Point Me To First Class

Whether it's sipping champagne in first class, watching the sunset in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or enjoying access to the best first-class airport lounges, there are some aspirational redemptions that always seem to get the most attention from points enthusiasts. But before you can turn your travel dreams into reality using points, you need to first uncover what your unique wish list looks like. That's exactly what my guest this week is here to discuss. Tune in this week to start uncovering not only what you want to get out of points travel but what you desire from your experience of being alive. You'll learn the impact of introducing what my guest, Board-Certified Palliative Care Physician, Life and Wellness Coach, Dr. Faryal Michaud, calls high-definition moments into your life, what changes when you focus on writing your best chapter, and how to bring the magic of travel into your everyday life. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/the-reverse-bucket-list-dr-faryal-michaud Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you have a high monthly credit card spend and want to leverage these expenses to earn even more points, this episode is for you. Signup bonuses are the easiest way to earn a huge points return for every dollar spent, but what I'm sharing today allows you to expand upon this strategy, sometimes with relatively little effort, and earn more points without needing to take out new cards and rely on welcome bonuses. Tune in this week to learn everything you need to know about Chase Spending Offers. I discuss how Chase Spending Offers make already strong points-earning cards even better, and you'll learn not only how Chase Spending Offers work but also how to integrate them into your overall points strategy. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/racking-up-points-with-chase-spending-offers Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Kevin Zanes has a background in data science and analytics that he now uses to scour award programs for the best points deals. So on today's show, we're talking math, data, and how these two things help you land the most amazing points deals. Tune in this week to discover how data can get you the best value for your points. Kevin is using data and technology to dispel common myths of the award travel community, and he's revealing the math-backed truth about what he calls the single best points-earning credit card on the market. Whether you're new to award travel or a seasoned points traveler, this episode is packed with value and insights you won't find anywhere else. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/analytic-approach-points-travel-kevin-zanes Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Laura Jana is an Omaha-based pediatrician, social entrepreneur, and award-winning children/parenting book author. From early literacy advocate and 9-year owner of a 200-student educational childcare center to advisor to Mattel, Primrose Schools, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of children, families, and communities. Hear about an unforgettable trip taken by a member of the Point Me to First Class Community. This trip is on many of your bucket lists, and Dr. Laura Jana is here today to discuss why she decided to book this trip, why you don't need to book all your trips on points, and hopefully inspire you for your next amazing trip, whether you book it using points or not. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/don-t-need-points-trip-dr-laura-jana Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Today, I'm joined by my friend, points-earning expert Dr. Andrea Mabry. She's here to show you exactly how to earn points by paying off your student loans or by paying for your kid's education. This is taking one of your biggest expenses and leveraging it to earn more points, and Andrea's here to show us how to make this part of a financially responsible points strategy. Discover how to earn tons of points for expenses you already have: student loans or paying for your child's education. You can't use your cards to pay directly towards student loans or a 529 plan, but Andrea is sharing an amazing workaround to earn points from fulfilling these huge expenses. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/paying-student-loans-529-plans-dr-andrea-mabry Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Miraval Resort is an all-inclusive, adults-only health and wellness resort that started in Tucson, Arizona, and has expanded to Austin, Texas, and The Berkshires, Massachusetts. Each location is different but has the same signature approach to wellness. So how do you know what to expect at the different locations and choose which one is right for you? That's exactly what we're diving into today. I'm joined by Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma and Dr. Mindy Stimell-Rauch, and we're comparing the three Miraval Resorts and their offerings in terms of accommodation, food, service, and activities available at each location, so you know what to expect and can decide which best suits your needs for your next getaway using points. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/miraval-resort-arpita-gupta-depalma-mindy-stimell-rauch Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Lindsay Bradley started her points and miles journey in 2011 but didn't get into extensive points travel until meeting her P2. After marrying in 2018, they took off to travel the world, doing mini retirements on points and miles. Lindsay has visited 77 countries on all seven continents and has redeemed over $300,000 worth of travel with credit card rewards. Tune in this week to discover some unique uses of points for premium flights. Lindsay gives her insights into some of the challenges and opportunities of constructing a multi-country trip itinerary, and you'll learn how to put perks like hotel free-nights certificates to use to offset the cost of travel. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/uk-bahrain-oman-qatar-on-points-lindsay-bradley Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

