Blogs
Points
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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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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...
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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
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