In this episode:
Ready to throw out the “traditional” travel playbook?

Heather from Homeschooling on Points joins Genni to share how she books magical trips—including a $5,200 Disney cruise for $0 and a one-bedroom DVC suite for $508—with creative strategies that most points and miles pros aren’t talking about.

And don't worry, this episode isn't only about saving on Disney.

You’ll learn:

•  What timeshare trading is (and how she scored one on eBay for $1)
•  How to book resort stays without paying full price
•  Why Heather ignores the “2 cents per point” rule
•  The strategy behind her nearly free Disney Cruise
•  When timeshare fees are totally worth it (and how to avoid getting burned)
•  How to blend cashback cards and points for max flexibility
•  Why “your trip, your rules” is the real secret to budget travel

Plus, Heather shares how she plans vacations around real life, not just aspirational.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Budget Travel and Timeshare Trading
• 01:12 Heather's Journey into Points and Miles
• 02:00 Discovering Timeshare Trading
• 03:59 How Timeshare Trading Works
• 09:28 Benefits and Savings of Timeshare Trading
• 16:31 Expanding Beyond Disney: Other Timeshare Adventures
• 18:54 Tips for Getting Started with Timeshare Trading
• 26:00 Debunking Travel Myths: Timeshares and Credit Card Points
• 26:49 Lazy Learning, Serious Saving: The Podcast's Mission
• 26:58 Mastering Credit Card Points and Timeshare Trading
• 27:45 Disney Cruise Strategy: $0 Out of Pocket
• 31:33 Beginner Tips for Travel Hacking Disney
• 34:23 Navigating Business Credit Cards for Travel Hacking
• 40:47 Rapid Fire Round: Timeshare Trades and Points Strategies
• 45:56 Favorite Redemptions and Portal Bookings
• 48:27 Disney Resorts and Final Thoughts
• 49:14 Wrapping Up: Follow and Connect

Links + Resources:

• Follow Heather on Instagram
• Get her Timeshare Trading Masterclass

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Ever wish your partner would just get on board with points and miles? 

You’re not alone! 

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, I sit down with my husband, Brandon, to talk about his complete 180—from being totally against credit cards to actively strategizing when it’s time for us to open a new one. 

We’ll chat about:

• What the heck a Player Two (P2) is and why having one can double your points game
• The moment Brandon realized points and miles weren’t a scam
• How referral bonuses can stack up big time and make a huge difference
• Addressing fears about credit cards and debt the right way
• How we justify annual fees (hint: it’s all about the value)
• Some of our favorite trips we never would’ve taken without points 

If your partner thinks points and miles aren’t worth it, or if you’re trying to ease them into the game without overwhelming them, this episode is for you! 

Episode Breakdown 

• 00:00 - Intro & why this topic matters
• 00:59 - What’s a Player Two (P2) & why it’s a game-changer
• 04:46 - Brandon’s initial skepticism & first experiences
• 10:17 - The perks of having a P2 (hint: double the points!)
• 12:12 - Credit cards & debt: Breaking down the fear factor
• 14:07 - Our favorite points-funded trips
• 20:50 - Are annual fees really worth it?
• 26:03 - Confidence & discipline: Getting comfortable with credit cards
• 33:25 - Advice for P1s trying to get their P2 on board
• 39:29 - Wrap-up & final thoughts 

Got questions? Join the conversation in the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group or hit me up on Instagram @travelingfranklins! 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down how credit scores work, why they matter, and how travel rewards credit cards can impact them. 

Genni explains the components of a credit score, such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and credit mix. 

She emphasizes the importance of responsible credit card use and offers practical tips on monitoring and improving your credit score.

She also covers how you can check your credit score for free.

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Credit Scores and Travel Rewards
01:26 Understanding Your Credit Score
03:56 Impact of Credit Inquiries
04:49 Key Components of Your Credit Score
05:46 Managing Credit Utilization
07:42 Length of Credit History and Credit Mix
08:55 Checking and Monitoring Your Credit Score
09:32 Managing Multiple Credit Cards
11:09 Conclusion and Final Tips 

Check your Credit Score - for FREE

• Sign up for Credit Karma
• Sign up for Experian Boost

You only need the free plans, you don't need a paid plan!

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin dives into the pressing question of whether a trip to Disney can be affordable amidst rising costs. 

Joined by Chelsea Buck from Pixie Point Gals, who is well-versed in saving money on Disney vacations using points and miles, the episode sheds light on various strategies. 

This includes renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points to stay at deluxe resorts for a fraction of the cost. 

Chelsea shares her family's deep-rooted Disney obsession and the tricks they use to visit Disney World several times a year. 

The discussion covers the differences between Disney World and Disneyland vacations, tips on using points and miles for flights and hotels, and the value of flexible points programs. 

