Author: Kyle Burbank
-

You Can Now Redeem Mesa Points Towards a Mortgage Payment
After weeks of teasing a new point redemption option for the Mesa Homeowners Card, the time has come. Now, Mesa members can cash in their points toward mortgage payments… sort of. More accurately, cardholders can redeem points toward a direct deposit into their linked bank account, with the intention to use that money for their…
-

Bilt’s Launched Its Answer to Amex FHR — But There’s a Catch
Earlier this week, I got an email from Bilt announcing a new offering called Home Away from Home. It was kind of a weird name that didn’t tell me a whole lot — but, after briefly scanning the message, I quickly determined that it was essentially Bilt’s version of the American Express Fine Hotels &…
-

Travel Tuesday: River Bend Casino Hotel Review (Wyandotte, OK)
A few weeks ago, my wife and I set off for what we dubbed an actual vacation. In short, this meant we’d be doing absolutely no work and, for the first time in a very long time, would be headed to a destination that didn’t have a Disney theme park! Originally, I thought that we’d…
-

Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our…
-

Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit…
-

Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I’m looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be…
-

An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I’m Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and…
-

When is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
In just the past few years, the travel industry has changed tremendously. Yet, there’s one aspect that’s remained the same: people are looking to save money. Yes, while we all wish money were no object so that we could plan the trip of our dreams without restrictions, the fact is that booking a flight can…
-

Not *That* Great: 3 Rewards Credit Card Tricks to Watch Out For
I write a lot about credit cards. That not only includes reviewing the ones I have but also discussing new cards and my thoughts on whether they’re worth it. In doing this, I’ve now come across a few recurring themes that I think highlight how some credit card marketing can oversell what you’re actually getting.…
-

Discover is Debuting a Super Practical Quarterly Bonus Category
As I’ve shared before, the Discover It card was the first card I applied for when I got over my fear of credit and began to embrace the rewards hobby. Because of this, it still holds a special place in my heart and wallet, even if it’s not my most-used card anymore. In particular, though,…
-

Travel Tuesday: An Overview of Airline Baggage Fees
Following an industry-wide upheaval in recent years, airlines are continuing to evolve their policies (for better or worse). Most obviously, Southwest Airlines recently gave up its long-held and immensely popular Bags Fly Free program and is now charging for checked luggage. Elsewhere, many major airlines have not only hiked their baggage fees but one has…
-

Know You’re Getting a Good Award Redemption Deal with This Tool
When I first became interested in credit card rewards, I liked the idea of earning cashback but wasn’t too interested in learning about point transfers and all the rest. Nevertheless, sometime later, I did decided to take the plunge and get my first travel card. Yet, even though that was five years ago now, I’m…
