All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

#263: Chris breaks down exactly how he’s earned millions of points and miles, and why simplicity matters more than optimization. He covers signup bonuses, spending strategies, credit score impacts, business cards, cash-back alternatives, and how to decide when a card (or perk) is actually worth it. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/points-and-miles-simplified-credit-cards Partner Deals Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Notion: Try Notion Agent free to automate tedious tasks and streamline your work Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards: Best Cards Page Alaska Airlines Visa® American Express® Green Card American Express Platinum Card for Schwab Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here) Capital One Venture X Business Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Coinbase One Card Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Robinhood Gold Card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Venmo Credit Card Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Rakuten: Free $50 here Business Payment Platforms: Plastiq | Melio IRS Authorized Payment Providers Pay1040 ACI Payments Reddit: Credit Card Spend Needed to Achieve Each Airline Status Tier ATH Podcast Chris' Credit Card Optimizer Tool Ask Chris Anything! Membership Gift Card Site Ep #164: Earn Points Paying Taxes with a Credit Card (+ Latest Deals/News) Ep #200: Debunking Tax Myths, Avoiding Audits and Maximizing Savings with Jasmine DiLucci Ep #221: Deep Dive on Credit Reports, Scores, and Their Real-World Impact Ep #247: Deep Dive on Bank of America Credit Cards (Up to 5.25% Cash Back) Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Ep #258: My Top 5 Mistakes with Points & Miles Ep #261: Goals, Tools, and Mindset Shifts for a Better 2026 with Kevin Rose Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction(01:26) How Chris Has Earned 15+ Million Points(03:46) Why Signup Bonuses Still Matter More than Everything Else(05:04) The Role Everyday Spending Actually Plays(08:42) When Transfer Bonuses Are Worth It(12:24) How Chris Leverages Referral Bonuses(13:24) What Having "Too Many" Credit Cards Really Does to Your Credit Score(16:13) How Many Signup Bonuses per Year Is Reasonable?(16:44) Why Spend Requirements Are the Real Bottleneck(18:23) Approval Odds and Timing Applications(22:04) Getting Approved for Business Cards (Without A Business)(27:23) Maximizing Rewards without Overcomplicating It(30:18) When Cash Back Is the Better Option(32:48) Best Cards for Big, One-Time Expenses like Weddings(37:24) Making Sense of Card Rules and Restrictions (38:13) Annual Fees: How to Decide if They're Worth Paying(41:12) Paying Taxes with a Credit Card(46:28) How to Think about Points if You Mostly Care about Hotels(49:10) Is CLEAR Worth It?(51:48) How DoorDash Credits Work(53:25) Is There a Shortcut to Airline Loyalty Status?(57:04) The Best Credit Card for Costco Spending(59:19) Are the New Bilt Cards Actually Bad? Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#262: Learn how to navigate major changes in points and miles while maximizing travel rewards in 2026. Chris and Brian M cover Bilt 2.0, the Mesa card shutdown, how to evaluate annual fees, find award availability, and what’s likely (and unlikely) to change this year. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/latest-on-points-miles-january-2026 Partner Deals Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and fees here) Bilt 2.0 Bilt Blue Card (Rates and fees here) Bilt Obsidian Card (Rates and fees here) Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here) Rove Miles Silo Markets Rakuten ($50 bonus here) Kalshi Prediction Market Alila Ventana Big Sur The Big A## Calendar Award Search Tools Award Wallet Points Path Chrome Extension Google Flights AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) Expert Flyer ATH Podcast Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:27) Reactions to Bilt’s New Card Lineup (04:08) Breakdown of the 3 New Bilt Cards (05:14) Should You Convert, Apply Fresh, Or Keep the Wells Fargo Card? (08:16) Questions Around Bilt Cash (09:50) The Bilt Card Chris Is Leaning Towards (15:03) Why Bilt's New Earnings Might Be Better Than It Looks (20:03) Mesa's Overnight Shutdown (24:25) Silo Markets Brokerage Bonus (29:54) What’s Coming Up in 2026 For Points, Loyalty, And Cards (32:25) Thoughts on the Southwest Companion Pass (35:26) Implications of the Proposed 10% Interest Rate Cap on Credit Cards (38:19) Will Points Tools Get Better in 2026? (40:02) Why 2026 Might Be Quiet on Major Credit Card Changes (43:18)  How Brian Decides Whether an Annual Fee Card is Worth Keeping (46:50) Chris’ Order of Operations For Analyzing Cards (51:42) Ways to Plan A Trip Using Points (57:49) How Brian Leverages Flexibility for Travel (01:00:04) Strategies for Booking Flights (01:03:23) The Best Award Flight Search Tools (01:04:58) Booking Hotels With Points (01:09:38) Timeshares: When They Make Sense (and When They Don’t) (01:11:51) Using Alerts to Monitor Award Availability (01:13:12) Changing the Connecting City After Booking a Flight (01:15:14) Business Cards for Personal Spend (and Vice Versa) (01:17:09) What to Do When You Stop Getting Approved for Cards Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#261: Chris and Kevin reflect on 2025’s biggest wins and lessons, then dive into how they're planning 2026. They share their goals, the tools they're using, and why they're designing a year that’s easier, not just more optimized. Kevin Rose is the host of Diggnation and a partner at True Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that has invested over $4 billion in a portfolio of over 400+ founders. Kevin previously founded Zero and Oak, and was a partner at Google Ventures. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/reflecting-and-planning-2026 Partner Deals Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Kevin Rose: Diggnation | Newsletter Books The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli Rework by Jason Fried Fizzy Jesse Itzler: Plan An Incredible 2026 In 12 Minutes Podcasts The Daily Churn New Modern Mom: Do you need a house manager? Duolingo Games Magazine Subscription Bram Cohen Puzzles The Big A## Calendar ATH Podcast Newsletter Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool Ep #99: 7 Questions to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom Ep #259: Choosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) Kevin's 2025 Goals & How They Came to Fruition (04:34) Chris's Challenging End to 2025 (06:53) How Chris is Approaching Optimization in 2026 (09:33) Stepping Up Your Ability to Spend Money (15:55) What Chris and Kevin Changed Their Minds About in 2025 (20:11) The Many Different Uses of AI (29:16) Chris's Energy Generators and Drainers (33:40) Kevin's Energy Generators and Drainers (36:56) Decluttering for A Peace of Mind (41:09) How To Identify The Boat Anchors in Your Life (49:18) Chris's Hits and Misses in 2025 (52:10) Kevin's Hits and Misses for 2025 (54:19) How Kevin Plans His Year Ahead (57:53) Outsourcing to Make Things Easier (01:05:12) Focus on Making Lasting Memories (01:06:34) Ways to Pick Up New Skills (01:09:36) The Life Blender Concept Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#260: Chris distills the most powerful lessons from over 50 episodes in 2025 into 10 actionable takeaways that changed how he thinks about money, time, health, relationships, purpose, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-takeaways-2025-optimize-money-travel-life Partner Deals Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Notion: Try Notion Agent free to automate tedious tasks and streamline your work Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life ATH Podcast Ep #91: Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth with Bill Perkins Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom Ep #215: Medical Travel: Better Care and Lower Costs for Surgery, IVF, Dental, Advanced Screenings and More with Josef Woodman Ep #217: Top AI Tools, Insurance Planning for Fires and More Listener Q&A with Kevin Rose Ep #230: The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life with Nick Maggiulli Ep #233: Money: What Each Generation Gets Right (& Wrong) with Ben Carlson Ep #239: Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income with Jillian Johnsrud Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Ep #249: Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode with Kai Ep #251: How to Focus on What Matters and Let Go of the Rest with Ryan Holiday Ep #252: Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes Ep #254: The Cost of Always Optimizing with Chris and Amy Ep #256: The Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray Ep #259: Choosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:24) #1: True Wealth Is Multidimensional (03:13) #2: Focus on What Moves the Needle (10:24) #3: Build a Portfolio That Can Weather Any Storm (13:40) #4: Scale Horizontally, Not Vertically (17:04) #5: Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time (22:38) #6: Scale Yourself With Technology (25:36) #7: You Need to Be the CEO of Your Own Health (29:54) #8: Prioritize Friendship Like You Prioritize Your Health (33:25) #9: Your Purpose Is Already Here, You’re Just Too Close to See It (36:13) #10: The Ultimate Optimization Is Knowing When to Stop (38:44) Bonus: Optimize for What Matters Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#259: Learn how to pick the challenges in life that actually matter. We break down how to stop optimizing for the wrong things, why values trump goals in decision-making, practical strategies for building real friendships, and more. Mark Manson is the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (20M+ copies sold). He hosts the Solved podcast, writes the newsletter Your Next Breakthrough, and co-founded Purpose, an AI tool for exploring purpose and values. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mark-manson-purpose-and-meaning Partner Deals Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Copilot Money: Get 26% off my favorite personal finance app Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Mark: Website | Newsletter | X The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Solved Podcast Making Friends as an Adult, Solved Your Values, Solved Purpose App Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) What Most People Get Wrong About Living a Good Life (01:13) Why Struggle Is Inevitable and Necessary (02:18) Why Purpose Is Revealed, Not Found (04:34) Choosing the Right Metric To Optimize Your Life (06:26) The Three Ingredients of Meaningful Purpose (08:32) Why Purpose Doesn’t Require Changing the World (12:33) Radical Honesty as the Starting Point for Meaning (14:32) What Happens After You Achieve Everything You Wanted (17:48) Why Other People Can See Your Purpose Before You Do (21:06) Why Honest Conversations Are So Hard (and So Necessary) (28:41) Why Adult Friendship Is Uniquely Difficult (32:29) How Work, Kids, and Technology Changed Friendship (33:27) Why “Shared Stakes” Matter More Than Shared Spaces in Adult Friendships (37:02) When Life Feels Hard and Why That’s Normal (42:21) Making Better Decisions by Clarifying Your Values (43:57) How To Check In on Your Life Without Obsessing Over Goals (46:57) When Quitting a Goal Is the Right Decision (50:48) Why We Rarely Talk About Meaning With Friends (53:30) Building an AI To Ask Better Life Questions (55:04) How AI and Therapy Can Work Together (57:52) Is It Okay If Your Job Is Not Your Purpose? (01:00:07) The First Step Toward a More Meaningful Life (01:01:06) How To Define Value Beyond Status (01:02:08) Where To Find More From Mark Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#258: The 5 biggest mistakes Chris has made in his points & miles journey. He dives into the hidden cost of status, the math behind point values, the power of opportunity cost, and why hoarding points quietly destroys value. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-5-points-and-miles-mistakes Partner Deals Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris' Presentation Slides Credit Cards US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Robinhood Gold Card The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® Award Search Tools Gondola (Get $50 here) Points Path Chrome Extension ATH Podcast Ep #245: How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025? Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:28) Mistake #1: Not Valuing My Time (02:09) Setting a Personal Minimum Hourly Rate (03:51) Step Back and Ask “Is This Worth It?” (04:23) The Hidden Cost of Mental Overhead (05:48) Using Daily and Weekly Priorities to Stay Focused (07:00) Mistake #2: Not Considering the Opportunity Cost (11:34) Mistake #3: Chasing Status (16:56) Airline by Airline: The Value of Status in Real Life (20:52) Reframing the Cost of Status (24:09) When Milestone Benefits Change the Math (28:33) Chris’s Status Plan Going Forward (31:52) How to Decide Whether Status Is Worth Chasing (32:50) Mistake #4: Overvaluing Points (34:20) What the Data Actually Shows (35:43) Why “Retail Value” Is Misleading (41:22) When Paying Cash Can Be the Better Value (46:03) Mistake #5: Not Cashing Out Points (49:27) Chris's Plan for 2026 Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#257: We break down essential tax and financial decisions to make before year-end. Learn how to maximize deductions, optimize charitable giving, manage investment gains and losses, and take advantage of retirement and home-improvement credits. We also run through all the credit card, points and miles deadlines to hit before 12/31. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/end-of-year-financial-checklist-2025 Partner Deals Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off Aura Frames: $35 off the best digital frames with code ALLTHEHACKS DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris' End of Year Checklist for Taxes, Points & Miles Carry Solo 401k Kick (20% off your first year of bookkeeping with code CHRIS20) Invest America Kids Savings & Investment Accounts Hotel Mattress Run CardPointers Pro (50% off here) Use Your Credits ATH Podcast Chris’ Best Cards Page Ep 144: Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Accounts to Maximize Your Wealth with Katie Gatti Tassin Ep 243: Smarter Strategies for Retirement, Wealth Building, and Taxes with Michael Kitces Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing (03:02) The New SALT Cap & Property Tax Strategy (05:02) Pass-Through Entity Taxes for Business Owners (06:07) Smart Charitable Giving Strategies (07:07) Donating Appreciated Assets (09:18) Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) (14:16) Why 25-26 Changes Matter for Charitable Giving (16:14) New Car Loan Interest Deduction (18:19) Deduction for Qualified Tips & Overtime (18:34) New Senior Deduction (19:12) Shifting Income to Optimize Your Tax Bracket (20:48) Capital Gains: Loss & Gain Harvesting (22:02) Understanding the Wash Sale Rule (25:11) Advanced Tax Moves to Ask Your CPA (25:42) Key Retirement Deadlines & Contribution Limits (31:01) Roth IRA & Traditional IRA Rules (34:18) Backdoor & Mega Backdoor Roth Contributions (35:18) ISOs & Alternative Minimum Tax (36:16) FSA Essentials: Use It or Lose It (38:57) HSA Strategy & Triple-Tax Advantage (42:13) Home Efficiency & Solar Credits for 2025 (43:14) 529 Plans, Gifting Rules & Education Savings (47:37) The New “Trump Account” for Kids (48:14) Funding a Child’s Roth IRA Through Earned Income (50:29) EOY Tax Moves for Business Owners (55:51) EOY Checklist for Points & Miles (01:00:32) Credit Card Annual Credits & Benefit Resets (01:03:57) Calendar-Year Credits to Use Before January (01:14:55) Final EOY Checks for Airlines, Hotels & Credit Cards Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#256: We break down the simplest, most effective ways to build stronger friendships and stay connected as an adult. Plus, learn how to build a personal website, host better events, send a friends newsletter, book a cruise on a budget, and so much more. Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author who built and sold two successful companies, Flight Display Systems and Museum Hack. His YouTube and short-form videos have reached over 55 million views. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/build-meaningful-relationships-nick-gray/ Partner Deals Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Storyworth: Share your family stories in a custom book (+ $10 off) LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Nick: X | Website | Friends Newsletter PersonalWebsite.org November 2025 Asset Allocation Personal Website Checklist The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings RSVP Tracking Partiful Luma Mixily Free Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours Animal Spirits Podcast Rippner Tennis Cruises Below Deck Frequent Miler’s Casino Status Strategy for Free Cruises CruiseSheet Personal Domain Services CloudFare Registrar Google Domains Hover Carrd Gemini Nano Banana WordPress ATH Podcast Best Credit Cards Membership Newsletter Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray Ep #146: This Episode Changed My Perspective on Cruises with Emma Le Teace Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:00) How Nick Builds and Maintains Strong Relationships (01:49) What Most People Get Wrong About Staying in Touch (02:49) Why Making New Friends as an Adult Is So Hard (05:49) Nick’s Simple Formula for Hosting a Great Cocktail Party (07:25) Chris’s Holiday Cookie Party (09:10) Better Ways to Handle Introductions and RSVPs (13:26) Using a "Friends Newsletter" to Stay Connected (14:47) What to Include in a Great Newsletter (19:18) How to Send Your First Newsletter (Without Overthinking It) (20:38) An Amazing Opportunity Nick Got from His Newsletter (21:28) Easy Content Ideas: Purchases, Apps, Shows, and More (24:33) Chris’ Attempt to Get on Below Deck (31:04) What Excites Chris About Cruises (33:19) Nick’s Take on Cruises (and the “Life-Plus” Mindset) (36:11) Hacking Cruises and Cheap Cruise Strategies (40:21) Why Everyone Needs a Personal Website (43:06) Buying a Domain and Setting Up a Simple Homepage (45:31) Getting Google to Notice Your Website (49:06) When to Upgrade and What Content Belongs on Your Website (52:17) Nick's Service for Building and Maintaining Your Website (52:52) Nick’s Asset Allocation Post and the Value of Transparency (53:46) Removing the Stigma Around Money With Friends (59:21) Using AI for Doctor Appointments Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#255: Here are 100+ holiday gift ideas across tech, kitchen, home, clothing, fitness, kids, and games. I’ll also share tools and tactics to help you find deals and spend less this holiday season. For all the products, links, deals and more, check out the full 2025 Gift Guide here: https://chrishutchins.com/gifts Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/gift-guide-2025 Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Vuori: ⁠20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned 2025 Gift Guide: Find all the products, links, deals and more at https://chrishutchins.com/gifts Joshua Weissman: How to Cook With Stainless Steel Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia Tools to Maximize Savings Keepa Rakuten ($50 bonus here) Savewise (20% off with ALLTHEHACKS20) CardPointers (30% off here or 50% off for ATH Members) Chris' Gift Card Site⁠ (5-25% off gift cards) ATH Podcast Gift Card Site Membership ⁠Newsletter⁠ Ep #122: ⁠⁠Cooking at Home: Delicious Food Made Easy with David Chang⁠⁠ Leave a review: ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: ⁠podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:55) Personal Technology (14:16) Kitchen & Food (36:47) Home (44:05) Clothing & Accessories (55:13) Health & Fitness (59:38) Health Tests (01:05:21) Games (01:08:39) Kids (01:12:47) Books & Learning (01:15:22) Ways to Save Money When You Shop (01:24:47) Chris' Family Holiday Traditions Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#254: Chris and Amy share a candid look at their life together as two optimizers. They discuss everything from family finances and teaching their kids about money to managing their health, work, and travel. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ama-amy-marriage-parenting-health Partner Deals NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Storyworth: Share your family stories in a custom book (+ $10 off) DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Rakuten ($50 bonus here) M is for Money by Rob Phelan BoA Museums on Us How We Spend Our Time Chart Priority Pass Cultural Care Au Pairs (Get $250 off here) Family Heart Foundation Fortify5 Vuori (Get 20% off here) ATH Podcast Ep #114: Money Talks: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations with Loved Ones with Erin Lowry Ep #205: Building Better Habits, Strengthening Relationships, and More Listener Q&A with Chris and Amy Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom Ep #239: Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income Ep #252: Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Navigating Conflict and Different Spending Styles (04:51) Why the Furniture Conversation Turned Emotional (13:20) Amy's Process for Selling and Rehoming Old Items (15:50) When Reselling Isn’t Worth the Time and Effort (19:03) How to Teach Kids About Money at a Young Age (23:39) How Chris & Amy Are Saving for the Kids’ Future (31:13) Thinking About Technology and Social Media for Kids (35:34) Free-Range Parenting and Encouraging Independence (38:06) The Importance of Intellectual Curiosity (40:06) Stepping Back From Work to Be Present with Young Kids (44:54) Traveling With Kids (49:05) Leveraging Lounge Access for Family Travel (52:18) Comparing Lounge Access Memberships (57:06) Amy’s Transition Into More Time at Home (01:00:50) Making Proactive Health Decisions and Preventative Care (01:07:46) How to Approach Supporting Aging Parents (01:13:34) Coming Full Circle on the Furniture Debate Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#253: My top 10 takeaways from a retreat for high-net-worth investors, which will cover investing, managing risk, investing in your health, building meaningful relationships, parenting with purpose, and defining success in a way that goes far beyond money. Tad Fallows is the co-founder of Long Angle, a private community for investors with more than $2.2 million in assets. He previously co-founded iLab Solutions, a global leader in cloud-based lab management software, which was acquired by Agilent Technologies. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/10-lessons-wealth-health-happiness Partner Deals LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Long Angle: Join a free private community for high net worth investors What Is BRCA2? Sober Founders ATH Podcast Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Why Health Is Your Most Important Asset (04:13) How to Become Your Own Health Advocate (08:14) Different Ways to Invest in Fitness and Accountability (12:27) Relationships: The Ultimate Compound Asset (14:03) Why Adult Friendships Are So Hard to Build and Maintain (16:05) Reclaiming Time for Relationships and Family (17:15) The Power of Intentional Travel (20:43) Lighthouse Parenting: Why You Should Allow Your Kids to Struggle (25:01) Learning From Your Kids’ Limitless Imagination (25:56) A Simple Exercise to Expand What’s Possible in Every Area of Life (28:47) Redefining Success and Purpose (34:09) Defining Your Objective to Simplify Complex Decisions (38:44) How to Think About Managing Risk (43:28) Diversifying Beyond the S&P 500 (47:53) Two Spectrums of Diversification and Liquidity (50:38) The Danger of Over-Optimizing (52:14) Why True Wealth Isn’t About Dollars (55:45) The Importance of Designing a Life That Works For You Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#252: Chris and Nick share strategies to make family travel affordable and stress-free with points and miles. They cover how to find multiple award seats, book business class for families, and their best tips for traveling with kids, from managing jet lag and delays to finding family-friendly hotels, must-have travel gear, and more. Nick Reyes is a writer at Frequent Miler and co-host of the Frequent Miler On The Air podcast. He is an avid traveler who's been to 60+ countries and loves collecting points and miles. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/family-travel-nick-reyes Partner Deals Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Nick Reyes: Frequent Miler | X | Podcast A $50,000+ family trip to Europe, booked with miles and points Kids in business class: Saving miles on child award tickets Guide to Airline Companion Tickets How to book Hyatt suites How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points Booking Cottages.com via Wyndham Rewards Nick’s 2025 casino status strategy for free cruises Grand Hotel Victoria on Lake Como ZIPAIR RideSafer Travel Vest Mobile Passport Control (MPC) HotelTonight AutoSlash ABCmouse Travel Strollers: Babyzen Yoyo | gb Pockit ATH Podcast Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:58) What People Get Wrong About Families Traveling Using Points (02:53) Nick's Luxury Family Trip to Europe with Points (06:30) Things to Consider When Booking Multiple Award Seats (09:45) Booking Award Seats in Economy vs. Premium Economy (13:55) Flying in Business Class with Kids (17:55) Splitting Up the Family in Different Award Flights (20:29) Buying Extra Economy Seats for More Space (23:27) Prioritizing Sleep on International Flights (28:43) Nick's Approach to Jet Lag (30:47) Airline Discounts for Kids (33:41) How Lap Infant Pricing Works (36:36) The Best Airlines for Traveling with Kids (39:08) Pooling Airline Miles with Children (41:50) Leveraging Companion Passes/Fares for Family Travel (45:06) Using Carry-On Vs. Checking Bags with Kids (46:19) Accessories for Traveling with Young Kids (50:28) Managing Delays and Other Irregularities When Traveling with Kids (53:16) Why Lounge Access Is a Game Changer (55:05) Fast Tracking Airport Entry with Kids (57:11) Tactics Nick Uses to Book Hotels Internationally for His Family (01:01:08) Booking Rooms with Points vs. Cash (01:04:07) Emailing Your Hotel for an Upgrade (01:05:44) Benefit of Having Kids Clubs at Hotels and Resorts (01:07:53) Tips and Tricks to Book Vacation Rentals (01:09:54) Transportation Tips When Traveling with Kids (01:12:55) How Cruises Changed Nick's Travel Game (01:17:31) Other Family Travel Tips & Tricks (01:20:40) Planning Activities Around Your Kids' Interests (01:23:07) Unusual Must-Haves for Trips with Kids (01:25:22) Top Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations (01:27:42) Where to Find Nick & His Work Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#251: Discover why Stoicism matters more than ever and how to make it part of your daily life. We share practical ways to focus on what you can control, build resilience, and cultivate the four Stoic virtues: courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan Holiday is a bestselling modern philosopher and author of The Daily Stoic, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key. His books on Stoic virtues have sold over 10 million copies in 40+ languages. He’s also the founder and host of The Daily Stoic podcast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ryan-holiday-mastering-stoicism Partner Deals Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Ryan: The Daily Stoic | Podcast | YouTube Courage Is Calling Discipline Is Destiny Right Thing, Right Now Wisdom Takes Work The meditations of Marcus Aurelius Letters from a Stoic by Seneca The Dialogues of Plato Old Enough! TV Show Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:06) What Is Stoicism? (02:42) Is Stoicism Relevant in Today’s Society? (04:59) The Journey of Becoming a Stoic (07:42) Why Humans Don’t Like to Do the “Hard” Things (13:34) The Importance