I Bought A Home In Sicily For $62,000 - Now I Live In Both America & Italy

Stephanie Synclair, 41, owns her own business and makes $80,000 a year. She lives in Atlanta but made Sicily her home away from home in 2022 when she bought a house there for around $62,000.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
Produced, Shot and Edited by: Mickey Todiwala
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Jennifer Liu
Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: cnb.cx/2kxl2rf
About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money.
Connect with CNBC Make It. Online
Get the latest updates: www.cnbc.com/make-it
Find CNBC Make It. on Facebook: cnb.cx/LikeCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Twitter: cnb.cx/FollowCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Instagram: bit.ly/InstagramCNBCMakeIt
#CNBC
#CNBCMakeIt
#MillennialMoney
I Bought A Home In Sicily For $62,000 - Now I Live In Both America & Italy

[@GlennJag]

'Financially it's better to actually be wealthy than to look wealthy'. Best quote ever!

[@JayandSarah]

IT's the opposite of most Americans. Have all the stuff but when you ask to look at the bank or brokerage balances - nothing.

[@Colette_Leroux]

PERIOD. I need that framed while I look like a hobo on a daily basis lmao.

[@SandStormXII]

big facts

[@davidlucey1311]

AMEN! Smart lady!

[@illumonic9026]

Don't think it's ever been the opposite. It's common sense.

[@aldralee]

She's hilarious. The lunch at 2pm. ahahahhaah "I wish it was deeper than that."

[@joblesstess]

😂😂

[@heathermetz6576]

That was funny.

[@boohere2]

I laughed too at that.

[@4piluchi]

So she is in the right place! Welcome to the mediterranean!! 🎉

[@methos-ey9nf]

But when you think, it actually is deep. It’s about autonomy and if you can’t eat when you want you don’t have agency.

[@LucianoDelaney]

Goes to show America is NOT the land of dreams and freedom anymore. Not enough people like her honestly. Very smart woman who followed her dreams! Very inspiring story!

[@WW-tg5pu]

She is absolutely right. I went to Sicily on holiday and cried when I was about to board the flight to return home. It is a stunning place…..FOOD is divine, WINE is divine, WARMTH OF THE PEOPLE is divine…! I so wanted to stay permanently

[@paulbellamy9920]

Absolutely and unequivocally agree

[@marleyhill34]

I love Sicily. I'm from Barbados and it reminds me of the Caribbean. The food is amazing. The seafood is fresh and the sun shines all year round!! I would move there if my Italian was any better!!

[@alphaj9]

Do it!

[@Gladiator1972]

For those wondering why the eggs are not in the refregirated section, is because they don't remove the natural coating on the eggs in Europe, so they don't need to be refrigirated.

[@saturncrush_wonderlust]

African countries do the same thing.

[@voguehaven5154]

i didn't even know eggs have a natural coating. Us americans have nothing natural....just gmo

[@stefan-bayer]

What is the advantage of removing the natural coating? Living in Europe, Germany never heard of this before.

[@Gladiator1972]

It’s only to make all the eggs look uniform and without blemishes

[@JayandSarah]

@@stefan-bayer there is no advantage. It's done to make the eggs look the same so consumers go "oh , nice eggs". Makes them perishable and also adds to the cost. Typical nonsense from north america.

[@WhoisBANE]

I’m 100% sure the food is better quality there and the fact that it’s more affordable is crazy I’m happy for her

[@VAL702]

It’s the same thing in Mexico, everything is organic and a lot cheaper than the US. Go figure !

[@Float_Locker]

You are correct. The food is better over there. I just returned from Italy a few months ago and the food was fantastic

[@latenttweet]

As someone with a “gluten allergy” I can eat about 80% of the food in Italy without any issue because they don’t spray glyphosate on their wheat. The only problem is there is now a lot of imported stuff from other countries and other countries tend to import their wheat flour from the US. The USDA organic label is the best thing to happen to Americans who don’t want cancer and inflammation. The food in Sicily is amazing. My wife and I went to Rome first. I wasn’t that impressed because we cook a lot of pizza and sourdough breads at home using imported Italian flour or local organic flour. But when we went to Sicily and got the Pizzell I thought I died and went to heaven. And the arinchini and the bread. No literally I was eating in a restaurant and I wasn’t sure if it was reality or not and I pondered for a second if maybe we were in an airplane crash and not alive. And for someone who can eat wheat without repercussions it’s the most amazing feeling to be able to eat whatever you want. To me though it is kind of a small boring country I think other than eating I would get bored quick.

[@TheLavenderLover]

It’s not dollar 💵 = Euro 💶 There is an exchange rate… correct? There was when it was the British Pound lol

[@voicerto]

Of course food is BETTER ! America sucks in fruit and vegetables as Im europe

[@elisabetta4571]

As an Italian, let me say that we are proud to see you happy here , Sephanie. I'm from a caotic city of the North and I confirm : Sicily is paradise ; it'd deserve more. I'm glad you feel home there. They indeed are beautiful people, the scenery is magnificent, food so good and so is the sea...:) .

[@hewkiiCZ]

Not only Sicily! Anywhere in Italy if you go outside the big cities, the people are just absolutely amazing and it always brings a tear to my eye how friendly Italians can be. I've been looking for house there too. Cheers from Czechia.

[@mojpamietniku]

i have so different experiences. people that I met in Italy were mainly so rude to me and i am a very open person with a huge Italian background since childhood, speaking Italian fluent. It's not a sure thing and it very much depends on where you are. Italy is very diverse, it is not worth generalizing.

[@ShunShufen]

@@mojpamietnikuBeing a tourist vs actually living there 🫣

[@mojpamietniku]

@@ShunShufen true ...

[@geografia89]

​@@mojpamietnikuyeah it can be a nonsense to generalize. big cities in Italy are like in any rich country. The moment you go into medium-small towns it's when you discover the true Italians. As an Italian who lived 30+ years in a big city the moment I decided to return to the countryside was the best moment of my life...finally I'm living a true life with genuine people I love it and I would recommend to anyone to avoid big cities if their goal is to find thr authentic Italian soul

[@mojpamietniku]

@@geografia89 I lived in small village in southern Italy, now I am in a small town. It’s a big difference between Italians and foreigners, especially young woman I noticed.