Additionally, they delve into the advantages of staying at Disney deluxe resorts, on-site dining, and leveraging perks like early morning entries and evening hours.

Tune in to learn how to make your dream Disney trip a reality without breaking the bank!

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Affordable Disney Travel
00:55 Meet Chelsea Buck: Disney Fanatic and Points Expert
02:14 Disneyland vs. Disney World: A Tale of Two Parks
06:30 Flying to Disney: Points and Miles Strategies
13:53 Using Points for Disney Hotels
33:11 Disney Vacation Club: A Deep Dive
38:20 Exploring Disney Resort Stays
39:25 Maximizing DVC Points
40:12 Renting DVC Points: A Beginner's Guide
41:38 Alternative Ways to Rent DVC Points
43:24 Understanding DVC Point Costs
44:47 Saving Money on Disney Food
49:28 Using Points and Miles for DVC Rentals
50:45 Popular DVC Resorts
56:18 Money-Saving Tips for Disney Trips
01:03:07 Disney Chase Visa and Other Cards
01:05:09 Rapid Fire Disney Questions
01:10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

 Episode Resources: 

Traveling Franklins blog post: 10 Ways to Save Money on Disney Hotels

Connect with Chelsea and Disney Point Gals on Instagram and their website.

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin interviews Jen Ruiz, a former attorney turned travel expert who's mastered the art of finding unbeatable flight deals and maximizing points and miles to make traveling more affordable. 

Jen shares her strategies for snagging flights as low as $16 to Ecuador and $38 to New Zealand and her insights into budget travel that doesn’t compromise on quality or experience.

Jen also talks about her bestselling books on affordable travel and gives a sneak peek of her upcoming sequel to her latest book, '12 Trips in 12 Months.'

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:58 Jen Ruiz's Journey to Full-Time Travel
02:23 The Importance of Traveling Now
04:49 Finding Cheap Flights: Budget Airlines
06:58 Using Points and Miles for Affordable Travel
07:57 Flight Alert Programs for Beginners
08:52 Getting Started with Travel Credit Cards
13:56 Maximizing Points and Miles
24:31 Favorite Loyalty Programs
27:01 Starwood and Marriott: A Tale of Two Hotel Chains
28:44 The Value of Loyalty Programs and Travel Credit Cards
30:17 Airline Preferences and Luxurious Travel Experiences
32:21 Travel Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes
35:38 The Journey of Writing Travel Books
38:59 Upcoming Sequel and Personal Reflections
42:54 Rapid Fire Travel Questions
47:06 Final Travel Advice and Episode Conclusion 

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jen Ruiz: Learn more about Jen’s adventures and tips by visiting her website and following her on social media.
• Jen's Books: Check out Jen’s bestselling books on budget travel for deeper insights and strategies. 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down the fundamentals of points, miles, and loyalty programs. 

She explains what points and miles are, how they function as a form of currency in loyalty programs, and the different types of points travelers can earn. 

The episode also covers the difference between flexible and non-flexible points, and how to best utilize travel rewards credit cards. 

Genni emphasizes the importance of understanding these basics to make the most out of budget travel strategies. 

Listeners will gain the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use points and miles to make their trips more affordable. 

 Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Points and Miles

00:58 Understanding Points and Miles

03:10 Earning Points and Miles

07:09 Flexible vs Non-Flexible Points

08:13 Flexible Points: Examples and Benefits

12:11 Non-Flexible Points: Examples and Limitations

16:17 Key Takeaways and Conclusion 

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips! 

In this episode, Genni discusses the podcast’s mission to help listeners travel more affordably without compromising on comfort or quality. 

From her personal journey in the hospitality industry to becoming a budget travel expert, Genni shares how she uses loyalty rewards and credit card points, and other strategies to travel on a budget. 

Stay tuned for future episodes featuring practical budget travel strategies, real-life experiences, and guest interviews. 

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips
• 00:37 Who is This Podcast For?
• 01:11 What is Lazy Budget Travel?
• 02:15 Meet Your Host: Genni Franklin
• 03:17 Discovering Budget Travel Strategies
• 06:45  What to Expect from This Podcast
• 08:39 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

 Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips with Genni Franklin

In this trailer for the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin gives you the inside scoop on the show. 

If you're tired of overcomplicated strategies and just want straightforward, practical advice on budget-friendly travel, you’re in the right place!

Genni, a seasoned traveler and founder of the Traveling Franklins blog and Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook group, is here to help everyday travelers navigate the world of points and miles without all the stress. 

Whether you're looking to stretch your travel budget or make the most of your travel rewards, Genni's got you covered with simple tips, real-life stories, and easy-to-follow strategies.

Each episode will feature solo segments, fun guest chats, and listener stories, all aimed at helping you travel smarter without the overwhelm.

New episodes drop weekly, so make sure to subscribe and get ready to learn how to save money and travel more! 

Launch date coming soon!

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
• Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)