Point Me To First Class

Travel is never just about the destination — it's about what the journey makes possible. In today's episode, we explore how learning to earn and use credit card points isn't just a smart financial decision. It's a pathway to freedom, abundance, and experiences that reflect the life you actually want to live. From upgraded flights to dream hotels, points can turn everyday expenses into extraordinary opportunities. No one embodies that transformation quite like Dielle Charon. A former social worker turned seven-figure business coach for women of color entrepreneurs, Dielle has used points not only to change the way she travels, but to expand what she believes she deserves. In this conversation, we explore Dielle's shift from a scarcity mindset around money and travel to one grounded in abundance. We talk about the emotional impact of flying business class for the first time, how points became a tool for self-care, celebration, and access, and why choosing ease and luxury can be deeply supportive — not frivolous. Whether you run a business or simply want to travel with more intention and possibility, this episode offers a powerful look at what becomes available when you allow points to elevate more than just your travel plans. This conversation is rich with honesty, strategy, and inspiration — and it's about so much more than travel. It's about possibility, mindset, and unapologetically claiming ease, luxury, and joy. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/points-abundance-mindset/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

This episode is all about your questions—and real answers. I'm back with another listener Q&A, tackling the points and miles decisions you're actually making right now. From whether it's possible to move points between airline partners to deciding if that old United card still deserves a spot in your wallet, we're covering it all. We'll walk through when to hold or cancel airline cards, how to decide between co-branded and transferable points programs based on your travel goals, and how to decide which airline booking program is best when you have multiple options to book award flights.. You'll also hear my take on shopping portals, welcome bonuses, and the Mesa card. This episode is packed with strategy, frameworks, and real-world examples to help you make confident decisions and earn more value from every point. Turn your everyday expenses into travel—and learn how to build a points strategy that actually works for you. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/maximize-points-and-miles-travel-strategy/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here

Ever look at Google Flights and wonder, "Should I use points for this or just pay cash?" If you've ever felt unsure about which option gives you the best value, this episode is for you. In the final episode of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, I'm joined by Julian Kheel, former editorial director at The Points Guy and senior editor at CNN, now founder of Points Path — a browser extension that works seamlessly within your browser when you're searching flights to show you whether points or cash is the better deal. Points Path takes the guesswork out of booking. It helps you instantly compare cash fares and award redemptions on Google Flights, showing you where the real value lies so you can make the best booking decision every time. We talk trends in the award travel landscape, how Points Path focuses on simplicity to take the guesswork out of choosing flights, and why this tool deserves a place in your browser. Whether you're a casual traveler or a seasoned award booker, you'll also hear how its alert feature can track award prices and let you know when they drop — so you don't have to keep checking. Julian shares how Points Path was designed to focus on simplicity, taking the guesswork out of choosing flights so you always know the best option. With more than 10 years of experience working with some of the most trusted names in the award travel space, Julian brings both insight and innovation to how we think about booking smarter. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/plan-award-flights-faster-with-points-path/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey here and share what you love and want more of!  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

Do you ever find yourself opening multiple tabs, comparing shopping portal payouts, and trying to figure out which site is going to give you the most rewards for your online shopping — only to give up before you actually earn the points? If that sounds familiar, today's episode is for you. In this Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series episode, I'm joined by Avneesh Kohli, founder of Savewise, a powerful tool that shows you exactly how to combine the best shopping portal payouts with card-linked offers — so you can maximize every online purchase without the hassle of manual tracking or endless research. Savewise is a total game changer for award travelers who want to earn more points without wasting time. The platform automatically finds the best portal and card-linked combinations for each purchase, helping you get the highest payout possible — every time you shop online. In this conversation, Avneesh and I talk about how Savewise works, why it's become one of my favorite online tools, and how it helps you earn more points with less effort. We also dive into how it fits into a broader points-earning strategy, why automation is key to long-term success, and how you can start using it right now — just in time for holiday shopping. Whether you're new to the points world or a seasoned award traveler, this episode will help you make every purchase count. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/track-and-save-money-with-savewise/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here.  