[@Caterina...3]

It's kind of funny, two generations ago my Fathers family emigrated to America from Sicily. Today I have cousins, 3 brothers and a sister, with their spouses and children, that have moved to Sicily. (Lucky for them, they all get along!) They got together, pooled their money and bought a beautiful countryside property. There's a huge house that needed alot of work but they got down to biz and got that place in order. They created a 3 family house out of it. They are farming the land again, something that hasn't been done for a few decades. When my aunt and uncle retire, in a few years, they will be moving there. They're already in the process of building a small house, right next to the main house, for them. Their life is beautiful!!!

[@Sa7biUK]

The American dream come full circle. Good luck to them

[@gretcheningham9265]

That is amazing!!!

[@rachelman9316]

That's awesome and my dream and goal for my family. However our land is Jamaica. Thanks for sharing and inspiring someone.

[@africanbeauty7]

@@rachelman9316Well the problem is many Jamaicans don’t want to move back home because of fear. Too many bad mind red eye people, some even in your own family, think that when you come back from foreign you have nuff money and will unalive you for it. They don’t understand how hard life is in America to make the likkle money you end up retiring on; the amount of cold snowy days and nights you have to travel to and from work in single digit weather. Only to go back home to be preyed upon. No sah. I’ve seen enough stories on TVJ news and in The Gleaner.

[@memp9786]

That’s soo beautiful!! Excellent family work, and lovely outcome, I’m sure! ❤

[@Icelandlover]

She's magnificent. No wonder everyone that meets her in Sicily is nice to her. Everyone loves being in the company of someone emenates sunshine energies!

[@youareinbarbados2578]

Our culture here in Sicily we are open and welcoming, expecially if you show love for our country and culture. She is welcome here in Sicily, we would even invite her to family dinners, that's how our culture is. If we know you are good people, you are in.

[@homodeus8713]

@@youareinbarbados2578Same in Africa. Humility, love and respect is the best luggage to take anywhere. Italians are so warm and generous.

[@RickiHockersmith83]

@@youareinbarbados2578 Same in ASIA. I'm an Italian, I love travel all over in SE Asian country. I love Asian food and Asian rich culture so much. They are open, friendly and welcoming to every race and religious background to their country.

[@ashleybanksss]

@@youareinbarbados2578 I can vouch this is true I was Italy for 2 months I got invited to dinners all the time. Just so much love. Beautiful country, culture and people. I always share how much of a blast I had in Italy. So much I’m planning another trip this year and I can’t wait! 💛🇮🇹

[@jdos5643]

Here in the states we need like a 100 million of her. Shes charming warm intelligent and overall has a good vibe going on.

[@cordeliapinamonti3598]

I'm so in need of any advice I could run with this year when it comes to the financial market, because I need to do better after unfortunately losing a lot of money the previous year.

[@burkemarsden3431]

I completely understand your concerns. Navigating the fin-market uncertainties can be challenging

[@burkemarsden3431]

I strongly advise you work with a professional advisor who can offer you proper guidance.

[@markboreanaz5569]

You're right Burke. I've been working with a professional advisor for the past one year now, and it's been great!

[@markboreanaz5569]

His name is Kurt Bastian Vogel

[@markboreanaz5569]

Himself and his team have really changed my financial life and mentality towards wealth creation and investment

[@louisar4227]

My boyfriend and I went to Sicily last year for the first time, and we totally fell in love with it! Totally agree, the people are so warm and relaxed. Can’t wait to go back.

[@demoscratos4577]

As a Sicilian, I love that you love our island ! You are a beautiful soul and we are privileged to have you. Welcome !

[@Foxtrot_Victor]

how many months she will need to escape from that place like most of the Sicilians does?

[@McSalty087]

4 to 6 months@@Foxtrot_Victor

[@fmls8266]

​@@Foxtrot_Victor Sicilians escape to find a job. She doesn't need that.

[@user-si4kn9gz4o]

watching this video she cost me looking into buying a house over there and vacation .

[@igormarcos687]

Literally celebrating gentrification

[@elisabisignano9294]

As a Sicilian, I'm glad she feels at home here and that the people have embraced her and her family in the community ♥️ she seems like such a sweet and kind person, I bet they love her. P.S. that terrace is beautiful oh my god!

[@jamiawilson8515]

Stephanie is amazing! I know her and adore her. My husband is Sicilian American and he's applying for dual now--and I hope to have a place in Sicily someday together. I lived in Rome twenty years ago and love Italy and your gorgeous language. Makes me happy to see your supportive note for Stephanie. She's truly lovely.

[@HolisticManifesting]

​@@jamiawilson8515 Do you have any info on how a person might be able to get started with purchasing a home in Sicily? ❤

[@silviob1972]

Hello Stephanie I am glad u found you're dream pardise and it didn't cost you a arm and a leg, I am born in Toronto Ontario Canada with Italian background and I been to italy three times 1987,1989,2012 specially the last trip as i love it so much I didn't want to leave, if u never been and I would recommend is Rome Trevi fountain it the most beautiful part of Italy I saw in 2012 plus was at a wedding as well

[@maurerevans]

I am a teacher, actor, and a chaplain. I have always wanted to visit and possibly live in Italy since I was 20. I am now in my 50’s and watching this and the feelings and thoughts I am having, lets me know it is possible.

[@HopeLaFleur1975]

Your not really Sicilian but a globalist 🤥🤔

[@s3hooligan]

I lived in Sicily when I was in the military and I absolutely loved it. Thanks for sharing this snapshot of your life.🙏🏾

[@Flat_Earth_Addy]

Why?

[@s3hooligan]

@@Flat_Earth_Addy why what?

[@Flat_Earth_Addy]

@@s3hooligan What do you think?

[@s3hooligan]

@@Flat_Earth_AddyI think that I am in love with you. ❤🥰

[@Flat_Earth_Addy]

@@s3hooligan What?

[@ErmyPedata]

I love that you came because you wanted to have your "Eat, pray, home" and I'm glad you found your second home in Italy! Dreams do came true! Also, i totally get the lunch thing -- I was the same ! LOL

[@croguy]

This makes me happy and sad at the same time. The lunch thing really hit home. We are all running lives on someone else's clock.

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

Time to bring down the american system

[@thegiggler2]

Entrepreneurs aren't

[@kitty-vk8ic]

Tell me about it I’m tired of it.

[@lisafiore7081]

Yes, especially teachers. I cannot even go to the bathroom.

[@lisafiore7081]

Stephanie, how did u figure out how to buy a house in Italy? How did you figure out where to buy reno mats and who to hire to renovate your place?

[@MelaniePhoenix]

We left ATL in 2020 because of how expensive things were getting. This lady is definitely making all the right decisions and is an inspiration. Also, can she have her own show? She hosted this episode like she's been on TV all her life.

[@chrise8316]

I am from Austria and I am allways shocked at how expensive eating out is… like a 5 person fine dining japanese dinner with good drinks in Vienna downtown is about 250€. Then i hear about us bills racking up 1000$+…. Over100$ for internet, my husband complains when he has to pay 40€.😮

[@kimberlyhampton5332]

Agree

[@bigzachful]

@@chrise8316 Yeah plus car insurance keeps going up. Me and my wife pay almost 100 for internet. 1000 for rent. Good 1000 a month not including eating out when we do. All the bills are $5000 a month

[@BM_100]

Lol Atlanta is nothing compared to Miami

[@rickimcfarland2269]

She has a YT channel. She's one of the law of attraction mentors and of course she talks about other topics as well but that's how most of us know her from loa.

[@shannenredmon-er2qu]

You have won. Congratulations!!! My life’s dream is to move to Italy 🇮🇹 🎉🎉

[@user-nl9vo5ex3c]

As a digital nomad still looking for my forever home, I am now looking forward to spending time in Sicily. Thank you for sharing your journey. BTW, food prices are great in Spain too.

[@brianzamparelli9166]

I don’t know this woman at all and yet, here I am happy for her. As someone else commented, she is a vibe. Thanks for sharing!

[@firesign4297]

🤗 Yes🤗 I felt thee SAME exact way😳🤗😅🙏🏿🤗

[@felipeiglesias]

She lives in Mussomeli which is pretty near to Palermo (the capital), the airport and many beaches and countryside. That's an excellent choice and it's obvious her quality of life in the elderly years will be much, much better. I completely understand her reasoning and I think is pretty wise: being part of a community it's great, and having a nice, well decorated house will make you incredibly happy. Kudos!

[@jimsykes6843]

I think she didn't want the name of the town mentioned so a lot of people wind up moving there....So if you're gonna do so, find yer a different town, guys.

[@felipeiglesias]

@@jimsykes6843 there are plenty of small towns in Sicily with very affordable prices, even nearby the beach. You can check out in Palermo, Catania or Trapani and you will find very convenient options. The more convenient and well maintained, the more expensive they are.

[@basedpatriotLT]

​@@jimsykes6843the name of the town is shown publicly in the video where it shows the map of Italy and her town markes on it

[@MrPinoCavallo]

@@jimsykes6843 Well, I don't think Sicily will have that problem since the declining demographics are a huge problem for the island. Actually, people who bring money and knowledge are the best immigrants.

[@carlagoncalves531]

How is the current situation with the refugees? @@felipeiglesias

[@MsJobs-fc9jp]

My happy place in Sicily was a quaint little town called Motta Sant'Anastasia. It seemed like each morning the town filled with the smell of fresh baked bread. My landlord's daughter would often invite me downstairs to have lunch or dinner with her brother Mario and Papa. I learned to appreciate riposo and an unhurried way of life. In my 4 years there everyone I encountered was warm and friendly and I felt safe day or night.

[@teebaye]

As someone fed up with being told when to take lunch, this video was my confirmation to use my gifts and start my business. I get hungry at 2pm lol 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@anthonystitt3052]

From an Italian - thank you for coming to Sicily - Sicily loves YOU!

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

What about "Gracias"?

[@kaizersose7437]

@@SERGIO-cr6uy we understand “gracias” in Sicily , like “grazie” it means “graces” or thanks. They sound the exact same one has an “s” at the end, where as in Italian our plurals are used with “e” or an “i”. She learn perfect Italian or Sicilian the longer she stays. We are not Americans , we don’t dwell on small mistakes and judge people but thanks for your concerns 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@eigojiyouzu]

@@kaizersose7437 well said BUT not all Americans or native english speakers are like that. As someone who has learned spanish and has been learning japanese everyday for some time yet still am pretty bad when it comes to speaking, I completely respect the work people put into learning english. It's not an easy language. Either way that is such a sweet and understanding message you have in respect to her being a Italian beginner.

[@diwi5823]

​@@kaizersose7437What a boss response. Respect to you, Sir! 🇮🇹

[@enyin2001]

Ok, so I’m serious about taking some time out to go visit Sicily❤

[@paulbellamy9920]

My wife and I visited Sicily in October…won the trip on Wheel of Fortune…in fact my appearance on the show was exactly one year ago today, 12/16/22. We visited Palermo, Taormina, Siracusa and Catania. We immediately fell in love with the island and I really feel like I belong there. I wish I would’ve seen this video before we went; we would’ve looked you up! Congrats to you!

[@DistinctMale]

That’s awesome!!!❤❤❤

[@emanuelamattioli6743]

The proper city's name is Catania and not Cantania

[@thagoochtookmylunchmoney8800]

How cool! Do you really get an all expenses paid trip?

[@ReaperOfSouls83]

wow you were very lucky! very happy you enjoyed our country.. where do you come from?

[@laneythelame]

Congrats on the win, hope i can visit someday too :)

[@user-oy9bl4bb9n]

I lived in Sicily when I was in the military and I absolutely loved it. Thanks for sharing this snapshot of your life.