For this conversation about how we think about ourselves in relation to money, I'm joined by one of the most brilliant women that I know, Kara Loewentheil. Kara is the Founder of The School of New Feminist Thought and creator of The Feminist Self Help Society, host of the top-rated podcast UnF*ck Your Brain, and author of the upcoming book Take Back Your Brain. Tune in this week for a unique insight into how your brain thinks about money. Discover the lies you've been taught about yourself and money, particularly if you were socialized as a female, and most importantly, you'll learn what you can do to break the cycle and build a money mindset that actually serves you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/owning-your-financial-life-kara-loewentheil Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Earning transferable points is key to unlocking some of the best possible deals on flights and hotel stays. But which of the points currency ecosystems best suits your specific needs? Well, there's a newbie in the transferable points currency family: the Bilt points ecosystem, and it might just be the one for you. To help me explore the Bilt points world, I'm joined by Dr. Suzanne Manzi. Dr. Suzanne Manzi, a quadruple board-certified physician and Bilt points enthusiast, is a trailblazer in the world of luxury travel. Together with her partner, she founded Doctor Wander Well Travel, a boutique travel agency specializing in curating unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/earn-points-more-everything-bilt-dr-suzanna-manzi Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

The points hobby has changed massively over the years. We have more points-earning cards, higher sign-up bonus offers, and rewards programs themselves are becoming more innovative. But on the other hand, we've also seen some less positive changes, like more restrictions around acquiring rewards credit cards, stricter eligibility rules, and limitations on how many cards you can hold at once. Discover the top five questions you simply can't afford to ignore when you're considering applying for a new rewards credit card. These questions will save you from getting the right card at the wrong time, ending up with the wrong cards at any time, and making the mistakes that could prevent you from earning the most points possible. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/5-questions-new-rewards-credit-card And to make keeping track of all those credit card eligibility rules easier, I've made a Guide to Credit Card Eligibility Rules that you can grab for free and download! Use this guide whenever you're ready to apply for a new rewards credit card. Get your guide at https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/60 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Right now in April 2024, there's a unique points opportunity that I've taken advantage of every year for the past few years, but nobody seems to be talking about it. Despite my strong inclination to keep it to myself, I'm sharing it with you this week just in case you can make use of it for yourself. This points-earning opportunity isn't for everybody, but it could open up some truly fantastic award options for the right person. Discover a current promotion to purchase miles for the Lufthansa Miles & More program. I share an amazing deal for the right person, help you identify whether it's right for you, and you'll learn exactly how you can maximize this opportunity for some amazing award travel. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/strategies-smart-mileage-purchases Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Lisha Taylor is a wealth strategist, "doctorpreneur," professional writer, and podcaster, advocating for physician wellness through financial literacy. As a Board Certified Primary Care Sports Physician, she's also the co-founder of Wealth Minded MD, a company and podcast that empowers women in medicine to build wealth and create the lives they desire. Initially, Dr. Taylor navigated the common uncertainties many have when starting with credit card points. Now, points have become a key component of her wealth strategy. Tune in this week to learn how Dr. Taylor's engagement with Points Made Easy has unlocked new travel opportunities by leveraging her everyday expenses, even though she doesn't see herself as what she would call a big spender. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/zero-points-to-south-africa-dr-lisha-taylor Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you're serious about points, you should have access to at least one of the major transferable points currencies. But how do you know which of the transferable currencies you should focus on? This week, I'm joined by Dr. Sujatha Murali, and we're diving deep into one transferable points currency: the world of Chase Cards and their Ultimate Rewards Points. We're discussing the Chase points-earning cards, what you need to know about the ins and outs of qualifying for Chase rewards cards, and you'll learn what Chase Ultimate Rewards Points can be particularly valuable for when it comes to award travel. Don't forget to grab your own tax points earning calculator here to make calculating your tax payment points earning potential a breeze: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/chase-points-dr-sujatha-murali Need more personalized help constructing a points earning plan for your tax payments and other annual expenses? Then you'll want to join me inside the Points Made Easy course during our next enrollment. Save your spot on the course waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Tune in to today's update on paying taxes with a credit card to hear how this annual expense can play a crucial role in your points strategy. If you're a high-earning employed professional or a self-employed business owner, your tax expenses offer an enormous points-earning opportunity. Discover whether it makes sense for you to pay your taxes by credit card, how to strategize the best points earning card for your tax expense, and the top mistake you want to be sure to avoid so your tax points earning plans don't get derailed. Don't forget to grab your own tax points earning calculator here to make calculating your tax payment points earning potential a breeze: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/56 Need more personalized help constructing a points earning plan for your tax payments and other annual expenses? Then you'll want to join me inside the Points Made Easy course during our next enrollment. Save your spot on the course waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Erika Moseson is a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Physician in Portland, Oregon. She's also the host of the Air Health Our Health podcast, about the air we breathe and how it impacts our environment and communities. Erika loves travel, but she's also concerned about the climate implications of the travel industry and wants to explore how we can experience the benefits of travel while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Discover some simple ways you can pursue your travel hobby while mitigating the environmental impact of your trips. We're also discussing how Erika has been able to use points to book some amazing economy travel experiences that allow her family of five to see the world with freedom and flexibility. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/travel-matches-values-dr-erika-moseson Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Points travel is possible for everyone, even a family of five or more. To discuss the ways families can maximize their points, I'm joined by Dr. Susan Zink. Susan is a psychiatrist with three children who has managed to get some amazing deals that meet her family's travel needs, and she's here to share her tips for family travel using points. Discover some of the challenges related to reward travel for larger families and learn how to overcome these challenges. Dr. Susan Zink is sharing her strategy for earning enough points to travel with her husband and three children, and she's sharing her top tips for landing the kind of accommodation deals that suit your family's needs. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/award-travel-tips-big-families-dr-susan-zink Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Have you ever felt like you were doing points "wrong" because you aren't booking the same kinds of high-value redemptions that you see other people posting about? If you're scared of wasting your points so you just don't use them to book travel, despite having hundreds of thousands of points saved up, you are not alone. This week, discover how to calculate exactly how much value you're getting from your points from each redemption. You'll learn how to spot a great deal, compare your options, and ditch all the indecision and insecurity that's stopping you from using your points to book phenomenal travel experiences. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/evaluate-points-redemption-value Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