Have you ever opened a new credit card for the welcome bonus, only to forget how much you've spent or when the deadline hits? Or maybe you're juggling multiple cards and can't remember which one to use next. In this next episode of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, I'm joined by Zac Hood, founder of Travel Freely, an app that helps you track your credit cards, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees — so you can stay organized, hit your goals, and never miss a reward. Zac built Travel Freely after realizing how easy it was to lose track of credit card bonuses, fees, and timelines. What started as a simple spreadsheet turned into a tool that helps thousands of travelers manage their rewards efficiently. In this conversation, Zac and I talk about how Travel Freely works, why it's free to use, and how it helps users stay on top of their credit card portfolio. We also discuss how to plan future card openings strategically, how to track spending toward welcome offers, and how the app helps travelers simplify their credit card portfolio — especially when juggling multiple issuers and family accounts. You'll also hear Zac's story of building the platform from scratch and the lessons he's learned about balancing automation, accuracy, and user trust in the points and miles world. Get full show notes and transcript here Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey here and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Do you ever forget which credit card to use for a purchase — or worry you're missing out on bonus points and statement credits? It's easy to lose track when every card has different categories, offers, and perks. This episode is part of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, where we're exploring tools and strategies that simplify how you earn and redeem your points and miles. I'm joined by Emmanuel Crouvisier, creator of CardPointers, an app that helps you track your cards, bonus categories, and offers so you never miss a chance to earn or save. Emmanuel built CardPointers in 2019 to help people get more value from their credit cards without the spreadsheets, post-it notes, or constant mental math. The app automatically identifies which card to use for every purchase, keeps track of Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One offers, and helps you make sure your credits don't expire before you can use them. We talk about what inspired Emmanuel to create the app, the features that make it powerful — like Autopilot, offer alerts, and Apple integration — and how privacy and security are built in at every step. Emmanuel also shares how CardPointers users save an average of $750 a year and why automation can improve both your points strategy and your relationships by eliminating financial friction. Whether you manage one card or twenty, this conversation will help you simplify your wallet, maximize your rewards, and make the points game easier to play. Get full show notes and transcript here. Want to shape the show? Click here to take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here

Do you think you have to wait until your sixties before you can retire? Maybe not. At least not the way we've been taught. In this episode, I'm joined by Jillian Johnsrud — author, podcast host, and coach — who challenges the idea of a traditional retirement in favor of taking mini retirements throughout your life and career. Jillian never expected to retire early, so she hatched a plan to retire often. Inspired by the idea of sabbatical years, she began sprinkling mini retirements throughout her life — and by 40 had taken more than a dozen of them. In our conversation, Jillian explains how mini retirements can help you recover from burnout, pursue long-term travel, test major life assumptions, and strengthen relationships. We talk about what makes a mini retirement different from vacation, how to talk to your employer about taking extended time off, and how to financially prepare. You'll also hear Jillian's personal stories, including therapy, tango, and national park adventures with her kids — and why mini retirements are one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mini-retirement-guide/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

Back in June, Chase refreshed its personal Sapphire Reserve card and introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, complete with highest ever annual fees for rewards cards. Not to be outdone, American Express quickly followed with its own updates to the personal and business Platinum Cards. Now that the details are here, it's time to look at what's changed and what it means for cardholders. In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly, the Points and Miles Doc to walk through the Amex Platinum cards refresh. We cover the higher annual fees, the new credits, and why the personal Platinum still struggles with bonus categories. You'll also hear our reactions to the removal of the 35% rebate on the business Platinum, the addition of a $600 hotel credit, and the new 2X earning on large purchases over $5,000. We share our thoughts on whether the $895 annual fee on the personal Platinum makes sense, how the new benefits are user-dependent, and why the business Platinum refresh feels more useful for high spenders. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/amex-platinum-refresh-2025/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you've been in the points game for years, you've probably noticed how much has changed recently. And if you're newer, you might be wondering if you're already too late. In this episode, I share why I don't believe we're in the "golden age" of award travel right now — but also why points are still incredibly valuable if you know how to adapt. Over the last couple of years, the rules around earning and redeeming points have shifted faster than ever. Credit card issuers are tightening welcome bonus and referral opportunities, airlines are reserving more award space for their own loyalty members, and transfer ratios are changing in ways that don't always benefit us. But this doesn't mean points are dead. It just means the strategies that worked five or ten years ago won't cut it anymore. I'll walk you through the biggest changes in points earning and redeeming, and the four core skills you'll need to thrive in this new era of award travel. Whether you've been collecting for a decade or you're just getting started, this episode will help you see clearly where the points landscape is headed and how you can still unlock incredible value. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025.

