Hotel ReviewsLast month, I headed out to my fourth in-person FinCon — this time taking place in Portland, Oregon. Shortly before heading out to the West Coast for the event, I booked my room at the official event hotel: Hyatt Regency Portland. Did this end up being a smart move? Let's take a look at my experience...
Quick TipsA few weeks ago, Chipotle announced its latest offering. Now, you can order a "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" pack using the fast-casual dining chain's online ordering platform. Billed as feeding four to six people, this is meant to be an option somewhere between ordering a la carte and getting catering. Well, being the diligent personal finance reporter...
Quick TipsIn the past, I've highlighted different "status matching" opportunities from airlines, hotel brands, and even casinos. However, this is the first time I've seen the practice employed by a fast casual chain restaurant. That's right, Cava has launched a new status match promotion — and a wide-ranging one, at that. To celebrate the launch of...
Travel TipsWhen I first started getting into rewards credit cards, I loved the way I could earn cashback on my purchases and then spend those funds on pretty much whatever I decided to earmark them for. Then, as my travel started to pick up, I began learning more about different credit card currencies beyond cashback and...
Quick TipsFor years now, I've been a fan of and written about Allbirds shoes — specifically their Mizzles line. In fact, I just cited them as the shoe component of my favorite travel outfit. Because of this, I'm always interested when they launch a new product. On that note, this week, I got an email from...
Quick TipsSince running for President back in 2020, entrepreneur Andrew Yang has managed to keep pretty busy. On the political side, he helped form the Forward Party (which has endorsed candidates in nonpartisan races as well as both Democrats and Republicans who adhere to the party's core beliefs). Now, he's founding a new mobile provider with...
Side HustlesAs is often romanticized, there once was a time when people really dressed up for air travel. These days, though, comfort is the name of the game. Whether that means donning attire that lends itself to sitting in a plane seat for hours on end or something familar and fun, many among us have go-to...
Quick TipsWell, it happened. You may recall that, when we got word that the American Express Platinum card would receive a refresh, I admitted that I was quite nervous about the prospect. So, now that we have all of the details (including the increased annual fee), what are my feelings on this revamp? Honestly? I'm positively...
Side HustlesLast year, I returned to in-person FinCon events after being absent for a few years. Soon after that event in Atlanta wrapped, I had purchased my badge for the 2025 conference in Portland, Oregon. When I did so, I realized pretty quickly that this was to be a big one. Not only was it the...
Quick TipsFor as much as I love the American Express Platinum card and get positive value from the card's credits, that doesn't mean that every credit is so simple to use. I'm not even talking about the $300 Equinox credit that barely covers one month of the gym's membership fee. No, I'm speaking of the famously...
Quick TipsI don't remember the last time I paid for shipping on Amazon. When I head to the site to buy something, I just expect it to be shipped for free. In fact, long ago I'd stopped even looking for the Prime shipping logos on listings. Yet, all this time, I had never actually paid for...
Quick TipsThe day before Chase unveiled the overhauled version of its flagship Sapphire Reserve premium card, American Express teased that a major update to its iconic Platinum Card was also in the works. Since then, we haven't heard any solid (read: official) updates — but rumors about some possible changes have become more pervasive in the...