RECENT POSTS
  • Basics,  Credit Cards

    My Latest Credit Card Retention Call

    It’s been a year since I was approved for my Chase United MileagePlus Explorer credit card. At the time, my account was targeted for 50,000 MileagePlus Miles after spending $3,000 in addition to the usual no annual fee for the first year. I was able to take advantage of that offer AND get a $50 statement credit for applying while booking a flight on United’s website. I never did complete the flight booking, I just wanted the $50 credit! This morning, I noticed that the $95 annual fee charge for the card appeared in my account, so it may be time to cancel. It’s not uncommon for credit card issuers…

  • Basics,  Credit Cards

    Maximize Cashback and Points Using Online Shopping Portals

    I must confess, I’m not a fan of crowded malls, however, I am a big fan of getting a great deal. I can accomplish both by purchasing my items online through shopping portals, a great way to earn extra miles, points or cashback in addition to rewards earned with your credit card. What is a shopping portal? In short, shopping portals are websites that provide links to various internet retailers. In return for directing customers to their site, those retailers pay a commission to the portal for each customer that makes a qualifying purchase. The portal then allots a portion of that commission–in the form of points or cash–to the original customer. You get paid…

  • Credit Cards,  Travel Rewards

    Credit Card Travel Benefits: Worth More Than You Think!

    Learning how to leverage your good credit score to obtain multi-benefit credit cards can be daunting, but when it comes to travel, this is where your hard work can really pay off.  First-class family travel for free? Yes, it IS possible…here’s my recent example: Last month, my wife, my teenage daughter, and I took a trip to Phoenix for a few days of sun and fun in the desert–at almost NO COST. We also included a day trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, both places that we had never been to before. The flights and hotel were paid for using points. This kept the cash outlay for the trip limited to…