Well, it’s a new year and that means it’s time to start thinking about how to earn airline elite status, again. As with prior years, I’ve decided to again pursue American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum elite status in 2021. However, the criteria and my method for pursuing elite status are a bit different than in…
Since my friends and family know that I love credit cards, I’m routinely asked for recommendations. Sometimes the question is open ended without a card in mind. When this is the case, I’m sincerely sorry for the 1 hour conversation about credit cards that follows. Instead, those smart enough to want to avoid said lectures,…
The Apple Watch is one of those things I’ve never really understood. Don’t get me wrong, I see why people would love it, but I just didn’t think it was for me. I don’t use a fitness tracker, I don’t want to be more connected, and I already wear an analog watch. For those reasons,…
I opened my first credit card account in 2010 while I was still in college. Prior to that, I paid for everything with either cash or a debit card. Looking back, I always get frustrated thinking about all of the points and miles I missed out on back then. Anyway, since opening that first credit…
Citi crafted the Citi Prestige card with one thing in mind; travel. Nearly all of the cards benefits are centered around traveling. Most notably, the Citi Prestige card offers 5X points on airfare and dining, a $250 annual travel credit, the 4th hotel night free benefit, and the obligatory Priority Pass select membership. All of…
Yesterday I received an email from Marriott about buying gift cards at a fairly attractive discounted rate. It seems for about the next week, Marriott is offering a 20% discount on all e-gift card purchases. This gift card discount seems to be yet another attempt from a travel brand to raise cash. See, even though…
I hate to admit it, but I’ve been using the same bank accounts for nearly a decade. Shortly before graduating college I went into my local Bank of America branch and setup a checking and savings account. Since then, those are the only bank accounts I use. I’ve been using those same Bank of America…
Over the last few weeks I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my upcoming travel plans. In February, I booked a trip with Qatar Airways from Philadelphia to Kyiv in business class. The trip represented fantastic value, but also was an incredible opportunity to fly in Qatar Airways business class again. Even…
While staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are paying for credit card benefits that we aren’t using. These unused benefits include anything from bonus point earning spending, to airport lounge access, and even complimentary elite status. With these card benefits going unused, the decision to pay an annual fee becomes much…
As I mentioned in a prior post, I’ve made a strong effort this year to book travel in advance. That means that toward the beginning of 2020 I actually booked about 80% of my travel for the year. Unfortunately, it seems like nearly all of it will need to be moved or canceled over the…
