Quick Tips
Every Friday I post a new Quick Tip covering a wide range of topics, including ways to save money, travel tips, personal products/services I find interesting, and more.
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3 Super Convenient Online Tools I Use All the Damn Time
During my workday, I end up visiting dozens of websites and utilizing all sorts of different tools. And while some of these tools are desktop native and need to be opened, others are just a URL away. In fact, some of my most-used services are web-based, making them easy to access whenever I need to…
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End of an Era: Why I Canceled My American Express Platinum
In October 2019, I did something that seemed crazy at the time: I applied for a credit card that carried a $550 annual fee. The card was the American Express Platinum card and what attracted me to it were features such as the airport lounge access. At the time, my wife and I had been…
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Leaving WeBull? You Can Earn a Bonus from These Brokerages
They say that all publicity is good publicity… but I’m not sure that’s true. Take, for example, the recent news about the FinTech brokerage WeBull. As CNBC reports, the House Select Committee on China found that “Webull’s ownership architecture, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, corporate financing, and compliance frameworks are tied in structural…
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Our Firsthand Experience with Verizon Shine (So Far)
Back in June, Verizon launched a new program with the punny moniker “Verizon Shine.” Somewhat similar to the popular T-Mobile Tuesdays, Verizon Shine features a variety of special offers from partner brands — except that these come in the form of daily drops instead of weekly. And while the telecom came out of the gate…
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Here’s How I’ve Used My Bilt Cash So Far (Hint: Mostly for Rides)
It’s been a busy week for Bilt. On Wednesday, they announced Amtrak as their latest travel transfer partner. Then, today, they revealed a transfer bonus to Amtrak as well as a Hilton transfer bonus that also comes with instant Hilton Honors status. Meanwhile, Bilt members now have just one quarter left to redeem their Bilt…
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How My Hotel Minibar Actually Just Saved Me Money
This week, I’ve been in Palm Springs for FinCon 2026. Although I’ve found value in staying at the host hotel near the convention itself, with an American Express hotel credit to burn, I decided to go a different way and stay at the Kimpton Rowan instead (which was a good 15-minute walk from the event).…
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Here’s Where the First Southwest Airport Lounges Are Set to Open
You may have noticed that Southwest Airlines has been going through some… changes… lately. I like to think of it as the “sameification” of the carrier as they forgo nearly their entire identity in a bid to mirror every other major domestic airline (I suppose its point-to-point service is the last remaining core differentiator). To…
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Caesars Rewards is Launching a Top-Level, Invite-Only Status Tier
If you’ve been giving all of your gambling dollars to Caesars in hopes of reaching their top-tier Seven Stars status, I have some bad news for you. This week, Caesars Rewards revealed that it was launching an even higher level of status — and, unlike other tiers that have clearly defined earnings objectives, this new one…
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You Can Earn Up to 5,000 Miles with the SkyMiles Starter Pack
I’m the type of person who, when asked if I want to sign up for a free rewards membership, is much more inclined to agree rather than explain the reasons why I don’t need to. Perhaps that’s why my email inbox is constantly overflowing, but I digress. The point is that, because of this, I…
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I Came Uncomfortably Close to Falling For the Oldest Scam at LGA
When I was a kid, I distinctly remember these specific signs placed on the luggage carousels at Newark Liberty International Airport. It was of these two shady guys — one of whom I’m pretty sure had a cigar in his mouth — holding up a sign that said: “You need a ride?” The point of…
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You Can Earn AAdvantage Miles While Donating to a Good Cause
For a limited time, you can Stand Up to Cancer and score some bonus airline miles. American Airlines is teaming up with SU2C for a new fundraiser that’s also rewarding for donors. First, from now through September 30th, those who visit the American Airlines’ Stand Up to Cancer link and give $25 or more will…
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My Robinhood Gold Card Invite Finally Came… So What Do I Do?
In March 2024, Robinhood held an event called The New Gold Standard. At the end of that presentation, in an obvious (if you’re nerdy enough) homage to Steve Jobs’ iPhone reveal, CEO Vlad Tenev teased that the company was introducing a starter card, an everyday card, and a premium card — only to then confirm…