of Putting Your Impressions to the Test (17:42) The Reason Humans Are Never Satisfied (20:41) How the Stoics View Happiness (23:22) Where to Draw the Line Between Things in Your Control vs. Not (29:30) Why It’s Important to Pause and Reflect (32:56) The Four Stoic Virtues (35:15) How Ryan Applies Discipline to His Life (37:46) Stillness Unlocks Elite Performance, Happiness, and Self-Awareness (39:09) Why Ryan Doesn’t Like Watching the News (41:24) Can You Have Fun as a Stoic? (43:18) Ranking the Stoic Virtues (44:16) How Can We Be More Courageous in Our Daily Lives? (46:50) Instilling Courage in Your Kids (50:47) The Role of Justice in Stoicism (53:27) Approaching Wisdom as a Method (55:15) How Can Someone Gain More Wisdom? (57:39) Experiencing Emotions as a Stoic (01:00:08) The First Step Toward Stoicism (01:01:02) Where to Find Ryan and His Work Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#250: Chris dives into listener questions, covering open enrollment, investing, buying gold, life and auto insurance, RSUs, practical ways to leverage AI tools and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/open-enrollment-AMA-2025 Partner Deals Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned PEOs: TriNet | Justworks Insurance Broker: Rich Sterling Productivity/AI Tools Notion NotebookLM Replit Cursor v0 Figma Perplexity Claude Mesa Homeowners Card (50k bonus with code CHRIS50) $1,200 U.S. Bank Bonus ATH Podcast Newsletter Ep #34: Insider Tricks to Healthcare, Prescriptions and Medical Bills with Marshall Allen Ep 104: Optimizing Your Insurance Policies Ep #140: Navigating Open Enrollment Ep #168: Building an Investment Portfolio to Grow and Protect Your Wealth Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Submit questions for our next AMA here Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:30) Quick Episode Overview (01:22) How to Select Your Insurance Plan (05:19) Saving with a High Deductible Health Plan (14:19) Tips for Specific Drugs and Providers (15:27) Dental and Vision Plans (17:17) Benefits of FSAs (19:10) Getting Health Insurance Outside of an Employer (21:08) Getting Insurance for Your Business (23:20) Insurance via Medical Research Companies and Affinity Groups (24:52) Direct Primary Care (25:48) Reimbursing Medical Expenses Charged on a Credit Card (30:45) Diversification in an Incredibly High Stock Market (36:20) Investing in Precious Metals: Gold & Silver (40:55) Strategy for Handling RSU Compensation (43:35) Variable Universal Life Policy (48:05) The Rise in Auto Insurance Premiums Following an Accident (55:22) Buying A Used vs. New Car (58:06) Chris's Favorite Work Tools Including AI (01:02:07) Is AI an Actual Threat to Our Jobs? (01:04:26) Chris's Pre and Post W2 Job Experience (01:06:50) Find the Best Deals on the ATH Newsletter (01:10:53) The Next Gift Card Sale Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#249: 3x your points and miles with a multiplayer strategy. We break down how to earn, manage, and maximize rewards with a partner, family, or friends. Plus learn how to handle the logistics, emotions, and systems that make it all work. Kai is the founder and host of The Daily Churn Podcast, where he shares his churning journey. In 2024, Kai and his partner earned a total of $40,000 and 5 million points. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/playing-the-points-game-with-player-2-kai Partner Deals MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Kai: The Daily Churn Podcast | Membership Monarch Money Copilot Money (Free 2 months with code HACKS2) How to Automatically Forward iMessages & Texts to Other Contacts Using Shortcuts 1Password Google Voice Tello eSIM Aligned Incentives Cashback Monitor Rakuten CardPointers (30% off or 50% off for ATH Members) Replit Churning While New To Credit Helping Tim Burn 15M+ Miles and Points ATH Podcast Membership Episode #181: Making an Easy $3k/mo from Online Deals with Kai Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) How Kai and Chris’ Partners View the Points and Miles Game (03:56) Is Playing the Points Game Actually More Lucrative with P2? (06:26) Maximizing Credit Cards with Two Players (08:36) Should You Have Authorized Users on Your Cards with P2? (14:01) The Mechanics of Managing a P2 (15:28) Ways to Access Shared Passwords and Two-Factor Codes (18:38) Important Conversations to Have with Your P2 (21:10) Playing the Points Game for Other People (26:05) The Challenges of Managing Points for Others (31:12) Managing Points for Family Members (33:51) Playing the Points Game with Children (35:14) Easing the Burden of Dealing with Card Issuers with a P2 (39:38) The Spectrum of Activities with Multiple Players (40:52) Leveraging Referrals and Shopping Portals to Maximize Savings with P2 (43:33) Learning to Stop Over-Optimizing (45:28) Kai’s Podcast and Churning Community (47:01) Why Your Address Matters in the Points Game (47:34) Managing 1099s from Referral Points (49:02) Tips on Adding Authorized Users (49:45) The Importance of Community in the Points Game (51:13) How to Share Referral Links on ATH Membership Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#248: Learn to escape the trap of over-optimizing and design a more meaningful life. We explore setting boundaries, resetting priorities, and turning failure into fuel for success. We also dive into Tim’s creative process behind his new card game and the surprising value of play. Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, one of the world’s most popular podcasts with over a billion downloads. He loves experimenting with productivity, health, storytelling, personal growth, and, most recently, card games. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tim-ferriss-over-optimizing-failure-play Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tim: Website | Podcast | X The 4-Hour Workweek The 4-Hour Body The 4-Hour Chef THE NO BOOK Where Are You Still Using Single-Ply? Coyote Card Game Terry Real’s Books Stumble Upon Diggnation Personal Power by Tony Robbins Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson AcroYoga Exploding Kittens Think Like a Game Designer Podcast Procreate ATH Podcast Ep #216: Purpose, Friendship, and Human Skills with Simon Sinek Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) When Tim Realized That Optimization Could Bend Life in His Favor (06:40) The Role of Patience in Optimization (08:14) Dialing Back on Optimizing (11:23) Do Relationships Require Less Optimization? (16:45) Fighting Natural Tendencies for a Better Life (19:57) The Impact of Journaling (23:42) Does Tim Still Find Himself Over-Optimizing? (25:14) The 3 Levels of Listening (29:47) Designing for States (31:40) Different Lenses for Optimization (36:28) The Optimizer Curses (40:53) How to Avoid Decision Fatigue (45:32) Being Rich Enough to Rent (48:37) Knowing When to Say “Yes or “No” (55:35) Active vs. Passive Intuition (01:01:40) How Decisions Get Influenced When You Have Kids (01:08:01) Is "Play" a State to Aim For? (01:13:38) Incorporating Play in Adulthood (01:18:13) The Process of Creating a New Card Game (01:28:18) The Next Big Project for Tim (01:30:53) Humans as Storytellers (01:34:10) Where to Find Tim & His Work Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#247: Chris dives into Bank of America’s credit card lineup and why he has 5 different BoA cards right now. He'll go over how the Preferred Rewards program can help you earn unlimited 3.3% back on everything. Finally, he also covers approval rules, credit limits, unique perks like free museum access, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bank-of-america-preferred-rewards Partner Deals Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris’ Best Cards Page BoA Cards: Tier List Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Susan G. Komen® Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Bank of America® Travel Rewards Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Card The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard Allways Rewards Visa® card Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Business Card Other Cards Citi® Double Cash Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card Frequent Miler: Guide to Ultra-Premium Credit Card Travel Protections Rakuten: $50 bonus here BoA: Museums on Us | BankAmeriDeals ATH Podcast Ep #245: How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025? Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:29) Quick Episode Overview (03:21) BoA Preferred Rewards Program (06:00) Customized Cash Rewards Card (08:28) Customized Cash Rewards Card Variations (13:18) Unlimited Cash Card (15:50) Travel Rewards Card (18:02) Premium Rewards Card (24:54) Travel Benefits on the BoA Premium Cards (26:25) Atmos Rewards Ascent Card (32:24) Atmos Rewards Summit Card (35:10) Valuing Companion Awards (39:41) Free Spirit Travel More World Elite MasterCard (41:03) Allegiant Always Rewards Card (42:08) Air France KLM World Elite MasterCard (44:26) BoA’s Cruise Cards (45:03) Business Card Eligibility (47:12) Business Customized Cash Card (51:04) Business Unlimited Cash Card (52:21) Business Travel Rewards Card (55:41) Atmos Rewards Business Card (57:59) Applying for BoA Cards (59:13) 5 Consumer Card Limit (60:48) BoA Nuances to Keep in Mind (01:02:13) Credit Limits (01:03:00) BankAmeriDeals (01:04:07) Free Museum Access (01:05:06) Summary Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#246: Today we explore contrarian takes on budgeting, the 4% rule, retirement planning, and the risks of blindly investing in bonds. We also cover strategies for investing, spending, and rethinking how to use money with purpose. Tyler Gardner is a personal finance creator, educator, and former portfolio manager who’s built a following by challenging conventional money wisdom. He's also the host of Your Money Guide on the Side. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/rethinking-personal-finance-tyler-gardner Partner Deals Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tyler: Podcast | Instagram | TikTok Should I Invest in Bonds? Bill Perkins: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life ATH Podcast Ep #91: Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth with Bill Perkins Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:54) The True Purpose of Wealth (04:18) Do We Really Need an Emergency Fund? (07:22) Where to Keep Your Money During Uncertainty (14:45) Quick History Behind the 4% Rule (18:18) Modifying the 4% Rule for Retirement (22:30) The Flaws of the 4% Rule (25:51) How People in Iceland Approach Careers (27:11) Why You Should Learn to Occupy Time with Your Passion (31:48) Pursuing a Portfolio Career (35:20) The Importance of Having "Financial Neighbors" (38:55) Tyler's One Piece of Advice to Everyone (42:29) The Problem of Inheriting Money Scripts (45:35) Ways to Overcome Frugality (49:57) Tyler's View on Budgeting (54:28) How to Think About Taking Risks (57:38) Monte Carlo Scenarios (01:02:26) The Coast FIRE Movement (01:04:41) Why Tyler Doesn't Like Bonds (01:06:54) The Core-Satellite Approach for Investing (01:12:38) Important Investing Lessons (01:13:56) Where to Find Tyler Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#245: Ever wonder what points are really worth? I'll