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.

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...
Amazon shipping box
Amazon Just Killed the Way I've Mooched Free Shipping For Years
I 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...
American Express Platinum Card shown at a lounge entry
American Express Platinum Refresh Rumors Are Heating Up
The 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...
woman holding an Anker MagGo UFO 3-in-1 Charger
Anker Has Several of Its Travel-Friendly Products On Sale
Traveling in 2025 often means packing a lot of chargers. I know that whenever I'm getting ready for a trip, I have a long checklist of devices I need to make sure I can power up while I'm away. On top of that, it's always a good idea to have a backup power bank to...
Hank Green in front of investment charts
Time to Think Small? Why Hank Green is Adjusting His Investments
I take my YouTube algorithms very seriously. In fact, if there's a video I want to watch but that I don't want to be served more of after, I'll open the link in Incognito or an alt account (even sacrificing my ad-free Premium privileges in the process). Similarly, if I'm going to check out financial...
Solis Go front and back views
Solis is Offering a Limited-Time Discount on Its Solis Go Bundles
As the summer season starts to wind down, Solis is offering a limited-time discount that's perfect for your last-minute getaway. From now through August 10th, you can save 10% on Solis Go bundles. The Solis Go is one of the brand's newest devices — and also happens to be their most affordable. This pocketable hotspot...
Disney+ Fans — These American Express Cards are For You
In 2025, there is certainly no shortage of streaming services to choose from. And while I have subscriptions to a few, speaking as a Disney fan, my favorite has to be Disney+ (coupled with Hulu). Of course, with the costs of these services adding up, it's always nice when you can claim a discounted or...
Mesa app with mortgage payment redemption
You Can Now Redeem Mesa Points Towards a Mortgage Payment
After weeks of teasing a new point redemption option for the Mesa Homeowners Card, the time has come. Now, Mesa members can cash in their points toward mortgage payments... sort of. More accurately, cardholders can redeem points toward a direct deposit into their linked bank account, with the intention to use that money for their...
Bilt Home Away From Home logo and a couple staring out at the water
Bilt's Launched Its Answer to Amex FHR — But There's a Catch
Earlier this week, I got an email from Bilt announcing a new offering called Home Away from Home. It was kind of a weird name that didn't tell me a whole lot — but, after briefly scanning the message, I quickly determined that it was essentially Bilt's version of the American Express Fine Hotels &...
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
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...