One of the biggest leaps in the credit card world is going from one card to two. For most beginners, this is where the magic actually happens — more rewards, more perks, and a setup that truly matches your lifestyle. But when do you know you’re actually ready? This simple 5‑minute decision framework makes itContinue reading “How to Tell If You’re Ready to Add a Second Card (5‑Minute Check)”
Tag Archives: PayingWithPoints
The Hidden Cost of Using Only One Credit Card
A lot of beginners start their financial journey with one credit card — and for good reason. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it doesn’t require any learning curve. But here’s the surprising truth most people don’t realize: Using only one credit card can quietly cost you hundreds — and in some cases thousands — ofContinue reading “The Hidden Cost of Using Only One Credit Card”
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?”
Help! I’m Drowning in Amex Points—What Do I Do?I Have Points… Now What?
After your intro bonus and normal spending, you will soon look at your account and see a plethora of points… but what do you do with them? Points vary in terms of what their monetary value is, however for this post lets focus on American Express Membership Rewards points which the “industry” typically values atContinue reading “Help! I’m Drowning in Amex Points—What Do I Do?I Have Points… Now What?”
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!”
Top 10 Tips for Flying
Whether you enjoy flying or the thought of stepping on a plane sends you into a panic attack, flying presents its own set of challenges that are often out of your control as a consumer. That being said, there are also many steps you can take to ensure a smooth and safe flying experience! AsContinue reading “Top 10 Tips for Flying”
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 Incidental Credit…How to maximize it!
Every December the American Express Facebook forums FLOOD with people asking the same question, “How can I use my $200/$250 airline incidental credit on XXX Airlines???”. Not too long ago you were able to use this credit for gift cards on Delta, American, and United Airlines, as long as they were purchased in $50 increments.Continue reading “Airline Incidental Credit…How to maximize it!”
How I saved $10K on a trip to Vegas!
I don’t know if anyone has priced a trip to Vegas recently but let me tell you… It certainly is not cheap! We traveled to Vegas for a wedding last month and when pricing out first class airfare + the Cosmopolitan for 2 nights… it was over $10,000! Luckily for us, I had enough pointsContinue reading “How I saved $10K on a trip to Vegas!”
The Points Authority: Mastering The Points Game 