Category: 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.

illustration of Upright GO 2 in use
Reviewing the Upright GO 2 - $100 for Better Posture Reminders?
I'm not the kind to regularly make New Year's resolutions but, this year, I made a few. Among them, I set a goal to improve my posture, as I'm an undoubted sloucher. Unfortunately, unlike other habits I've built or eliminated over the years, this one has proven difficult for me in the past as it's...
at the airport holding a ticket
Get Set for Summer Travel with These Credit Card Intro Bonuses
It may only be February, but you can bet that a number of Americans are already looking forward to the summer. In particular, many are likely planning their summer travel plans as I speak. For them, several co-branded credit cards from airline and hotel brands are currently offering enhanced welcome bonuses. First up, as I...
Delta Skymiles American Express Platinum Card
Delta's Credit Cards Just Added a New Award Travel Benefit
Isn't it nice when credit cards add new perks without taking anything away? Well, that happened again this past week as Delta introduced the new "TakeOff 15" feature to its line-up of American Express co-branded cards (save the no-annual-fee SkyMiles Blue card). Even better, this benefit comes without any increase to the annual fees of...
Buy Bitcoin Get Rewards
Fold Now Allows Users to Buy Bitcoin in the App
The last time I wrote about Fold, things didn't go too well as the app nullified my "quick tip" only a few days after I highlighted it. Despite this, I'm going to give it another go because the app has added a new feature that I think is interesting. Now, in addition to earning Bitcoin...
Apple Pay logo
How Apple Pay Came in Handy When My Card Was Compromised
Previously, I've made it pretty clear that I'm a big fan of Apple Pay. Having seen how much easier the service makes my life while overseas as well as helped me earn additional cashback here at home, I've welcomed the platform's adoption in recent years. What's more, while some might think it a bit odd...
Disney Chase Credit Cards
Chase Has Revealed New Designs for Its Disney Visa Cards
It isn't too often that my two worlds collide, allowing me to talk about Disney and credit cards — but here we are. If you weren't aware, this year, The Walt Disney Company is turning 100 years old. And while it already looks to be a tumultuous year for the conglomerate, the brand is celebrating...
passengers using WiFi on Delta flights
Delta Has Finally Revealed a Launch Date for Free WiFi
For the first time since 2019, I'm not in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year. So, naturally, this installment is shaping up to be one of the more interesting editions for someone like me as Disney is showing off their "Hey Disney" system and FinTech seems to be a larger focus.
Starbucks Rewards Cards
Starbucks is Devaluing its Rewards Program, But There are Bright Spots
I may not go to Starbucks nearly as much as I used to, but that doesn't mean I've removed my fingers from the pulse of the coffee chain. That's why I've been diligently (yet fruitlessly) refreshing a tab with the Starbucks for Life game open for the past couple of weeks — and how I...
cell phone, computer and electronic devices
Bumped is Finally Dying — An App Obituary
It was several years ago that I first discovered the app Bumped and wrote a review of the service. In fact, I'd say it was one of the first FinTech platforms that I was truly excited about and wanted to share. Unfortunately, in 2020, the company announced that it was making some major changes as...
Chase
Chase Has Announced Q1 Bonus Categories (After Discover Did)
With 2023 rapidly approaching, this week, Chase announced the bonus categories that Freedom and Freedom Flex customers will earn 5% back on from January 1st through March 31. Without further ado, here are the selections: As a reminder, the 5% back bonus categories are capped at a combined total of $1,500 in spending per quarter,...
JetBlue chairs
JetBlue Has Revamped Its Rewards Program with New Perks
One of the major domestic airlines (and one that's set to get even larger should its proposed acquisition of Spirit go through) is revamping its loyalty program. This week, JetBlue announced a number of changes to its rewards program, including the benefits that frequent travelers can receive. First, the TrueBlue program including Mosiac status will...
insdie a Delta SkyClub room
Delta Sky Club is Changing Its Rules (and Making the Amex Platinum More Valuable)
If you look on travel Twitter, Reddit, or blogs, you're likely to see complaints about lounge overcrowding. Specifically, this issue has long been discussed in relation to American Express's Centurion Lounges — which partially inspired Amex to change its entry rules to disallow free guests for most Platinum cardholders starting next year. However, some have also...
Featured Articles
How Utilization Impacts Your Credit Scores: My Real-Life Example
You may already know that Credit Utilization is the second-largest factor FICO considers when determining your credit score. Specifically, it makes up 30% of your score, topped only by Payment History at 35%. But what does that look like in practice? Well, I recently got the "opportunity" to see firsthand. In April, I elected to...
Travel Tuesday: Allbirds Weatherproof Hightops - How They Compare to Mizzles
As I've mentioned more than a few times before, after purchasing a pair of water-resistant Allbirds Runner-Up Mizzles a few years back, they quickly became my go-to travel shoe. That's because they're not only comfortable but also help protect my feet from wet weather while on the road (there are few things I hate more...
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...