What do you do with cards once you've had them for a while and you've already earned the welcome bonus? How many cards is too many for you? What strategy will allow you to accumulate millions of points over one year? These are just some of the questions I'm covering in today's Q&A episode. I'm discussing specific cards, points currencies, and strategies that will help you achieve your points travel goals, as well as covering some redemption opportunities and cards that will help you leverage the money you're already spending. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/transferable-points-card-canceling Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

My guest this week is points expert Traci Siegel, a non-practicing attorney who has been using miles and points to travel around the US and the world with her family of four since 2011. She's been teaching friends how to hack their families' travel for years, and now she's teaching even more new friends how to expand their travel budgets through her Instagram. Discover the recent announcements that are changing the face of points travel and learn whether earning points is still worth it. Traci and I are discussing how we plan to keep getting value from points and awards programs, even as the points landscape changes, sometimes dramatically, over the years. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-travel-worth-traci-siegel Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Looking to plan your next warm weather vacation? Tune in today to hear a comparison of three tropical Hyatt hotel properties where you can use points for vacation. I'm putting each of these properties head-to-head to give you an idea of what you can expect in each, and which one might be the best fit for your travel plans. I break down the basics of each of these three resorts including the accommodation I booked, how much they cost in points, how much cash you can save by using points to book, and how they stack up against each other in terms of facilities. Listen to the end to hear how I rank these three popular Hyatt hotels - the results might surprise you! Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/comparison-3-tropical-hyatt-properties Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Have you ever wondered what it would look like to take your career on the road and live location independent as a digital nomad? Did you know that you can you use your travel points to make this dream a reality? My guest this week has done just that and is here to tell you all about it. Dr. Kristine Goins is a Board-Certified Integrative Adult and Pediatric Psychiatrist, physician coach, and world traveler. As a digital nomad physician who has witnessed firsthand the impact that burnout and work imbalance can have on physicians' lives, she now empowers doctors to break the chains of traditional medicine to achieve location freedom and create their ideal nomadic lifestyle. She's sharing the obstacles to applying for cards while abroad, detailing her favorite cards, and discussing what her points strategy actually looks like as a digital nomad. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/work-travel-dr-kristine-goins Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Chandani DeZure is a Board Certified Physician living in California who's been maximizing points for travel since 2014. She started out on a resident's salary, traveling with no kids and tons of flexibility, and now she's taking her kids on her trips and her flexibility has all but vanished. But that doesn't stop her getting an amazing deal. Discover how traveling with children changes the game when it comes to credit card points and miles. Chandani is discussing how she maximizes her points when traveling with her family, how her priorities have shifted, and you'll learn tons of practical tips for getting the most out of every point you earn. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/traveling-kids-points-dr-chandani-dezure Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Amena Bakali is an award travel educator, travel blogger, and family travel enthusiast. While many of us use our points for leisure travel, points can also help with booking travel that is of religious or cultural significance. One example of that is how she used points to book a trip to observe Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to their Holy City: Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Discover her tips for booking a culturally significant trip like Umrah using points. She is walking us through how she chose her hotels, flights, and experiences during this pilgrimage, and she's sharing her tips for planning a trip like this for you and your family. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/umrah-travel-booking-amena-bakali Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

I'm back with part two of my episode with Kelly, the Points and Miles Doc. In this episode, we're divulging how we decided to spend the treasure trove of points we earned last year. We're letting you see behind the scenes of our points wallets and travel plans, comparing the really fun part of the points hobby: how we used these points to book incredible travel experiences. Tune in this week as we discuss our most memorable points travels in 2023, our highest-value redemptions last year, and we're sharing all the points travel we've already booked for 2024! We're highlighting the programs that we got the most value out of, and get a new perspective on what your own points journey could look like this year. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-spending-review-part-2 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Today, I'm joined by my points friend Kelly (The Points and Miles Doc) and we're taking a look back at 2023, breaking down all the points we earned last year, how we earned them, and we're analyzing some current trends in the points and miles world. Tune in this week as we discuss the highs and lows of the points world in 2023. Kelly and I are sharing our favorite cards, points currencies, and sign-up bonuses from the past 12 months. We're diving deep into what's changed over the past year, and we're looking at the landscape of points travel as we kick off 2024. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-earning-review-part-1 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

What can you expect from the Point Me to First Class Podcast in 2024? Instead of taking a deep dive into a points earning topic, I'm just bringing you a short and sweet episode about what's to come over the next 12 months. Discover what the next year has in store for the Point Me to First Class podcast and how I'm diversifying the types of travel inspiration and advice offered here. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/coming-2024-podcast Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you love earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, you're in the right place. Chase has a promotional offer right now that just might be the best points earning gift that you receive all year. Today, we're looking at how you can get double cash-back or double points using your Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Discover how to get double points with your Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Learn what this specific promotion offers, who is eligible for it, and I'm breaking down who stands to benefit the most from this offer, and who would be better off taking a pass on this one. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/double-rewards-dive-chase-freedom Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Erin Casey, a retired hematologist-oncologist turned hospitalist. As a solo points earner without high expenses, Erin wasn't sure if she could earn as many points as those who play the points game with a spouse or friend. Yet, she implemented a strategy to maximize her points, and if you're in a similar situation, you can too. Tune in this week to discover how Dr. Erin Casey earned over one million points in 2023 without having a two-player strategy. Erin is sharing the specific challenges she faced with minimal expenses. Learn how to start identifying the highest-yield points strategies for you and your specific needs. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/solo-points-earners-dr-erin-casey Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

How do you end 2023 strong and ensure you aren't missing out on any valuable benefits from your rewards credit cards? We're fast approaching the end of the year, so it's time to do some points housekeeping. I'm reviewing five things I do to ensure I'm on track to hit my points and travel goals for the year. Tune in this week to discover how to round out 2023 while staying on track with your rewards points. I'm showing you three ways to make sure you're taking advantage of your use-or-lose offers, and I'm discussing everything you need to consider about points transfers, purchasing points, and maintaining your status in your loyalty programs. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/year-end-checklist Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

A LOT has changed in the rewards card world since I got my first points earning credit card in 2012. Join me today to discover the first five rewards credit cards I got when I started my points journey, why I wouldn't recommend most of those cards to people now, and what I would do differently if I was starting all over again. While the cards I'm sharing today may not be perfect for you, this episode is packed with considerations you need to make when choosing your first rewards cards and starting your own points journey. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/credit-journey-started-now Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Today, I'm joined by another physician-entrepreneur who is taking her travel experiences to the next level by leveraging her business expenses: Dr. Amita Kumar. Dr. Kumar is a primary care physician in San Antonio, Texas. Recently, she decided to take a sabbatical from her clinical practice and since one of her passions is traveling with her family, she has found a more economical way to do so by utilizing credit card points. She is discussing her love of planning, the kind of planning drama that comes up for her clients, and she's sharing how she helps people overcome their planning blocks so they can start making the most of the points they earn and the time they spend traveling. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/travel-planning-amita-kumar Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

I'm sharing a recent conversation I had on the Analyze Scripts podcast. Analyze Scripts is hosted by Yale-trained psychiatrist Katrina Furey, MD, and psychotherapist Portia Pendleton, LCSW, analyzing the depiction of mental health in TV and film. In this conversation, we discussed the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and what we can learn about ourselves and travel from the characters in the movie. Katrina and Portia are also exploring the world of rewards points themselves, so there's something in this episode for everybody. Discover what we can learn about ourselves from the characters in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, why this movie is a great insight into the reality of getting out of your comfort zone, and the huge impact that travel can have on our lives. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/analyze-scripts-podcast Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Last week, Lyn shared how to earn your Southwest Companion Pass and how the pass works. We're picking up right where we left off, discussing the specific points activities that do and don't count toward qualifying for a Companion Pass, and Lyn is sharing a strategy you can use to make sure you qualify for a Companion Pass by early 2024. Tune in this week to discover how to qualify for unlimited flights through the Southwest Companion Pass. Also, learn three common mistakes you need to avoid when working toward your own Companion Pass, so you don't run into any surprises as you get your hands on your Southwest Companion Pass. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/southwest-companion-pass-lyn-mettler-2 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

I'm joined by Southwest expert Lyn Mettler, and she's breaking down everything you need to know about the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. In 2015, she discovered how to fly her family of 4 free to all the places she'd written about, going from one car trip a year to flying free six times every year around the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. She now teaches hundreds of families this same simple system through her Families Fly Free membership, where her mission is to bring families together through travel. Tune in this week to discover why people go nuts over the Southwest Companion Pass. We are discussing whether working to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass is the right fit for your travel plans, what can go wrong when trying to earn this valuable points-travel perk, and be sure to come back next week when Lyn will be sharing her tips for earning your Companion Pass using a repeatable but tricky process. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/southwest-companion-pass-lyn-mettler-1 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

I'm an advocate for putting as many of your expenses as possible on rewards credit cards in order to maximize your points potential. But as we all know, there are certain expenses that charge a processing fee, or don't offer a credit card payment option at all. Sometimes it's worth paying the fee, but for those occasions when it doesn't, PayPal BillPay is here to help. Here to show us how to use this powerful but often overlooked tool is Dr. Sujatha Murali, a physician from Southern California who has been using PayPal Bill Pay to earn points for years now. Whether it's utilities, insurance, or any other bill you're paying by a cheque or bank transfer, you can leverage these into point-earning opportunities starting today, and we're showing you how. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-strategies-dr-sujatha-murali Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

While there are mistakes to be made, there is no one right way of doing points. My guest this week knows this from firsthand experience. After she'd found her feet in the world of points, she took a risk in deviating away from Chase's points ecosystem and started exploring other options in the points space, and she has tons of insights to share about this decision. I'm joined by Dr. Azra Khan Salahuddin. Azra is a cancer rehab specialist who started her points journey in earnest in June 2022. We're discussing what to consider when applying for new cards, the problem with running into FOMO on your points journey, and how to decide what's best for you based on the travel you want to experience. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/pros-cons-dr-azra-khan-salahuddin Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Are you brand new to points, without a bunch of rewards credit cards or points stocked up? Or do you have your points earning down but are not yet confident about getting maximum value from the points you have saved up? Whether you're a self professed newbie to points travel or are looking for your points redemption skills to match your points earning skills, my online course Points Made Easy can help you. In today's bonus episode, I wanted you to hear directly from a few Points Made Easy course members in their own words about why they joined the course, what they think differentiates it from learning about points travel from piecing together information on the internet or even from listening to this podcast, and what their points balances and travel looks like after getting hands on support inside Points Made Easy. Please enjoy listening to Kathy, Sachin, and Krishni's stories about their experiences inside Points Made Easy now - and if you're ready to accelerate your points travel expertise now - grab your spot inside Points Made Easy before enrollment closes tomorrow Saturday, October 21. Join Points Made Easy at https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Doors are open to enroll in my 6 months, hands on points master course, Points Made Easy - but not for long. You have until this Saturday, October 21 to grab your spot in Points Made Easy before doors close again until next year. So today I'm dropping this bonus episode to share with you the stories of 3 Points Made Easy members, in their own words - so you can hear firsthand from prior course members why they joined and what they found inside the course. Listen in and then head over to https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to grab your spot inside the course.

The key to leveraging your expenses to earn incredible travel experiences is knowing what to do with those beautiful points once you've earned them, and most importantly, what not to do if you want to receive their maximum value. Specifically, I'm sharing five mistakes you need to avoid when redeeming points for travel. Discover five mistakes that prevent you from getting maximum value when redeeming points for travel. These mistakes are not only common but also have the largest potential negative impact on your ability to extract a ton of value from your points. I'm sharing what they are and how to avoid these mistakes, so you can get unbelievable value from your points. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-redemption-mistakes-avoid If part of living your wealthy life includes using points for travel instead of cash, join me in Points Made Easy to learn how to maximize earning and redeeming points for travel. Points Made Easy opens for enrollment from October 14-October 21. Grab your spot on the waitlist at https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy.

How would your travel plans next year change if your travel budget doubled? Whether you're points curious, a points beginner still getting your legs under you, or more experienced earning points but not yet expert at using them, there are only a few things standing between you and saving thousands of dollars in travel using points. Join my free masterclass, 4 Secrets to Doubling Your Travel Budget Using Points, on Saturday, October 14 at 10am CST to learn my secrets for points travel and how you can steal them. Go to https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/secrets to register for this free masterclass!

Did you know you can earn boatloads of American Express Membership Rewards Points through the online shopping platform Rakuten? There are points to be earned on Rakuten, and I'm showing you how to take advantage of some amazing offers in today's episode. Discover how to use Rakuten to earn a ton of points this winter. Leveraging Rakuten is one of the most lucrative and reliable points-earning methods. It's super simple, and I'm giving you some tips to make your points earning on Rakuten even easier if you're new to the platform. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/rakuten If part of living your wealthy life includes using points for travel instead of cash, join me in Points Made Easy to learn how to maximize earning and redeeming points for travel. Points Made Easy opens for enrollment from October 14-October 21. Grab your spot on the waitlist at https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy.

I'm joined by two guests, Dr. Kathy Zhang and her husband Jake Jansen, this week and this is the first time I've had a points travel partnership on the show. They're an amazing example of what's possible when two people come together to maximize their points. Although they experienced some difficulty in the early days, they have a two-player points game that's creating some wonderful travel opportunities. Tune in this week to discover what a two-player points strategy looks like in practice. Kathy is sharing how she first became interested in points, how she showed her husband Jake why he should get involved, and they're discussing why they decided to join my program despite already redeeming their first luxury points trip. Get full show notes and more information here: www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/travel-points-couples The Purpose Filter Podcast: https://pod.link/purposefilter The Purpose Filter Instagram: http://instagram.com/purposefilter If part of living your wealthy life includes using points for travel instead of cash, join me in Points Made Easy to learn how to maximize earning and redeeming points for travel. Points Made Easy opens for enrollment from October 14-October 21. Grab your spot on the waitlist at https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy.

