Now that tourist season is over, its much easier to get about and make good use of my retired time. I’m an early riser and after grabbing coffee, I head to the Internet for email and to see what’s new in the manufactured spending world. Monday, October 1st, turned out […]
A successful morning manufactured spending run
Why your Citi Card keeps getting declined for gift card purchases
I’ve recently been struggling with my new Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card and fraud alerts. I’ve had about four in the last week and became extremely frustrated. But a nice gal on Saturday morning straightened me out. With new Citi cards, if they see a transaction over about $400 from Kroger, […]
The importance of travel during difficult transitions
I recently left my job of two years and among other stressful things, it’s been a tough couple of months. I didn’t realize how badly leaving my job would affect me until I drove home on my last day. Expecting to feel relieved and elated even, I was unprepared for […]
Recap of cash back app results
When I started writing again several months ago I was fascinated with the concept of adding an app to my cell phone, linking my credit card once and getting paid every time I used that card at a participating merchant. I’m “old school.” This was a new concept to me […]
Replacing Amex Marriott cards for manufactured spending
When American Express implemented a new policy to stop issuing points on gift card purchases (mainly at Simon and possibly GiftCardMall), a lot of people tossed out their Marriott Bonvoy cards. Thee new Marriott Bonvoy program has had its issues, leading once-loyal members to coin the term Bonvoyed. These two […]
Now what, with manufactured spending?
American Express is tightening down on gift card purchases. We’ve thankfully finished our 4X at grocery stores with Amex Gold, Dosh has disappeared at Kroger and I’ve found my bottom limit on available manufactured spending. I could still do Dosh for $15 each at Sam’s Club on gift cards, but […]
Global Entry interview on-arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport
Most of you have probably heard of the Global Entry enrollment interview process. But did you know that instead of scheduling your interview months in advance at a busy airport near you, you can do an interview on arrival? There are over 50 airports in the U.S. and abroad that […]
The pros and cons of solo travel
I’ve traveled on my own quite a bit over the years. Pretty much every domestic trip I’ve taken over the last three years has been alone. My 2016 trip to Europe? I packed up and went on my own after my cousin flaked on short notice. A last-minute trip to […]
Upcoming Citi Double Cash to Thank You Points opportunities
I’ve got the Citi Double Cash card and for the most part, it just sits in the sock drawer. I can do better on non-bonus category spend with my BofA Travel Rewards card at 2.625% on travel credits. And my Amex Business Blue card combined with my Schwab Platinum card […]
What’s your smallest profit on a $500 Visa gift card?
There is a lull here in good manufactured spending opportunities with the loss of Dosh at Kroger. It got me thinking, what is the lowest profit for $500 gift card I’d be willing to work for? With all the different methods we employ to pick up cash or miles and […]