Blogs
Points
Choose blog category:
A Trip During Points and Miles Change
19 Apr. 2018
A Trip During Points and Miles Change
Faithfully Departed The Day I left for my Eastern European trip, Starwood/Marriott was set to release the overhaul to the new program(s).  When I first heard about the news schedule for the announcement, I was dreading it.  When large dominant companies merge, I assume the new structure will not be good for consumers.  I’ve recently
Read more
(0) (62)
Trying to Find Up To $10,000 Worth of Lost MS
17 Apr. 2018
Trying to Find Up To $10,000 Worth of Lost MS
Missing In Action As of today, I’m still missing $5,000 to $10,000 worth of money linked with manufactured spending (MS).  I wrote about that issue in a recent post, and although I’m leaving on a this morning, there’s a black financial cloud hanging over my head as I get ready to depart.  As a positive
Read more
(5) (57)
700% Capital One Credit Line Increase?
4 Apr. 2018
700% Capital One Credit Line Increase?
Pump Up The Jam A few days ago I began the day as I usually do – paying bills.  I have significant spending on my rewards cards every day, so I keep a spreadsheet with my outstanding obligations, balances and pay bills regularly.  Compared to some heavy hitters in the rewards game, my credit lines
Read more
(0) (74)
Losing at least $5,000 via Manufactured Spend
29 Mar. 2018
Losing at least $5,000 via Manufactured Spend
Loser Something has happened to me this week that’s a first.  I just lost, or am short, at least $5,000 via manufactured spending (MS).  Unfortunately, it could be as little as $5k but as much as $10k.  The fact that I’m not completely sure about the missing amount is almost as bad as the loss
Read more
(14) (73)
Finding Non-Supermarket Grocery Stores for MS
20 Mar. 2018
Finding Non-Supermarket Grocery Stores for MS
Flexing I’ve had stashes of Flexperks for years.  I’m not hoarding them, as I’ve used them for cheap domestic and international flights.  Lots of Points gurus aren’t keen on the Flexperks program, and compared to other reward currencies, I largely agree.  However with the abundance of cheap flight resources, I’m hoping...
Read more
(3) (63)
Latest Round of Credit Card Applications
9 Mar. 2018
Latest Round of Credit Card Applications
Jones-ing A physical phenomenon overtook me yesterday.  After 5 months of going credit card application-free, App-0-rama withdrawl had set in.  I hadn’t applied for any new rewards cards since November, and over the past 156 days that have passed, the itch finally got the best of me.  Applying for new cards was on my mind
Read more
(2) (72)
Amazon.com Considers Foray Into Checking Accounts
7 Mar. 2018
Amazon.com Considers Foray Into Checking Accounts
Little Big Brother Amazon.com is strongly considering plans to enter the checking account business.  Today the Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon is trying to create a checking-account-like banking product.  Early reports say that Amazon isn’t interested in becoming a bank, but has engaged in talks with large financial firms about a pos...
Read more
(1) (75)
7+ Bonus Nights for New Radisson Rewards Program?
6 Mar. 2018
7+ Bonus Nights for New Radisson Rewards Program?
Pig and Lipstick? Over the past few years there hasn’t been much to get excited about concerning the Club Carlson rewards program.  I’m one of the few people that still values the program, because I travel to Europe fairly regularly and the Radisson Blu hotels there are usually centrally located, come with free breakfast, and
Read more
(2) (79)
Most viewed posts
6 Dec. 2017
88 Ways to Earn Points & Miles
2 Jun. 2020
Is TPG a Bad Guy?
25 Feb. 2019
Bank of America Shutdown(s)
10 Apr. 2019
100+ Ways to Earn Points, Miles & Travel Rewards
Favorite posts
See all
5 May. 2018
Why Travel Has Made Me More Conservative
10 Apr. 2019
100+ Ways to Earn Points, Miles & Travel Rewards
10 Jun. 2017
INTERVIEW WITH “SHARKMAN” MICHAEL RUTZEN
26 Jan. 2019
2018 Travel Music
27 Nov. 2018
20 Best Documentary Movies of All Time
Coming Soon...

The most comprehensive travel hacking and thrifty travel book in the world.

* Learn how to earn free flights, hotel stays, and other travel.
* Best Resources for Cheap Flights and Hotels
* Book Award Flights & Find Sweetspots
* Get the Best Rewards Credit Cards
* Maximize Everyday Spending
* Manufactured Spending

And More!

Coming Soon... Shop now