Today, I'm covering something that never gets talked about in the points travel world but is really one of the secrets to becoming more proficient when it comes to points travel: The Dunning-Kruger Effect. The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a type of cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate their knowledge or abilities, particularly in areas where they have little to no experience. Discover how the Dunning-Kruger Effect is impacting how you approach the hobby of points travel. I'm showing you the different stages of the journey when learning the ins and outs of points travel, and how to keep moving through the stages until you reach a point of confidence and competence. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/psychology-points-travel-competency If part of living your wealthy life includes using points for travel instead of cash, join me in Points Made Easy to learn how to maximize earning and redeeming points for travel. Enrollment opens in October, so grab your spot on the waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Latifat Akintade is a gastroenterologist, money coach, and mother of three beautiful children. She's also the author of the Amazon Bestseller Done With Broke: The Woman Physician's Guide to More Money and Less Hustle, and Latifat is the host of The MoneyFitMD Podcast. Combining her knowledge of personal finance with her skills as a certified life coach, Dr. Latifat Akintade empowers women to take control of their finances and break free from the cycle of financial struggle. Tune in this week to discover why your travel options are broader than you might think. Dr. Latifat Akintade is discussing how she has managed to take a year-long sabbatical with her family, traveling the world, sharing the truth about job security as we know it, and explaining how she's used points throughout this adventure. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/family-sabbatical-dr-latifat-akintade If part of living your wealthy life includes using points for travel instead of cash, join me in Points Made Easy to learn how to maximize earning and redeeming points for travel. Enrollment opens in October, so grab your spot on the waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Two popular rewards cards on the market are the Chase Freedom Flex and the Chase Freedom Unlimited cards. This week, I'm pitting these two cards against each other in a head-to-head comparison to find out which one has the highest potential when it comes to earning points. Tune in this week to discover how to choose between the Chase Freedom Flex and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. I'm discussing why applying for both of these cards simultaneously may not be viable, and I'm sharing the factors and statistics you need to consider when deciding which of these two cards will be the most rewarding for you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/chase-freedom-flex-freedom-unlimited Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Suzy Spadafora is a world wanderer with her husband and 2 teenage boys, except for when she's playing tennis or practicing dermatology. She has been travel hacking since 2016, visiting tons of countries including Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, the Philippines, Langkawi Island (Malaysia), Peru, Romania, Amsterdam, and the Seychelles. In this episode, discover everything you need to know about travel coverage before you need it for a travel mishap. Dr. Suzy Spadafora is sharing her favorite insurance products, walking us through how the claims process works, and covering some of the nuances around insurance and points travel specifically. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/travel-mishaps-insurance-suzy-spadafora Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Joining me today is Dr. Disha Spath, a practicing Primary Care physician and Hospitalist, and the founder and CEO of The Frugal Physician: an award-nominated multimedia company that focuses on personal financial empowerment for healthcare workers. She helps doctors avoid common money mistakes, and she's here to help me break down Chase's 5/24 rule. Tune in this week for a simple explanation of the Chase 5/24 rule from somebody with a special interest in the rules that govern the most impactful rewards cards. We're discussing some common beginner mistakes, how these mistakes can stop you from getting new Chase rewards credit cards, and how you can avoid them on your own points journey. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/chase-524-rule-disha-spath Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy Get my Cash-Back Credit Card Cheat Sheet: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/cashback

Once you're sold on the value of earning points for your expenses, you might be overlooking cash-back rewards credit cards and focusing only on points-earning cards. But that would be a mistake, because some cash-back cards are actually points earning cards in disguise. Discover everything you need to know about earning points using cash-back cards. I'm sharing which specific cash-back cards can earn you points, the details of how to leverage these cards to earn points, and how valuable these cards can be as part of an overall rewards card portfolio. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/cash-back-cards-transferable-points Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy Get my Cash-Back Credit Card Cheat Sheet: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/cashback

Stephanie Jones is a physician and a mother of two girls. She has a lifelong love of travel and has always been the trip planner of the family. However, she has always operated on a strict budget, doing the most travel for the least amount of money. When she discovered points travel, an entirely new world of opportunities opened up. Discover the realities of getting started navigating the world of points and miles. Stephanie is sharing how she removed the overwhelm from learning about points travel, the details of her first rewards trip, and everything she's learned in the early stages of her points travel adventure. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/getting-started-points-travel-stephanie-jones Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

When multiple people own a business, creating a rewards credit card plan becomes a little more complex. However, there are ways to navigate this situation so you don't miss out on using your business expenses to earn points. Here to discuss this topic is Dr. Andrea Mabry, a dermatologist and co-founder of Pinnacle Dermatology, a dermatology practice located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Andrea Mabry is an expert when it comes to creating a rewards credit card and points plan that incorporates your business partners. If you want to know how you and your business partners or co-owners can create a cohesive plan that benefits everyone involved, this episode is for you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-sharing-business-dr-andrea-mabry Grab your spot inside Points Made Easy: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy