veiled metaphors. Oh, and Adele’s Hello’s in there, as is Oasis’s Wonderwall. Music, eh?
Plan an unforgettable Roman family holiday! (credit)
Traveling with your kids is one of the most magical ways to create forever family memories. If Italy has been on your bucket list of places to visit, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of family-friendly attractions for children, teens and young adults in Rome. Before you start building your travel itinerary, book a spacious and family-friendly apartment rental in Rome with Vacation Perfect. Below you’ll find some of our favorite things to see and do during your family holiday in the Eternal City!
Explore Ancient Rome at the Colosseum
Rome is an amazing city for history buffs, but it has a wonderful appeal for travelers of all ages. That is certainly the case with awe-inspiring sights like the Colosseum. Our best tip is to book ahead with a Colosseum and Ancient Rome Private Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets. A private experience and guide will bring the historic sites to life and make the experience fun for the whole family. Plus, saving time and long waits in a line is a must for kids!
Gelato always brings a smile! (credit)
Add a Sweet Touch with Gelato
There’s no better way to enjoy a family break while sightseeing than with a gelato. The good news is you’re never far from a gelateria at any moment in Rome. Choosing from all the variety of flavors will be a big hit with your family, especially with your kids. Head to some of the classic spots like Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi, Gelateria Valentino or Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato.
Toss a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain! (credit)
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a captivating sight for children – and truly anyone. It’s such a beautiful surprise to turn a corner and see it suddenly in front of your eyes! Give your children a coin to toss in the fountain for good luck. If your kids are early risers, the best time to see the fountain is first thing in the morning, especially during the busier seasons of the year.
Relax Outdoors at the Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a massive and gorgeous park in the center of Rome. Your kids will love the multiple playgrounds and the open space. Your family can rent rowing boats and bikes to traverse the park. There is also go-karting and a small zoo that’s ideal for young children. The park is open from dusk to dawn. Plan a picnic or visit the park for a brief break from the Roman streets.
Family Time In Rome
We know your trip to Italy is going to be a vacation that your family won’t soon forget. Rome is one of the greatest cities and a fantastic place for a family vacation with Vacation Perfect. Book a comfortable vacation apartment rental to truly feel at home in Rome and to unwind and relax when you aren’t exploring the sights and enjoying the attractions in Rome. To learn more about Italy, visit Italy Perfect for more things to do and tips for planning your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 for the best vacation rentals in Italy!
Posted
on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 12:14 pm in Rome.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
When it comes to finding the right balance between saving, spending, and investing, one of the biggest questions many people face is how much of their income should be allocated to their mortgage. It’s a decision that impacts your overall financial health and well-being. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding general guidelines and how they apply to your personal situation can help you make the best decision. In this article, we’ll explore recommendations and practical tips to help you determine a mortgage budget that works for you.
Interested in making a move? Check out spots in these markets:
Apartments for rent in Las Vegas, NV| Houses for rent in Jacksonville, FL | Homes for sale in Huntsville, AL
How to calculate your monthly percentage?
There are several recommendations on what percentage works best but it is necessary to make a decision based on your situation. Below are the most recommended percentages on which to base your mortgage payments.
28% / 36% Rule
A widely used guideline for budgeting your mortgage is the 28/36 rule. According to this rule, your mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. This percentage covers the principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.
Additionally, the rule suggests that your total debt payments, including your mortgage, credit cards, and other loans, should not exceed 36% of your gross income. This approach helps ensure you have enough room in your budget for other expenses and savings. Using this example, if you make $7,000 monthly your max mortgage payment should be $1,960.
25% Rule
Some financial advisors recommend a more conservative approach, suggesting that your mortgage payment should be no more than 25% of your gross monthly income. This lower percentage provides a larger cushion for unexpected expenses and can help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle without stretching your finances too thin. This rule is particularly useful for those who prefer to err on the side of caution or who have other significant financial commitments. Using this percentage, if you make $8,000 monthly your expected mortgage payments should be $2,000.
30% Rule
In certain regions or housing markets, the 30% rule is commonly cited. This rule allows up to 30% of your gross income to be allocated toward your mortgage payment. A higher percentage might be more applicable in areas with high property values or higher living costs. However, it’s important to consider that spending more than 30% of your income on your mortgage can limit your flexibility in managing other financial goals and expenses.
Which is best?
Ultimately, the percentage of income that should go toward your mortgage varies based on your financial situation. Factors such as your overall debt levels, savings, and personal financial goals play a significant role. Regardless of which rule you follow, the key is to balance your mortgage payment with your other financial responsibilities and goals. Make sure to account for future expenses, potential income changes, and savings goals. By maintaining a well-rounded budget and regularly reviewing your financial situation, you can ensure that your mortgage remains a manageable part of your overall financial plan.
How do lenders determine your home affordability?
