A study by RMIT University and the University of Western Australia surveyed over 1,300 apartment residents in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, revealing that 20% had excess allocated parking and 14% had insufficient parking. The study, led by Dr. Chris De Gruyter, found that due to minimum parking provisions, residents often pay for parking spaces they do not use, costing more than $6 billion. De Gruyter advocates for unbundled parking policies to give residents a choice and address housing affordability, on-street parking competition, and environmental concerns. Some newer complexes in Australia are already implementing unbundled parking.

Georgia, located below the Caucasus mountains, has a history of political turmoil but is now becoming a tourist destination for hikers, bikers, skiers, and thrill-seekers. The Caucasus mountains, including Georgia's third-highest peak Mt. Shkhara, offer adventure and hospitality. Key attractions include Mount Kazbek, the 5th Season restaurant, and Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, a hotel renovated by Adjara Group Hospitality. Despite its growing popularity, Georgia retains its character as a sanctuary.

Bankrate's chief financial analyst Greg McBride, CFA, forecasts that the Federal Reserve will likely cut rates only twice in 2024, which is less than what U.S. central bankers and investors currently expect. Despite potential rate cuts, consumer borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and home equity loans are anticipated to remain high. Mortgage rates are predicted to decrease but stay at a decade-plus high, while home equity loans will continue as a high-cost debt. Auto loan rates are expected to fall, but subprime borrowers may still face challenges. Savings account yields are likely to remain higher than during the financial crisis, potentially outpacing inflation. Credit card rates are projected to decrease slightly but will still be costly. The overall economic outlook suggests that while borrowing may become slightly cheaper, significant affordability issues in the housing market and high costs of consumer debt will persist.

The Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates do not directly affect those with fixed-rate federal student loans, but can impact borrowers with variable-rate private student loans. Federal student loan interest rates are fixed annually and tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, while private lenders may use the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor). With the Fed expected to raise rates in 2022, borrowers with variable-rate loans may see an increase in interest. Borrowers are advised to consider refinancing options, especially if they have a solid credit score, private student loans, or can secure a lower interest rate.

The article discusses Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its implications, focusing on who benefits from the spending of UBI recipients and the potential trade-offs. It references Sarah Foster's unbiased explainer on UBI, noting the comparison to pandemic stimulus checks and the debate over their impact on employment. The piece also touches on the controversy of UBI's universality, as it would provide equal payments to all citizens, including the wealthy. The article suggests that UBI could be seen as a stimulus for American business or a restructured public benefits system.

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration, a large carnival and music festival in Lake County, will feature Smash Mouth as the headline act on July 16. The festival, which started nearly 50 years ago, includes entertainment, crafts, carnival rides, and fireworks. This year, residents had input on the music lineup, resulting in the selection of Smash Mouth, known for hits like 'All Star' and 'I'm A Believer.' The event, running from July 14-17 at Century Park, also offers a variety of activities including a petting zoo, car and bike show, and a bags tournament. Admission is free, with carnival ride wristbands available for $25.