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.

American Express Green Card with a chat history
My First Retention Bonus Offer — And Why I Turned It Down
When I downgraded from the American Express Gold card to the Green card last year, I had a feeling I might be canceling the card altogether once renewal time came around. Sure enough, this past week, I went ahead and closed the card. But, before I officially did so, I achieved a credit card enthusiast...
Starbucks For Life Merrython
It's That Time Again: Starbucks for Life is Back — Enter for Free
It's the most wonderful time of the year. That's right — it's Starbucks for Life time (what did you think I was talking about?). I'm aware that I've already overhyped this, but this annual promotion does mean that there's an easy way to potentially win some free coffee or other prizes, which is pretty exciting.
screenshot of Bilt Travel Portal with direct bookings
Bilt Just Debuted a Double-Dipping Opportunity for Flight Bookings
For years, credit card issuers and others have put a heavy emphasis on their own travel booking portals. From increased rewards for those who book using those sites to offering credits that can only be redeemed on them, the likes of Chase, Capital One, Amex, and others have been pushing them hard. This leads to...
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...
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...