Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Casino Status Matching and Earning

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, hosted by Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsburg, listeners are guided through the evolving landscape of casino status matching with a focus on Wyndham, Caesars Rewards, and Ocean Casino.

The discussion highlights recent changes affecting status matchers, strategies to maintain casino statuses, and the impact of these changes on miles and points enthusiasts.

Additionally, the episode covers announcements about upcoming travel and gambling events, such as Zorkfest 2025, and gives tips on leveraging credit card rewards effectively. Practical advice on earning casino tiers through various means, including video poker and MGM Mastercard, is provided to help listeners maximize their travel benefits despite the shifting rules.

00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:47 Navigating Casino Status Matching Changes

01:09 Upcoming Events and Announcements

02:59 Welcome Back, Darren Remsburg

03:30 Wyndham and Caesars Status Matching Updates

05:35 Caesars Diamond Status Benefits

07:06 Strategies for Earning Casino Status

11:18 Caesars Credit Card and Tier Points

14:12 Video Poker and Tier Credits

22:46 Ocean Casino Status Matching Update

28:48 Tracking Tier Points and Betting Strategies

30:07 Maximizing Casino Offers and Bonuses

32:40 Status Matching and Credit Card Strategies

43:03 Founder's Card and Other Status Opportunities

46:15 Subscriber Questions and Advice

53:43 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses American Express strategies for 2025 with guest Stephan Krasowski, recorded live at the 2024 Chicago Seminars in Elk Grove Village.

They delve into optimal ways to utilize Amex points, miles, benefits, and rewards, including tips on upgrading and downgrading cards, maximizing Amex offers, and ensuring spend thresholds for substantial rewards.

Additional discussions include strategies for new users, retention offers, leveraging community knowledge, and specific Amex card recommendations. They also touch upon broader topics like balancing risk in the points and miles hobby, and sharing anecdotes from their travel and financial journeys.

00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:49 Upcoming Events and Announcements

02:41 Live Podcast at Chicago Seminars

03:11 American Express Strategies and Insights

05:07 Navigating Credit Card Risks and Rewards

15:45 Maximizing Hotel and Travel Benefits

25:58 Managing Credit Card Slots and Offers

27:56 Optimizing American Express Benefits

28:56 Advanced Amex Strategies and Delta Cards

29:44 Navigating No Lifetime Language Offers

29:57 Maximizing Delta Reserve Business Upgrades

30:30 Creative Spending and Gift Card Strategies

36:38 Exploring Obscure Credit Card Issuers

47:19 Retention Offers and Downgrading Strategies

49:16 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode, a discussion with Riley of the website CardCenter.cc where you can buy and sell gift cards. We talk about gift card reselling and how points and miles enthusiasts can resell gift cards to accelerate credit card spending to make money and build points balances. This episode was recorded in early October of 2024.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. Early bird ticket sales for Zorkfest 2025, a miles, points, and gambling event, are now live at zorkfest.travelzork.com. I spoke at the successful Zorkfest 2024 event and hope to see you at Zorkfest 2025 in Las Vegas.

I’m also looking forward to other events in 2025 and had a successful 2024 speaking at events with Award Travel 101, Frequent Traveler University, and both Chicago Seminars events. If you’re an event organizer and would like to have me speak at your 2025 event, please contact me.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for the monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are on November 17th and December 15th, 2024. Find a link in the show notes.

For more content between podcast episodes, follow Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. Follow Justin Vacula on Instagram.

Search Hurdy Gurdy Travel on SubscribeStar.com to financially support my efforts starting at the $5/month tip jar level.

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

Response to Dave Ramsey show clip 'What Makes You Think You're The Credit Card Exception?' at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBf2KiQ1bUI

--

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode, the Dave Ramsey Debunked Halloween Special with returning guest Darren Remsburg. We respond to a Dave Ramsey Show Highlight clip titled ‘What Makes You Think You’re The Credit Card Exception?’ debunking Ramsey personalities’ talking points aiming to make credit cards seem spooky and not worthwhile.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at two more events in 2024, including the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for the monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are on November 17th and December 15th, 2024. Find a link in the show notes.

For more content between podcast episodes, follow Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. Follow Justin Vacula on Instagram.

Search Hurdy Gurdy Travel on SubscribeStar.com to financially support my efforts starting at the $5/month tip jar level.

The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com created the podcast intro music.

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode with Darren Remsburg. We talk about how to maximize the Giant Pennsylvania fuel and grocery rewards program so you can save money on gas and groceries.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at multiple events in 2024, including the September Chicago Seminars event at Hyatt Regency, the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for the monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetup is October 20th, 2024. The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com, created the new podcast intro music.

For more content between podcast episodes, follow Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. Follow Justin Vacula on Instagram.

Search Hurdy Gurdy Travel on SubscribeStar.com to financially support my efforts starting at the $5/month tip jar level.

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode with Stefan Krasowski of Rapid Travel Chai. We talk about the upcoming October 2024 Chicago Seminars event and miles & points.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at multiple events in 2024, including the September Chicago Seminars event at Hyatt Regency, the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for the monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are September 15th and October 20th, 2024. The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com, created the new podcast intro music.

For more content between podcast episodes, follow Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. Follow Justin Vacula on Instagram.

Search Hurdy Gurdy Travel on SubscribeStar.com to financially support my efforts starting at the $5/month tip jar level.

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode with returning podcast guest Michael Trager. We talk about the upcoming Zorkfest 2024 event, gambling, and miles & points.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at multiple events in 2024, including the September Chicago Seminars event at Hyatt Regency, the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are September 15th and October 20th. The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com created the new podcast intro music.

For more content between podcast episodes, follow Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast on Facebook and X formerly known as Twitter. Follow Justin Vacula on Instagram.

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode with returning podcast guest Marc Konchinsky. We talk about online gambling funded by credit cards, Marc’s recent points and miles redemptions, and credit card options for beginners.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at multiple events in 2024, including the September Chicago Seminars event at Hyatt Regency, the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas.

Visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are September 15th and October 20th. The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com created the new podcast intro music.

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!

You’re listening to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. I’m your host, Justin Vacula, here to help you travel the world at next to no cost with credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. Make money, save money, and take advantage of great deals!

Thanks for joining me for today’s episode with TK, Thomas Kim, from the Milenomics Podcast Network. We met in Las Vegas following an event hosted by Award Travel 101 in San Antonio, Texas. We chat about MyVegas games, cruise offers, getting started in miles and points, and how points and miles have improved our lives.

Before today’s episode, some quick announcements. I’ll be speaking at multiple events in 2024, including the October Chicago Seminars event at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village & the miles, points, and gambling event Zorkfest, November 2024 in Las Vegas. Also, visit meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints to RSVP for monthly Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points meetups I host in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The next meetups are June 23rd and July 28th. The website Udio, U-D-I-O, .com created the new podcast intro music.

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!