Author: Kyle Burbank
-
This New Hardshell Carry-On Luggage Option Has My Attention
Welcome back to another Quick Tip — and the latest edition of our occasional, unofficial series Things Kyle Wants to Buy. When I returned from my most recent trip, for some reason, I had hardshell luggage on my mind. That’s strange because my current soft-sided luggage has served me well and, moreover, I’ve traditionally not…
-
Would it Be Wrong to Try This Potential Free Checked Bag Trick?
I don’t remember the last time I paid for a checked bag on a plane. Granted. I’ve paid for carry-ons while flying Allegiant — but, in the cases where I have elected to check a bag in recent years, it’s been a free gate check since I occasionally volunteer to part with my bag early…
-
Travel Tuesday: The Club ATL Grab & Go Pantry Lounge Review
Last week, I set off for San Francisco from my home in Springfield, Missouri. But, since I was flying Delta, I of course needed to make a stop in Atlanta before my flight back in the correct direction. Over the years, I’ve spent plenty of time at ATL, so when something new pops up, I…
-
4 Daily Games I Play That Somehow Make Me Feel Smart
Remember a few years ago when Wordle took the world by storm? Well, after that, it seemed that several other daily games popped up as well. Over time, the lineup of games I actually bother to play daily has evolved — but there are a few that I keep returning to. That’s probably because, even…
-
Hotel Vandivort Review: Springfield, Missouri’s Four Diamond Boutique Hotel
When it comes to my Travel Tuesday hotel review series, I often wonder what travels might be featured in my latest installment. That’s when it hit me that: instead of looking to other cities for adventure, I could feature a property found right here in Springfield, Missouri. Hotel Vandivort is a unique boutique hotel we’d…
-
I’m 40 and Finally Figured Out How to Properly Shave My Face
For a good portion of my mid to late 20s, I made my living pretending to be in high school for television. As it turns out, part of the reason why I could pass for younger is that I can’t grow a beard to save my life. Unfortunately, this lack of growth also means that,…
-
Travel Tuesday: Anker MagGo UFO 3-in-1 Charger Review – Travel With Fewer Cables
Updated on May 5, 2026 To me, one of the most annoying parts of traveling in 2026 is ensuring that I pack chargers for all of the various devices I plan on bringing with me. That’s why, in the past, I’ve been a fan of Rolling Square’s InCharge multi-purpose cables that have built-in adapters. But,…
-
First Impressions of My New Charles Schwab Amex Platinum Card
Well, I did it. When I was sharing my 2026 credit card strategy, I noted that I was mulling over the idea of adding the Charles Schwab version of the American Express Platinum Card to my wallet, with the intent of then phasing out the “vanilla” version. With that plan stuck in my brain for…
-
Problems Aside, Here’s Where FinTech Still Shines
Admittedly, I’ve been a bit down on FinTech in recent years. That’s mostly thanks to the Yotta/Synapse/Evolve debacle, which brought to light some major issues and misconceptions about neobanking services. In turn, while I still use plenty of financial technology apps and a few neobanks, these days, the vast majority of my money is held…
-
Travel Tuesday: These Las Vegas Hotels Are Trying “All-Inclusive” Booking Offers
In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about how Las Vegas is far from the value destination that it once was. Heck, I’ve written about this phenomenon as well — and have felt it first-hand to great frustration. Well, presumably in response, two Strip hotels are introducing something a bit different. Recently, Luxor…
-
I Tried Three Tax Prep Options This Year and Liked This One Best
Well, I survived another tax year. While this year wasn’t as bad as last time, it still came with some unwelcome surprises and complications. Plus, along the way, I ended up spending time using three different DIY tax prep services. In doing so, I learned that there’s one I enjoyed using more than the others.…
-
It’s Last Call for This Stellar Capital One Venture Welcome Bonus
Capital One is about to remove an outstanding offer for its versatile Venture Card — but there’s still time to claim it. Right now, new Venture Rewards cardholders can not only earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on the card within their first three months but can also score a $250 credit to be…