You've built up a stash of transferable credit card points. Maybe you've been working hard to optimize your cards, your categories, and your spending. But when it comes time to actually book the flights you've been dreaming about, you hit a wall. You're not alone. For most points travelers, the hardest part isn't earning points — it's redeeming them for the best value. That's why in this episode, I'm sharing the seven keys that make the difference between endlessly searching without results, and booking award flights that let you travel better, more often, and for less. I'll walk you through how to identify your transfer partners, understand transfer ratios and timelines, leverage alliances and partnerships, and master booking calendars so you can finally unlock the outsized value your points hold. Whether you've only booked through your credit card's portal or you've tried transferring points before and got stuck, these seven keys will change the way you approach award flights. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025.  

What does it really look like to transform your travel with credit card points? In this special episode, you'll hear directly from Dr. Faryal Michaud, a past Points Made Easy student who went from feeling confused and frustrated by points to booking over $150,000 worth of award travel. From Qsuites to the Maldives, South Africa, Tahiti, and beyond, she shares the exact turning points that changed how she approached earning and redeeming points. You'll hear how she overcame the frustrations so many people face in the beginning, the first redemptions that boosted her confidence, and how points have since emboldened her to experience life-changing trips she never thought possible. Faryal's story is proof of how powerful this skillset can be—not just for one trip, but for a lifetime of travel. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025.  

Think booking through your credit card travel portal is always a mistake? Not so fast. Last week, I shared five reasons why you'll want to avoid making travel bookings through your credit card portal. But that's not the whole story. There are also situations where using your card's travel portal can be the smarter move. In this episode, I'm breaking down the five most compelling reasons to consider booking flights, hotels, or car rentals through your credit card's portal — from points-earning opportunities to unlocking annual credits and even finding better award pricing than transfer partners. I'll share the key tradeoffs, what this means for real-world bookings, and my own approach to when portal bookings actually make sense in my travel strategy. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025. Want to know what's really possible with your points? Don't just take it from me—hear from members who've used Points Made Easy to completely change the way they travel. From business class flights to dream vacations, their results speak for themselves. Watch their stories here - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/points-made-easy-success-stories

If there's one thing nearly every points traveler has done at least once, it's book a flight, hotel, or car rental directly through their credit card's online travel portal. With promises of 5x, 8x, even 12x bonus points, it can feel like the obvious choice. But as I share in today's episode, those tempting multipliers often come at a serious cost—and the reasons why may surprise you. In this episode, I walk through the top five reasons you should avoid booking through credit card travel portals like Chase, Amex, Citi, and Capital One. From losing out on elite status perks and upgrades to paying more for the same flights or hotel rooms, I reveal the hidden downsides that don't show up until it's too late. You'll also hear real-world stories from travelers who faced everything from missing reservations to costly rebookings—all because they used a portal instead of booking direct. Even more importantly, I'll explain how using your points through a portal can devalue them by 2–10x compared to transferring to partners. I share specific examples, including how I used Chase points with Hyatt for a $65,000+ stay that would have cost 3.6 million points through the portal. Whether you're new to points or have been booking this way for years, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter choices with your rewards. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025. Want to know what's really possible with your points? Don't just take it from me—hear from members who've used Points Made Easy to completely change the way they travel. From business class flights to dream vacations, their results speak for themselves. Watch their stories here - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/points-made-easy-success-stories

In this week's episode, we're re-airing a fan favorite that so many listeners have loved and revisited. If you missed it the first time, or just need a refresher, this is one you don't want to skip. I love discussing discrete award travel topics like individual rewards credit cards and how best to leverage them, or the specific airlines and hotels that offer the best value for points. But today, I'm covering something that never gets talked about in the points travel world and yet is one of the secrets to becoming more proficient when it comes to points travel: The Dunning-Kruger Effect and how it relates to award travel competency and success. 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. While this may be an unfamiliar concept, you can probably already see why having some background on the Dunning-Kruger Effect makes all the difference when you're learning something new, like points travel. Tune in to 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. On September 20th, 2025, I'm opening up enrollment for Points Made Easy. Enrollment will only be open for one week and this is your last opportunity to join the course this year, so get on the waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/psycholoy-points-travel/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

