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.

Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
two American Express Platinum Cards
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...
a hand and 5 credit cards
Not *That* Great: 3 Rewards Credit Card Tricks to Watch Out For
I write a lot about credit cards. That not only includes reviewing the ones I have but also discussing new cards and my thoughts on whether they're worth it. In doing this, I've now come across a few recurring themes that I think highlight how some credit card marketing can oversell what you're actually getting....
collage of Discover card 5% categories for Q3 2025
Discover is Debuting a Super Practical Quarterly Bonus Category
As I've shared before, the Discover It card was the first card I applied for when I got over my fear of credit and began to embrace the rewards hobby. Because of this, it still holds a special place in my heart and wallet, even if it's not my most-used card anymore. In particular, though,...
Cost Per Point Calculator
Know You're Getting a Good Award Redemption Deal with This Tool
When I first became interested in credit card rewards, I liked the idea of earning cashback but wasn't too interested in learning about point transfers and all the rest. Nevertheless, sometime later, I did decided to take the plunge and get my first travel card. Yet, even though that was five years ago now, I'm...
CLEAR kisok
CLEAR Plus Prices Are Rising For the Third Time in Three Years
For as fun and exciting as travel can be, it can also be quite stressful. That anxiety often starts before you even get to the airport as passengers have long been told that they need to arrive plenty early lest the TSA security line be long. In response to that, services such as TSA Precheck...
Aven app and Starbucks coffee
I've Racked Up $75 in Free Starbucks from This App
A few months ago, I came across an ad on Instagram that said I could get free Starbucks each week just for 1) being a homeowner and 2) having good credit. Naturally, I was skeptical. In fact, although I started to fill out the information needed to get this deal, I put it aside for...
illustration of Uber car and deliveries
Apple Card is Adding an Uber Perk (While Losing Another Benefit)
For months, Apple Card customers and observers have been waiting for updates on the card's future. After all, reports that the tech company and Goldman Sachs have been looking to end their partnership have been swirling for some time. Plus, if/when the product does change hands, it's expected that some major adjustments to its offerings...
vacationers with a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Legendary 100K Point Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer is "Ending Soon"
When I was a kid, decades before Disney+ was a thing, I remember seeing ads stating that it was the last chance to own a given Disney classic on home video before it returned to the Disney Vault. Well, that's basically what's happening with one of the most talked-about credit card intro bonuses. Only a...
Bilt app and Southwest plane
Bilt is Having a Big Week - Southwest, Student Loans, and More
I've been writing about Bilt for years now and they've always kept me happily busy with content. But this week, things have been on overdrive. In the past few days, they've unveiled a unique new point redemption option, added a major travel transfer partner, and announced a Rent Day bonus for said transfer partner —...
house outline and keys with buy tag
You Can Now Get My First-Time Homebuyers Guide For FREE!
A year and a half ago, my wife and I closed on our very first house. As I shared before, this came about rather quickly — as we went from thinking maybe we'd missed our chance to deciding to hit up an open house... to buying only a few weeks later. Ever since it became...
Walmart+ bag with goods, Paramount+ tablet, and Burger King bag and Whopper
Why I'm Excited for Walmart+ Week Happening Later This Month
To very loosely paraphrase a famed Dos Equis ad campaign, I don't always use Walmart+, but when I do, I enjoy it. For context, my Walmart+ membership is thanks to my Amex Platinum Card, which covers the monthly cost. While I enjoy the Scan & Go feature it offers and appreciate the complimentary Paramount+ subscription,...
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...