break down the different types of points, how to calculate their value, and the biggest mistakes people make along the way. You’ll also learn when cash back might be the smarter choice and my personal card strategy for maximizing credit card rewards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/what-are-your-points-worth Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card Robinhood Gold Card Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and Fees here) U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card American Express® Gold Card American Express® Business Gold Card American Express® Green Card Amazon Prime Visa Card Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Citi Strata Elite℠ Card Citi® Double Cash Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Gemini Credit Card Expert Points Valuations The Points Guy One Mile at a Time Frequent Miler Award Search Tools Points Path Chrome Extension Award Wallet Gondola (Get $50 here) Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Fees ATH Podcast ⁠⁠Free Webinar: 5 Must-Know Tax Moves for Business Owners Chris’ Card Value Optimization Tool Membership Ep #244: How I Saved $10,000+ on Luxury Hotels Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:50) Why We’re in the Golden Age of Points and Miles (04:06) The Different Types of Points (06:04) Unlocking Value With Transfer Bonuses (07:58) Fake Points and What to Avoid (08:34) Why Knowing the Value of Points Matters (10:12) Comparing Points vs. Cash Back (13:26) Quick Episode Overview (14:38) Calculating the Floor Value of Points (16:47) Expert Points Valuation (19:26) Tools and Data for Valuing Points (21:55) Booking Domestic vs. International vs. Business Class Flights (24:27) Flight and Hotel Redemption Takeaways (29:33) Leveraging Gondola to Book Hotels (32:24) How to Get More Value From Hotel Points (34:17) Why Hotel Points Still Hold Value (35:12) Minimums, Maximums, and Ranges (36:20) How to Calculate Your Personal Value (41:18) Chris’ Rule of Thumb for Booking Award Flights (44:06) Key Caveat of Award Redemptions (46:20) Value of Earning Points vs. Cash Back (49:40) When Should You Buy Hotel and Airline Points? (52:46) The Bottom Line on Buying Points (53:31) How to Value Transferable Points (55:17) The Psychology Behind Buying Points (56:34) Leveraging Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool (58:54) Earning Points Across Other Major Categories (01:01:45) Cash Back Cards That Earn More Than 2% (01:05:56) Recap: Point Purchases on Cards (01:07:31) Recap: What Your Points Are Worth (01:08:51) Making the Case for Earning Points Everywhere Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#244: I'll explain how I saved over $10k on luxury hotels in Costa Rica and Carmel Valley using points, free nights, and elite perks. I’ll walk you through every step, from how to book with points, when to buy them on sale, how to stack hotel credits, which hotel programs give you upgrades and free breakfast, and more! Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/maximize-savings-costa-rica-carmel-valley Partner Deals Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Blog Posts How to maximize your Hilton cards How to use Hyatt's Guest of Honor Globalist benefit How to earn up to 6 free nights with Hyatt Brand Explorer Award Search Tools Rooms.Aero AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) Points Path Chrome Extension PointsYeah Hotels Awayz ($10 for ATH listeners and 50% off for ATH members) Gondola MaxMyPoint StayWithPoints Costa Rica Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Adobe Rent a Car Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Sensoria Diamante Eco Adventure Park La Finca Carmel Valley Ranch: Little Ranchers | River Ranch Earthbound Farm Lucia Restaurant & Bar The Great Tide Pool Revival Ice Cream Snack Shack at Lovers Point Lucy's On Lighthouse Monterey Bay Aquarium Alila Ventana Big Sur Hotel Buy World Of Hyatt Points For 20% Off Elemental Movie ATH Podcast Video Episode with Photos/Videos⁠ Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program Ep #157: Costa Rica: A Top Travel Destination for Adventure, Rainforests and Relaxation with Javier Echecopar Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Ep #182: Shortcuts to Elite Travel Status with Greg the Frequent Miler Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) How Chris Got Six Free Hilton Night Certificates (01:53) How Hilton Free Night Certificates Work (02:59) Earning Free Nights with Hilton Credit Cards (04:13) Planning the Trip to Costa Rica (06:23) Buying Hilton Points (and the Caveats) (09:40) Ways to Earn Hilton Status (13:48) Stacking Amex and Hilton Credits (16:14) Booking Flights with Points & Leveraging Alerts (19:35) Renting Cars in Costa Rica (20:55) The Flight Experience (22:16) Adobe Car Rental Review (23:03) Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Overview (25:20) How We Handled an Issue at the Hotel (30:09) Resort Layout, Pools & Amenities (33:16) Our Sensoria Rainforest Excursion (35:46) Diamante Eco Adventure Park & Zip Lining (37:06) The Dining, Drinks & Staff Experience (40:33) Sharing Feedback & Tipping the Hotel Staff (41:59) Overall Costa Rica Takeaways & Total Costs (45:33) How to Maximize Travel Perks without Points (48:50) Booking Carmel Valley Ranch with Hyatt Points (51:29) Hyatt Globalist Perks & Guest of Honor Certificates (54:08) Hyatt Brand Explorer Program (54:37) The Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch (58:21) Off-Property Activities & Local Recommendations (01:00:06) Trip Recap & Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices