Any time I write about cash back credit cards, I get more or less the same response: “Why aren’t you including the Capital One Venture Card?” For those who are unfamiliar with the card, it earns 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases. Rewards are worth 1 cent each and can be redeemed as … Read more
As you all know, I was supposed to speak at the Ann Arbor DO last Saturday. I committed to this many months ago and was really looking forward to the event. Aside from my presentation, I was excited about meeting readers, fellow bloggers, and catching up with friends. My presentation topic was supposed to be … Read more
Last Year I wrote about the 10 best credit cards for manufactured spending. My rankings were based on a combination of both rewards currency value and bonus categories offered by these cards. It was a good, comprehensive list at the time. But I realize a lot of people don’t earn their miles via category bonuses. … Read more
Most people have things they regret doing (or not doing) in life. I don’t have any regrets about life decisions, but I do have plenty when it comes to this hobby. I’ve been doing this for almost six years and during that time, lots of deals have come and gone. This hobby requires boldness. You … Read more
By now you’ve probably heard the rumor that Chase is considering devaluing the Ultimate Rewards program. Don’t head to the panic room just yet – there’s no concrete proof it’s happening. Is it possible and maybe even overdue? Yes. You can’t dish out 100,000 point sign-up bonuses and not expect an evaluation of some sort. … Read more
Disclaimer: This is not a “political” post. It’s meant to make you laugh. If you have no sense of humor, you should probably stop reading this and stick to the news. Before I proceed, can we all take a moment to appreciate the fact that Ann Coulter was actually flying in economy class? A cabin … Read more
Over the past six years, I’ve helped a lot of people book their dream vacations on points and miles. Whether it was readers, friends or family members, I’ve offered advice and booking strategies to anyone who’s asked. The one person who hasn’t benefited from all of this, but who absolutely deserves it? My older sister. … Read more
Remember the comments Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker made about how flying on U.S. carriers equals being served by “grandmothers”? Well this morning Al-Baker’s PR people sent around…I’m not sure how to classify it except for a non-apology. It’s more of a “sorry you were offended” than actual remorse for what he said: “I should … Read more
When I explain manufactured spending to people, one of the most common responses I get is “isn’t that money laundering?” or “that sounds illegal.” It took me aback the first few times I heard it, but it’s understandable that people who are unfamiliar with manufactured spending would think that. It sounds shady and invokes images … Read more
While promoting the launch of a new Doha – Dublin route, Qatar Airways CEO Al-Baker made a seemingly left-field statement about flight attendants on U.S. carriers: “By the way, the average age of my cabin crew is only 26 years, so there is no need for you to travel on these crap American carriers. You know … Read more