[@bombshellbeautyrituals]

I was stationed in Sicily for a year and truly, the people were magficint and it was so affordable to shop there.

[@Kbarboza94]

She absolutely SLAYED this episode. Her energy is radiant and she gave me a tour and we got a side by side comparison of the US and Sicily.

[@kristellebatchelor7888]

I love the way she hosted this episode! She killed it ❤ it’s like watching a travel show

[@ashleybanksss]

She really should have her own show she literally rocked this and it was very natural. I was smiling the whole way through! Haha

[@lynda4661]

I hope she does more .. I would like to hear more x

[@benitaclarke3198]

Really enjoyed it and the down to earth talk every word resonated with me

[@plow511]

Yes! Loved her perspective and realness.

[@dianamaria5521]

She needs her own show

[@kylewhittle6565]

This takes courage and self determination. Many of us have forgotten the courage of our parents who emigrated to find a better life. We need to learn to do the same.

[@fviannaval]

Why does it take courage to move to a place where everything is better, cheaper and people treat you well?

[@kylewhittle6565]

@@fviannaval because change is scary. That’s why most people will be born and die in the same locality.

[@fviannaval]

@@kylewhittle6565 change for the better can’t possibly be a scary thing, specially if you can go back anytime you want, if you so decide. Please stop glorifying normal stuff.

[@artemishunter4242]

My grandma moved from Italy to America for a better life. I think she would be very upset if I were to move back hahaha. Video is very tempting though. I come from parents who were uprooted and left their countries, so I think for my generation I'll settle a bit.

[@biegebythesea6775]

@@fviannaval are you white? it takes a lot of courage to go to another country if you're not white. It is also brave to just move from what you know anyway.

[@savannahjackson2684]

She’s the best! So authentic and relatable

[@buyyourownfreedom]

Get it girl. Absolutely love seeing women build the life of their dreams unapologetically. Living life on her terms.

[@debraderoos5225]

Amen to that!

[@TheHouseOfRonin]

Jesus.....just stop.

[@KptnKMan360]

I think what a few people are probably thinking, is everyone deserves this. Not just women. 👍👍👌👌

[@OO9O9]

​@@TheHouseOfRoninshush

[@rockon8174]

Part of that building requires also taking care of the body.

[@howtomakestuff8]

What a wonderful approach she has. I too decided to live in Italy and that has been the best decision ever. She speaks the truth about the warmth and low cost of living vs the U.S. I would add that safety vs so many US places is definitely another huge plus.

[@1-danewraith804]

I was stationed at (at the time - NAF Sigonella 1967 - 1969) a bit west of Catania. I LOVED it there. I am envious of you and am happy about your decision to retire in Sicily. What a FANTASTIC life you AND YOUR SON ~ Are going to live and enjoy. CONGRATS !!🙂

[@GaryWinstonBrown]

We are a 6 figure income couple and had very little saved and not much cash lying around the preverbal". '...don't have $500 for an emergency" that was us. The big thing was debt all kinds of it, cars mortgage (although our home isn't a high price one), student loans for our kids, and of course credit cards. One day we just got sick of being broke and went total scorched earth and became frugal overnight. Paid it all off, it took almost 5 years but now we have no debt and this year our savings rate is 50% on basically the same income that had us perpetually broke. So for us it is mainly staying out of debt and watching our spending, at first it was a real effort to save in our HISA and 401Ks but now it's actually fun watching our money grow. No car or vacation or neighborhood is worth being broke or financially unstable.

[@Rhgeyer278]

Congratulations on taking the steps necessary to get yourself out of the financial bind you were in.

[@Ashleycorrie8494]

Facing your medicine can be difficult. However, with commitment, you'll ultimately reach a highly satisfying place. It's all about the actions you're willing to take.

[@PennyBurdick318]

Your financial journey is truly inspiring, and I'm currently striving to achieve the goals you've reached. Could you please share some tips to help others learn and navigate their own paths to financial success? Your insights would be invaluable.

[@GaryWinstonBrown]

Samuel Peter Descovich that's whom I work with

[@GaryWinstonBrown]

SAMUEL PETER DESCOVICH GOOGLE the name

[@Financierpro1]

I love people like her, go out in the world and be free.

[@stevenbaker7025]

😂 Her ancestors came to the US seeking that same freedom. All these offspring of immigrants should just leave and let real Natives have the land back!

[@boohere2]

I love it how she says she didn't like having a boss tell her when lunch was. She wasn't hungry at 12. She would be hungry at 2! I've never had a boss looking over me as I have just worked for myself for years. I like it like that. I can go on vacation whenever. No needing approval. The prices for food there is cheaper for sure! Lots cheaper! I am surprised by the price difference. Hmm I wonder why it is expensive else where like the U.S.? Why the price difference?

[@Financierpro1]

@boohere2 because the US government allows it to be. The capital of Capitalism

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

You mean colonizing?

[@Financierpro1]

@HaggisMuncher-69-420 how is she colonizing clown ? We are free to move anywhere as long as the country government approves it.

[@thinkexcellencetv]

It takes a certain level of boldness to leave everything to buy a house and live somewhere else other than you home 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@lisamj]

yes, and others do it too, i did, and my friends do. it is a mindset. she is not the only one who has wanderlust.

[@grandrapladyakaamb2438]

Exploring other countries has been our pastime the last couple of years as we approach retirement. I had never considered Italy due to all the hoopla surrounding the rich and famous, and their expensive villas. This has been an eye opener, and will need to be researched. Thank you for sharing.

[@brklyn2922]

She motivated me to look into living overseas. I hate those 2 weeks of PTO. Not enough. There is so much to learn globally. Congratulations on your success and new beautiful home!

[@KCKnowsBest]

Americans use US dollars to live an expensive lifestyle outside the country & think everywhere else is better than USA. Meanwhile locals in the country are suffering doing everything they can to leave the country. Off course, if I’m living in Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Ghana still getting paid US dollars remotely , I’m going to live a better life. You don’t really know a country until youget a job there, earn the local salary etc

[@MyLocalCorner]

@@KCKnowsBest It's like this all over the world now, I'm Italian and I live in another country in Europe. A lot of young Italian people leaves Italy to look for better paid jobs in their field but we all miss our country

[@josemorales-ly7se]

She also motivated my wife and myself as well

[@PinkOpal90]

@@MyLocalCornerI’m sorry that you had to leave Italy :( is the cost of living for locals there higher than where you’d find in your current country of residence?

[@mediocreman2]

2 weeks?? I get 6 weeks per year. You need to look at other companies.

[@luislugo5562]

" I don't want to eat at 12" LOOOOL I love her 🤣💙

[@wendyhannaford7696]

Love it! Good for you! I did the same in France, loved it!!! You go girl, thanks for sharing! I am so happy for you!

[@walksp1500]

Congrats to Stephanie!! Living her best life, she has it figured out. How wonderful❤ The desk is gorgeous! We were blessed to visit Italy last year and it’s amazing.

[@happychappy7115]

Brave soul. She backed her dreams with actions. 😊 On a different note, those differences in food prices Italy v US are astonishing!

[@Buttercup697]

Because very FEW people in Sicily make 80,000 $ … my prices here in Athens Greece are even cheaper, but the avaerage wage in Greece in 1000€/month. You must compare the prices to the wages. Sicily is NOT wealthy.

[@JayandSarah]

The cost means nothing. It's how much you make to the cost. Granted Americans on minimum wage are living in poverty, but for wealthy people from the west this stuff is low in cost. Don't mistake it for cheap.

[@shannonp7338]

Not only are the prices reasonable but the food is good quality! They don't put the same crap in their foods like we do here in America! Their food is more healthy and clean! It's amazing!

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Her internet and electricity are outrageously expensive. My internet is €25 ( home wifi and cell) and my electricity and water €12 monthly. Annual rent in a one bed 2 bath apt.. that's annual now, is €2,800. Plenty places to rent also. I live on the edge of a large city. While I say that, transport isn't great. But I bike a lot and infrastructure is otherwise excellent.

[@BC33714]

@@JayandSarah 100%. I don't know why this is such a hard concept for people. Affordability is all relative to local wages. Comparing prices alone tells you absolutely NOTHING. This is an extreme example, but just to illustrate my point: Let's say you go to a country where an apple costs $0.25. Cheap, right? Now let's say you find out the daily wage in this place is $1. Is that $0.25 apple still "cheap"? It would come off as extremely out-of-touch for someone to come in from overseas and tell the locals how "cheap" that apple is....when it is literally 1/4th of a days work for the locals. I see this happen all the time (obviously on a much less extreme scale) when people from the US/Canada/Australia/etc. go abroad. It comes off as so out-of-touch.

[@foto21]

I was just in Latvia. The food prices are comparable to this, maybe 10% more. it's INSANE what food costs in the USA! We're the breadbasket of the world? NO, we're the COUNTRY GETTING MOST RIPPED OFF BY RICH CORPORATIONS AND RICH PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!

[@mpcjunkie72]

Not sure about blaming rich corporations. In Mexico, there are corner stores everywhere owned by mom and pops and communitoes support them. Here in the US we have the tendency to go to big supermarkets and choose from 10000 items which means they have been overhead of employee pay, operating costs etc so we have to pay more than the average.

[@user-lw1lb4pj6q]

​@@mpcjunkie72truth, the customers choose big corporate and then blame big corporate for the prices as if we didn't know that's how it works.

[@NS-uc3by]

@@mpcjunkie72 It is the corporations that are causing the increase in prices. They're price gouging. Plenty of data to support it.

[@maxgain4611]

latvia is a poor, violent and homophobic country , nothing like Italy

[@jimsykes6843]

@@mpcjunkie72 It really is the fault of giant corporations. It is those giant supermarkets that put the mom and pop stores out of business, for instance. Our government consistently supports large corporations over average people - there are few guardrails to protect us.

[@carmengomez-munoz4723]

Congratulations on our new home and continued success with your business!!

[@Nichi8404]

I was stationed in Sicily 2015-2018 and didn't realize that those were the best years of my life until I left. This video made me consider retiring there and start the property search now.

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

'Stop spending money on stupid stuff.' - Amen!!! 👍

[@gabrielta1]

What? My good you are silly

[@russrichardson991]

Teach me! Gadgets ordered in the middle of the night from the TikTok shop are my downfall

[@shontelhorneonline]

She's so sweet! Her reasoning IS deep. Her work environment didn't allow her to have agency of when she wanted to eat, which says a lot!

[@AlieshiaTV]

She said it wasn’t lol but I feel her I don’t want to go to lunch at 12 lol

[@leese53]

Love this lady! I get the 2pm lunch. It was her Aha moment. I wonder how she’s doing learning to speak Italian and make friends. I’d love to hear more of her story.

[@Stellar_Living]

Oh my goodness, starting your own business, moving to a new country and purchasing a home, yes ma’am!! A BIG congratulations to you!! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story, it genuinely looks like a dream come true. Your quote, “financially, it’s better to actually be wealthy than to look wealthy”, is right on point! I’ve visited Italy several times but never made it down to Sicily. With this new found information from you, it’s most assuredly on my places to-go list! Blessings!

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

I’m so glad cnbc decided to do this and hats off to her for taking the leap!!! This gives me more confidence to pursue something similar

[@SonicDeluxx]

Yeah great job CNBC for peddling her „Manifesting“ consulting BS.

[@yassine5673]

@@SonicDeluxxSomeone's salty 👀

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

Actually, they didn't. I didnt talk about income from that AT ALL. We talked about my wellness company. Google me. And a note, make sure you respect my name, DR. STEPHANIE SYNCLAIR with a Ph.D with a focus on subconscious reprogramming. @@SonicDeluxx people like you love to be keyboard warriors but you aren't even googleable in life and haven't done a thing worth mentioning. I hope your snide comment made you feel a second of importance. My responding to you should have made you feel 2 seconds of importance.

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

When I say, they STAY salty! LOL@@yassine5673

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

Thanks so much!

[@earnestinejackson5859]

I'm retired!!! And can live ! She just showed me how!! Thank you for sharing 🤗. There's always going to be obstacles on a journey, just push through.

[@worldofwonder456]

You are adorable and I'm so happy for you! Blessings to the wonderful Sicilian Community who has welcomed you into their community as well! 🙂

[@rickypattersonymail]

What you didn't talk about says it all. It's good to know that overall it has been a positive experience overall. Congrats on your purchase.

[@James27746]

Everyone should take note of how well she budgets herself. Such skill. She’s clearly a genius

[@jess97724]

A lot of people budget their money I do & I have a nicer home than that this home looks really run down even on the outside so you get what you pay for I know I couldn't live there.

[@jess97724]

She's not that smart if she has to live in a worn down place plus she doesn't seem to know the language either any country you move to you should know the language.

[@cross75man75]

​​@@jess97724Yes can't they see that you're the real genius who lives in a way better house and is much smarter than she is and she'll never learn Italian, we're all so impress by you. Are you happy now.

[@strengthviaunity]

@@jess97724”Gracias” 💀🤡🤣

[@ayyachris]

@@jess97724there’s foreigners that lives in Japan full time and doesn’t know how to speak Japanese and they work with their wife in their restaurants. They can understand and speak little but not all of it.

[@vivaverdi84]

This has given me inspiration. I’ve been to Italy five times and would love to live there. This made me realize it’s in the realm of possibility

[@robing.8664]

Me too!

[@pastryshack551]

Some places in Italy they are giving homes away for -1$ they need repairs, but it might be worth it. So investigate. I thinks she talks too much. I would never have given any one my financial situation. One person has already reveal the large sum she has in investments, probably some jealous co_worker. Being a woman on your own in Sicily, you have to be very careful. Sometimes we think people love us, but there is always a reason behind it

[@diopfifi4937]

Do it. You won't regret it

[@k6maz]

😂 Jonathan your eyes have been opened

[@SandStormXII]

yup

[@CuratedVibes]

This is beautiful to see. My name is Stephanie, Im also a 41 y/o black American and single mother to a son. I left corporate and moved to Thailand in 2017 with my son and have lived in 11 countries since. I love this lifestyle for anyone who can make it work. I hope to see more of us trying it out.

[@coldphinger]

Gracias to you too Stephanie, keep working on the Italian....😄 Nevermind the prices, the main difference in the food when in Europe, is people buy small amounts regualry (they don't usually have enourmous Fridge/Freezers) so it's generally fresh and contains less additives and preservative so has more authentic flavour. Most towns have a market selling fruit/veg/meat and cheese direct from the grower/producer, and they operate daily or a couple of days a week, as well as shops whic sell more processed food items.....

[@marc-aristidebestanag15]

I have been living in America for now four years and her last line is definitely the truth " I know more about my neighbors here in Sicily than I"ve ever known about my neighbors in the states". I love the U.S but People in America are disconnected from reality and true neighboring and true friendship isn’t a thing in America.

[@jimsykes6843]

That's not true, you just have to look for it. It is certainly harder and not the norm, but I can think of a few neighborhoods where there culture is different.

[@MPPG663]

​@jimsykes6843 How are you gonna tell a stranger that their lived experience is not true? The cheek... It's obvious that in connected communities, you don't have to look hard or far for friends. Having to make that much effort is likely commonplace in North America, but that doesn't mean it's normal.

[@jasonreviews]

America is where people come for broken dreams

[@Heath929]

​@@MPPG663 She doesn't speak any Italian at all so no she doesn't know more about her neighbors there. Italians don't want African invaders coming in that refuse to learn their language.

[@BlowitAllUp]

America revolves around money and hustle culture and it's more selfish than it has ever been. Our people are materialistic and women are extremely hypergamous. Our leaders are even more corrupt now than they have ever been.

[@parker.100]

This is how it's done. Taking notes. The transparency about salary, expenses, and assets makes this so much more useful than other similar videos.

[@MissRobotica]

I think she has a position/job there in the US@@jolanahoward

[@cboy0394]

@@jolanahoward If you paid or accrued foreign taxes to a foreign country or U.S. possession and are subject to U.S. tax on the same income, you may be able to take either a credit or an itemized deduction for those taxes using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Ultimately you pay taxes to the highest taxer. If you paid more taxes to the foreign country on your income you're deducting that amount from your American Taxes. If the total taxes were higher in the foreign country then most of your taxes in the US will be deducted.

[@marcofranzoni993]

Sicily is a wonderful region, and by far one of the most affordable of all the italian regions. Its crazy how prices changes fron Sicily to Lombardy and the North.

[@Barbarapearce931]

Thank you for your videos mate.. If there is one thing I have learned in recent months it is to remain calm, especially when it comes to investments in cryptocurrencies. Learn not to sell in a panic when everything goes down and not to buy in euphoria when everything goes up. I advise y'all to forget predictions and start making a good profit now because future valuations are all speculations and guesses. Bitcoin going up is good for the entire market and you cannot tell if it's going bearish or bullish. I Would say More emphasis should be put into day trading as it is less affected by the unpredictable nature of the market.I have made over 16btc from day trading with Renee Gilman insights and signals. in less than one months, this is one of the best medium to backup your assets incase it goes bearish.

[@Barbarapearce931]

she's mostly on Telegrams, using the user name

[@Barbarapearce931]

@reneegilman

[@JoannaHammond406]

The very first time we tried, we invested $1000 and after a week, we received $7500. That really helped us a lot to pay up our bills.

[@ShamimForhad-ry1oi]

Really you people know her? I was even thinking that I'm the only one she has helped walk through the fears and falls of trading.

[@DebraBaker137]

I just withdrew my profits a week ago, To be honest it was an amazing feeling when the profits hits my wallet I wish I could reinvest but, too much bills.

[@kortyEdna825]

Back in the day, when I purchased my first home to live-in; that was Miami in the early 1990s, first mortgages with rates of 8 to 9% and 9% to 10% were typical. People will have to accept the possibility that we won't ever return to 3%. If sellers must sell, home prices will have to decline, and lower evaluations will follow. Pretty sure I'm not alone in my chain of thoughts.

[@Pamela.jess.245]

If anything, it'll get worse. Very soon, affordable housing will no longer be affordable. So anything anyone want to do, I will advise they do it now because the prices today will look like dips tomorrow. Until the Fed clamps down even further, I think we're going to see hysteria due to rampant inflation. You can't halfway rip the band-aid off.

[@slee7991]

Wouldn't you say that even though that was the case on the 90s- people today have to pay more without an income increase. Things are getting more expensive but no one is making any MORE money to compensate

[@lanafedoff8078]

@@RobertCooper03con artist🤮

[@Cocoatreat]

I purchased my 2nd home in miami in’97!! It was a villa in a nice neighborhood…….it cost $20k more than my 1st home (new ) in nashville.! Everything was so expensive in miami then (so i thought!). My interest rate was 10%!!! My rate now is at 2.8%…. This is why i will tell people to continue buying at these higher rates…..they will go down eventually….its what happens…things do get better….i have hope! But i will say….she is so right about making wise decisions when buying things…..i make very good money……but i have made bad decisions…..and i don’t always buy wisely!

[@m1thomas1]

The low rates we experienced in recent years are not typical. Home interest rates have not always been low. They topped out at close to 13% in the 70's and 80's. When I purchased my first house in the early 90's, my interest rate was around 8 or 9%. Purchased my current home 7 yrs ago at 3.5% and refinanced at 2.85%. It will be a while before they are that low again. That shouldn't keep folks from buying a home if they can afford it. Try to pay more toward the principle every month- that decreases your term and (in essence) your interest rate because the loan is paid off early. Also, the loan can be refinanced when the rates come down.

[@ThePricipleOfParsimony]

As someone of Sicilian heritage and who has travelled there several times, I always thought Sicilian people were extra warm.It's nice to have it confirmed though. God bless this lovely lady and her son a million times.

[@CLW1977]

You are a brave woman and I am happy for you. I have lived in Atlanta my entire life. Don't know why you come back here.

[@pat-paterson]

so beautiful! the home, the interior, the city, the view, everything!

[@MoorishBrooklyn]

She has wonderful money principles and discipline. Glad she was able to find her happy place on Earth. May we all find our own and gain financial freedom too.

[@disguiseddv8ant486]

So she found her happiness in a European country? If you haven't been pay attention BW have been pushing this "swirling" moment for some time now and even have a tv show with Black in Spain. Why is it that no other race are traveling to black areas to reside in to be around blacks?

[@BrendanEvan]

I’ve been dreaming of a cheap European home, not taking it that seriously, but here she is living the dream

[@khaleefax9553]

*If she had gone 50 miles out of Atlanta City in any direction, she would've bought a good size with a nice yard.*

[@ha-kh7ef]

@@khaleefax9553 no she wouldn't lmao

[@boohere2]

I love it how she says she didn't like having a boss tell her when lunch was. She wasn't hungry at 12. She would be hungry at 2! I've never had a boss looking over me as I have just worked for myself for years. I like it like that. I can go on vacation whenever. No needing approval. The prices for food there is cheaper for sure! Lots cheaper! I am surprised by the price difference. Hmm I wonder why it is expensive else where like the U.S.? Why the price difference?

[@ceeril]

Well, American Dream now is about GTFO of America xD.

[@miguelhackett4352]

weird thing is at $62,000 it isn't really a cheap european home. My place in asti piedmont cost 58000 including furnishings and while I was searching I found really nice Portugal and Spain for 40000 or less

[@chichigirl214]

Watching this made me so happy. Go sis! You're the inspiration i needed today ❤🎉🔥💃🏿

[@zibasPk]

All these people talking about how afordable all of it is, but they never stop and think about what a normal salary is in sicily (it's 12k a year).

[@ursaamajorr]

Love this for her 🥰 I'm glad the locals are showing her so much love

[@CrystalDatingCoach]

Welcome to Sicily my darling!! I'm a New Yorker...It's everything you said and more. Low cost of living. Friendly people. The Mediterranean sea. SUMMER 10 months a year. Today is 50 degrees! I lived in Milan for 35 years and now living in Sicily...and I'm never leaving! 😅

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

I love this Crystal!!! Where are you in Sicily?! Yes I do love it here.

[@CrystalDatingCoach]

@@YourRichLifeMedia I'm living in Mondello...by the sea. 20 minutes from Palermo. It says you left this comment a month ago... But today is the first time I have seen it.

[@djack915]

❤ LOVE THIS ! Im gonna share this with my daughter and her cousin who lives in Atlanta, GA !!

[@CharlesMcKinneyIV]

100% goals for me! I was recently in Malta, which is quite the antithesis to Italy in terms of the housing market. So, Italy is certainly a place I should consider. I'm hearing good things about Portugal as well but have yet to visit. Thanks CNBC Make It!

[@Mr1wd]

Over $1M nest egg at 41? That's impressive.

[@will580]

She could retire on that in Sicily

[@VictorW8]

Loved the video, hated the clickbait title of “can’t buy a house in america” like wtf she has 1 mil cash

[@jimsykes6843]

@@VictorW8 Yes, but that's just it. A million doesn't get you very far in many places in the U.S. if you want to save for retirement and own a home.

[@VictorW8]

@@jimsykes6843 Yeh those grocery prices in Sicily that she was showing us seemed amazing compared to the BS we put up with here in north america

[@bakeraus]

@@VictorW8 Having a million cash might make you afford the house/apartment but then you have the taxes, upkeep, cost of everything around you increasing, etc...my friend is in the same situation but said if he buys where he lives renting he will have a crap life, just have to work and survive nothing extra.

[@ngana8755]

She should move to Sicily full-time. The place clearly agrees with her. Also, she has a great eye for finding antiques for cheap; maybe she could turn that into a business selling Italian antiques and offer consulting services to Americans looking to move to Sicily.

[@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq]

If the lady didn’t have American dollars then she would never move to Italy

[@plow511]

This is awesome she is doing it thx for sharing!! Very encouraging 😊

[@0123heaven1]

Go Girl!! I Love seeing good things happen to good people ❤

[@jenniferh5350]

That is the true statement of “living the dream” hats off to you girl!!! So impressed by your way of living life.

[@christinel8356]

I love this, coming from an Italian/Sicilian American who is planning to retire (early) and move to Italy. I can so relate to “I’m not hungry at noon”…

[@YusufFrancoMontanez823]

Im so proud of her! She made her dream into a reality!❤ As an American she inspired me to look into moving to other countries! Why not!❤😊

[@kaydickey9239]

Ms. Stephanie, So happy for you and proud of you! Living your dream!

[@daniellew.292]

I visit sicily every summer because I love that island. I thought I'd never consider living there since I'm most likely not gonna find a job there, but her story inspired me. Imma buy a house there.

[@falloutgirl902]

Good luck!

[@infini.tesimo]

She's quite charming. And AGREE 1000% to retire overseas. With the way things are going, we all are gonna have to live in the other countries if you want to retire early with how fast inflation is going.

[@Heath929]

Actually she doesn't speak any Italian so she will most likely never assimilate into the culture, so cringe is a better adjective. Also if you're worth $950k why would anyone rent a car lol? Just buy one if you're that wealthy, I've lived in Italy and buying a Fiat is super cheap. This just smells like propaganda.

[@mangodiet801]

@@Heath929 not propaganda, I know first hand, it's cheaper to live and it's better quality of life overseas. Another sign of our Housing Market is extremely overpriced

[@Heath929]

@@mangodiet801 I’m 47 and I’ve lived outside the US since I was 16 as a pro athlete and I have no argument that inflation is real here. I’m saying no real business owner/entrepreneur rents a car if they have a home in Italy 😂

[@MPPG663]

​@@Heath929You sound bitter. You took one look at her and had it alllll figured out, lol.

[@alastairhewitt380]

@@Heath929 It takes time to learn a language and she'll probably learn it at some point, especially if she is retiring at 41. She hasn't fully transitioned to Italy yet either so is probably holding off on buying a car until later.

[@cestmoi5702]

I am soooo happy for her! And you know what?? I ABSOLUTELY understand her when she says she doesn't want to be told when to eat lunch!

[@e.g.4483]

"I'm not hungry at 12" lmao girl I feel you!

[@rsmith1820]

I applaud her. This was my dream back in 2009, the same year she took the leap to start her own company. As an African American woman I was told that I wasn't being realistic for a number of reasons that this woman has proven to be untrue. Health issues have eaten into my savings now so my dream will always remain just that but all I can say to her is....BRAVA SORELLA!

[@helloworld7818]

Well you can always go on vacation

[@NoteFromSELF]

People love to tell other people no because THEY are afraid.

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Come to Europe and search a land which pay the cost for your health. Like Swizz, Germany, Austria, Belgium. Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway ect.

[@2009TalkingHead]

Stop listening to other people. Start listening to yourself.

[@ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439]

The lies we believe cause the deepest loss!

[@arunjoy7036]

This lady is a realtor for sure, go get it sis, that presentation was beautiful

[@mariyadell5709]

I love the idea!!! I wish she shared information on the expenses associated with medical insurance and talked about quality and accessibility in healthcare.

[@scherrieanita]

This one was a gem! Thank you for sharing and best wishes to Stephanie. 💕☺️

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

Thank you so much!

[@user-rb7tq6rx7k]

Love this! She’s so wholesome, definitely deserves to be living her best life 😁

[@spiritualmatterscda1309]

Stephanie - wonderful video! Thank you for posting about your life in Italy!

[@JamaicanDeelite]

Fabulous video! So happy for her! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@williammit1332]

That was hilarious, lunch at 2. Also from Atlanta, I live in Thailand now. My mother was from Santa Flavia Sicily. You're right, Sicilians are friendly, much more friendly than where my father's from in Calabria.

[@74_pelicans]

That's crazy haha, my father from Calabria and my mother from Sicily too

[@YourRichLifeMedia]

Hi!!!! I love Thailand. What part of Thailand are you in?

[@williammit1332]

@TheSchoolOfQuantumLiving Jomtein Beach, 2 hours south of Bangkok. Been thinking about a couple months a year in Italy, wanna house swap?

[@CaraRamzi]

As a Sicilian;You’re living the dream! God bless you, I hope you continue to blog about your journey.🕊️I hope one day to move their with my husband and children✨💚🤍❤️

[@nextReanimation]

I dont know how the specific situation is in Italy, but we lack housing in Europe. I cant understand why it is promoted and allowed that people aquire property if they only live there part-time. This is no hate on her, I just want to highlight this topic and maybe see some different view points on the discribed issue.

[@m0nk3yscr4tch]

There will be more and more restrictions coming in for that. Many countries have this issue, as you said. And housing is one thing, also the social state is not setup for people coming into a country to retire.. Not hating on her here, its just not made for scale.. I can imagine that Sicily or other regions that are economically not really doing great, are happy for this money coming in, but its not a long term solution either and I hope thats adressed.

[@alove5237]

Beautiful! I feel like I just walked into a beautiful painting. Awww…my dream came true for a few minutes. The balcony ❤❤❤❤ I love that desk. I can watch your videos daily. It was so relaxing. Still be careful because good and bad everywhere. Though I would feel safer there than Atlanta. I feel like I could write a book there in the study. 😄😀 Wonder what the weather is like. Are there bugs?

[@rayah_v_dc]

I appreciate the Make It video series. While the videos do focus on finances, what is striking is that all of the places that are featured also value the well- being of people in the community, autonomy over your time, family, rest and culture.

[@Thoughtful8]

This vid was awesome. Thank you sister for the price comparison.