When lenders assess your home affordability, they evaluate a variety of factors to determine whether you can comfortably manage mortgage payments alongside your other financial obligations. Here’s a breakdown of what lenders typically consider:
Credit score
Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders examine. It reflects your creditworthiness and financial responsibility based on your credit history. A higher credit score generally indicates that you’re a lower-risk borrower, which can improve your chances of securing a mortgage and potentially lead to better interest rates. Lenders typically look for a score of at least 620, but higher scores are preferable.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
The debt-to-income ratio is a key metric lenders use to evaluate how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. It is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Lenders generally prefer a DTI ratio below 43%, although some may be flexible depending on your overall financial situation. This ratio helps lenders assess your ability to handle additional debt responsibly.
Income and employment history
A stable and sufficient income is crucial for mortgage approval. Lenders will review your employment history to ensure you have a reliable source of income to support mortgage payments. They typically look for a steady job history, ideally at least two years in the same job or industry. Documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment verification may be required to substantiate your income.
Down payment
The size of your down payment affects how much you need to borrow and can influence your mortgage terms. A larger down payment reduces the loan amount and can lower your monthly payments and interest rates. Most conventional loans require a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s purchase price, though there are options available with lower down payments, such as FHA or VA loans.
Assets and savings
Lenders also consider your assets and savings to gauge your financial stability. This includes checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, and other investments. Adequate reserves demonstrate that you have financial cushioning for emergencies and can cover other expenses beyond the mortgage, such as closing costs and home maintenance.
Loan type and terms
Different types of loans have varying requirements and terms. Conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans each have their own criteria and benefits. The loan type you choose will influence your interest rate, down payment requirements, and other aspects of the mortgage. Lenders will evaluate how these terms align with your financial profile.
By considering these factors, lenders aim to determine whether you are financially prepared for homeownership and capable of managing the responsibilities of a mortgage. It’s a comprehensive evaluation designed to ensure that you can comfortably afford your new home while maintaining overall financial health.
Advice on how to lower your monthly mortgage payments
These strategies can help you reduce your mortgage costs, save money, and achieve financial stability more quickly. Each option has its benefits, so consider your financial situation and long-term goals when deciding which strategies to pursue.
Refinance your mortgage: Refinancing your mortgage can be a powerful way to reduce your monthly payments and overall interest costs. By securing a lower interest rate, you can decrease your monthly payment and potentially shorten the term of your loan. Be sure to compare refinancing offers, including any fees or closing costs, to determine if it’s the right move for you.
Make a larger down payment: If you’re in a position to do so, increasing your down payment when purchasing a home can reduce the size of your mortgage loan, thereby lowering your monthly payments and the total interest paid over time. A larger down payment also can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds to your monthly costs.
Consider the loan terms: Opting for a shorter loan term, such as a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage, can save you a significant amount in interest over the life of the loan. While your monthly payments will be higher, the total interest paid will be lower, and you’ll own your home outright sooner. Or you can opt for extending the term of your mortgage reducing your monthly payments. By lengthening the loan term from, for example, a 15-year mortgage to a 30-year mortgage, you spread the repayment of your principal and interest over a longer period. This adjustment decreases the amount you pay each month.
Make Extra payments: If possible, paying extra towards your mortgage principal can significantly reduce the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. You can make extra payments on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, or even just add a little extra to each payment. Consider rounding up your payments or making occasional lump-sum payments whenever possible.
What percentage of income should go to a mortgage: The key takeaway
Determining what percentage of your income should go toward your mortgage is a necessary aspect of managing your finances effectively. While guidelines such as the 28/36 rule, 25% rule, and 30% rule provide valuable starting points, the right percentage for you will depend on your unique financial situation.
By carefully considering factors such as your credit score, income, debt, down payment, and the overall balance of your budget, you can find a mortgage payment that fits comfortably within your financial plan. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your mortgage strategy — whether through refinancing, making extra payments, or lengthening the loan term — can help you stay on track and make informed decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your mortgage payments are manageable and sustainable with your financial goals.
OCMBC president Serene Vernon commented on the acquisition: “We are thrilled to welcome Wes Hunt and the entire HomeStar Financial team to the OCMBC family. Their extensive experience in servicing and their commitment to providing outstanding customer service align perfectly with our values at OCMBC. We look forward to achieving remarkable things together.”
“HomeStar is a great fit for the OCMBC family of companies,” OCMBC chief executive Rabi Aziz said in the company’s media release. “Their dedication to creating strong community relationships and the strength of their team enhances our ability to serve our clients.”
OCMBC, a top-five wholesale lender in the US, is particularly active in the non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space. The company offers a diverse range of mortgage products, including FHA, VA, and USDA loans, across 48 states and the District of Columbia.
The acquisition comes in the wake of OCMBC’s ongoing legal dispute with Home Mortgage Alliance Corp (HMAC). The lender is currently involved in a countersuit filed in California’s Orange County Superior Court, following HMAC’s allegations of trademark theft and employee poaching.
The lawsuit centers around claims that OCMBC, along with former HMAC executive Michael Turturro, unlawfully took over HMAC’s “Jet Mortgage” brand and misappropriated confidential information.