If a $595 annual fee premium credit card hits the market, should it automatically earn a place in your wallet? In this episode, I take a detailed look at Citi's newest addition to the transferable points landscape: the Citi Strata Elite Card. From its standard 80,000-point welcome bonus to the elevated 100,000-point offer available through certain channels, we'll walk through exactly what you get when you open this card. You'll hear how its bonus categories actually work, why the time-restricted "Citi Nights" dining perk is so unusual, and what makes its non-category 1.5x earning stand out—or not—compared to other cards. We'll also dig into the real value of the credits, including the split Blacklane credit, the merchant-specific Splurge credit, and the 2-night minimum hotel portal credit—plus where this card shines with American Airlines lounge passes and where it falls flat next to Citi's own mid-tier options and the retired Prestige card. Before you sign up for the welcome bonus, I'll share the points expiration rules that can cost you big if you cancel after a year, and what I think this launch reveals about the next wave of premium rewards cards. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/citi-strata-elite-card-review/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you've ever been confused about airport lounge access—what counts, what's changed, and what's still worth it—you're not alone. In this episode, I welcome back guest Traci Siegel for an updated look at lounge access using rewards credit cards in 2025. We unpack the biggest changes to credit card lounge access this year, including new restrictions on who gets in and when. From premium travel cards like the Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X to underrated options and family-friendly picks, we're breaking down which cards actually deliver on their lounge promises—and which ones have quietly downgraded their perks. If you're trying to figure out which card is best for your personal travel style, or you've ever been turned away at a lounge counter and thought, "Wait, I thought this card included access," this episode is for you. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/airport-lounge-access/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you've ever hesitated before transferring points—or wondered if a redemption was "good enough"—this is the episode you've been waiting for. In this conversation with Greg Davis-Kean (a.k.a. Frequent Miler), we unpack how to think more strategically about the value of your points. Whether you're sitting on a big stash or navigating your first transfer, you'll hear expert insight into when to redeem, when to wait, and how to use point valuations as a guide—not a rule. We also dive into the psychology behind redemption pressure, real examples of high-value bookings, and why your goals should always shape your strategy. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/point-worth-frequent-miler/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

Ever feel like Citi cards get overlooked in points conversations? If you've written off Citi's ecosystem—or just haven't known how to make it work for your travel goals—this episode is full of smart, real-life strategy. Dr. Suzy Spadafora returns to discuss the strengths (and limitations) of the Citi points ecosystem. From the points earning cards Citi offers to putting their transfer partner menu to the test, we cover everything you need to know to decide if Citi cards deserve a spot in your wallet and discuss how to maximize these valuable points. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/citi-points-asia-travel-strategy/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Ever wonder what's actually possible with points? In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of how I've already booked and taken 5 international trips in 2025—spending 2.9 million points on award flights and hotels, and saving over $150,000 in travel costs. From a spring break family trip to Paris to a spontaneous 2-day Tokyo adventure, I'm walking you through exactly how I planned, booked, and flew these points-funded getaways. You'll hear the real numbers—how many points each trip required, what the taxes and fees cost me, and the redemption value I got for each flight and hotel. I'll break down my favorite award bookings of the year so far (including Emirates First Class, ANA "The Suite," Lufthansa's brand new Allegris First Class, and more), share what I loved—and what wasn't worth it—and give you the key trends I'm seeing in award availability and program changes. Whether you're a solo traveler who loves premium cabins, a parent planning school break trips, or someone building toward their next dream redemption, this episode will give you the insights and strategy you need to make your next booking your best one yet. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-review-2025/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

Have you ever wondered how real estate investments could help you travel more—without spending more? In this episode, I'm joined by Jaina Pallasigui, a public health professional, real estate investor, and points enthusiast who turned her real estate expenses into business class flights and luxury hotel stays around the world. From managing short-term rentals to using insurance reimbursements and big-ticket renovations to her advantage, Jaina shares the exact strategies she uses to turn every investment dollar into reward points. We also talk through the mistakes many real estate investors make with credit cards, how to keep your strategy simple, and why some of your biggest expenses may be the key to unlocking unforgettable trips. This episode is full of creative insights—whether you're deep in the real estate world or just curious about new ways to maximize your spending. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/real-estate-points-hacking/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy