If you’ve ever wondered how people earn free flights or hotel stays without obsessing over credit cards, the answer usually starts with one simple step: choosing the right first card. The good news?You don’t need to turn this into a hobby. In this post, we’re focusing on what I call “Level 1 spenders”: people whoContinue reading “How to Take Your First Step Into the “Points Game” (2026 Edition)”
Category Archives: Earning Points
The Minimalist’s Approach to Travel Hacking: How to Start With Just Two Cards
Most travel-rewards advice sounds like a part-time job: five cards, rotating categories, spreadsheets, and constant optimization. But what if you could earn most of the rewards — with almost none of the effort? Here’s the good news: You don’t need a complex setup to earn great travel rewards.In fact, one of the smartest strategies isContinue reading “The Minimalist’s Approach to Travel Hacking: How to Start With Just Two Cards”
Are Premium Cards Worth It If You Use Only One?
For beginners, credit card complexity often kills a rewards strategy before it ever gets started. Most people want things simple: one card, one statement, no juggling bonus categories or managing multiple accounts. And honestly, that’s totally fine. But here’s the real question: If you only want to carry one credit card, is a premium cardContinue reading “Are Premium Cards Worth It If You Use Only One?”
The Best “One‑Card Wallet” Options for Simple, High‑Value Rewards
Why the Amex Gold and Chase Freedom Unlimited Are Perfect for Beginners For beginners, complexity is usually what kills a points strategy before it ever gets started. A lot of people prefer to keep things simple: one credit card, one statement, no juggling categories or managing multiple accounts. The good news? You can absolutely earnContinue reading “The Best “One‑Card Wallet” Options for Simple, High‑Value Rewards”
Is Hotel Status Worth It?
As someone who used to think loyalty programs didn’t mean much, I can tell you I was completely wrong! From the ability to make changes to non-refundable reservations for friends to upgraded suites, I can assure you that hotel status definitely has its perks! Let’s look at arguably the two largest hotel chains and theirContinue reading “Is Hotel Status Worth It?”
Hoarding Points?…You’re losing money!
As someone who has been guilty of this in the past, the idea of having “a million points” seems like a great goal! After all, the more points you have, the less you have to spend out of pocket- or so the theory goes. However, is hoarding points a smart move, or does it haveContinue reading “Hoarding Points?…You’re losing money!”
What’s In My Wallet for 2025?
It’s always a delightful surprise meeting folks who have never ventured into the world of credit card points, happily swiping their trusty debit card for every single purchase. It’s like discovering a hidden land where points aren’t a currency! On the flip side, chatting with fellow “Points Game” enthusiasts is equally thrilling—whether we’re comparing playbooksContinue reading “What’s In My Wallet for 2025?”
Top 10 Tips For FREE Hotel Upgrades
Booking hotels is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of travel… Will the hotel be clean? Will the bed be comfortable? Will I have noisy neighbors? Do I really want to spend $$$ for a room that I won’t be in often? All of these are valid concerns, however choosing the right hotel isContinue reading “Top 10 Tips For FREE Hotel Upgrades”
What Topics Should I Cover?
I have been rather bad at keeping this updated but after chatting with several folks on our cruise we just finished, it became clear that I need to start this up again! In today’s current environment with inflation on the rise and consumer debt at an all time high, the easiest thing to blame isContinue reading “What Topics Should I Cover?”
Airline Status… Is it worth it?
If you travel enough to even ask this question then the answer is absolutely YES! When I began my current job I found myself wanting to pick an airline to start my status journey, as most flights are often within a few dollars of each other across the various airlines. Obviously for both corporate andContinue reading “Airline Status… Is it worth it?”