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.

Black Friday Deals
Black Friday Deals 2025: Offers on Products I’ve Reviewed
Am I the only one who waits for Black Friday to buy things I want for myself? Well, whether you are picking up items you've had your eye on or actually shopping for others, there are often some sales worth checking out. So, once again this year, I'm highlighting available discounts on products I've reviewed...
Audible book covers
Audible is Offering a Stellar Deal is You Love Audiobooks
If you've ever looked at books on Amazon or listened to a podcast, you've surely heard of Audible. But just in case, I'll explain that the platform is the leading provider of audiobook content. What's more, they have a subscription service where you can get an audiobook credit for the title of your choosing each...
Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Card on a wallet with a map and keys
I'm Getting Another Credit Card — But I Didn't Apply for One
Well, it looks like I'm getting another credit card. Yet, in this case, it's not because I sought one out. Instead, one of my cards is essentially splitting into two (like rewards card mitosis, if you will). Let me explain. Just last week, Bilt revealed new details about its move to Bilt 2.0, including a...
illustration of EveryPlate box with food
Somehow This Screw Up Only Made Me Love EveryPlate More
Want to know something wild? My wife and I have now subscribed to EveryPlate for more than four years! Originally, we had a plan that called for three meals a week, but now we regularly order as many as seven — plus a bonus item or two! Needless to say, we've been big fans. However,...
person using Loop ear plugs
Loop Earplugs Lived Up to the Hype (My First-Hand Review)
In just a couple of months, I'll be turning 40. As you can imagine, this milestone has led me to reflect a lot on my aging body and how I've mistreated it over the years. One example is my poor ears, which have endured too-loud music from headphones, as well as at the many shows...
woman in a parking garage
My Surprising Concert Parking Win Thanks to SpotHero
This week, I had a chance to cross an experience off my proverbial bucket list after my wife and I drove to Tulsa, Oklahoma (that's not the exciting part) to see Sir Paul McCartney in concert. I've enjoyed The Beatles' music since I was a kid, but over the past few years, I've not only...
I Tried "Build Your Own Chipotle" and It Was a Pretty Good Deal!
A 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...
Cava Wants to Match Your Hotel, Airline, or Restaurant Status
In 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...
a woman and a man wearing Allbirds waterproof shoes in the rain
More Weather Protection: Allbirds Now Has Waterproof Shoes
For 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...
Andrew Yang is Launching a Mobile Service with a "Data Dividend"
Since 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 by side American Express Platinum Cards
How I'm Already Adjusting to the Updated Amex Platinum Card
Well, 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...
holding an American Express Platinum Card next to an airline seat selector
How I Tapped My Amex Airline Credit for a More Comfortable Trip
For 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...
Featured Articles
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,...