#138: Ever wondered how people fly for free or stay in luxury hotels without paying full price? In this episode of Money Noticias Podcast, Israel and Sunem sit down with Daniel Braun, a credit card and travel hacking expert, to uncover the secrets of using credit cards to travel smarter and save money.

Daniel runs a fast-growing YouTube channel with over 200,000+ subscribers, where he teaches people how to maximize credit card rewards, earn free travel through points and miles, and build strong personal finance habits.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What travel hacking is and how it can save you hundreds (or thousands) on travel.
• The credit card basics you must understand: billing cycles, minimum payments, and credit utilization.
• Which beginner credit cards (like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Freedom) are best for earning sign-up bonuses and building credit.
• Why flexible points currencies (Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points) are more valuable than airline-specific points.
• How to justify annual fee credit cards and maximize perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and insurance benefits.
• Real-life strategies to turn everyday spending into free flights and hotel stays.

Connect with Daniel

• Instagram
• YouTube

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• Instagram
• Website

More Episodes You’ll Enjoy

• Making Credit Work For You
• How to Unlock Your Freedom by Pursuing Financial Independence

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#137: In this episode of the Money Noticias podcast, hosts Israel and Sunem dive into everything you need to know about 401(k) retirement plans—one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth. After sharing some personal updates, they break down the history of 401(k)s, recent retirement regulation changes, and what those updates mean for your financial future.

You’ll learn about:

• The importance of 401(k) plans as a core part of your retirement strategy
• New 401(k) contribution limits and how to take advantage of them
• Why automatic enrollment is changing the game for employees
• How shrinking Social Security benefits make investing in your 401(k) more critical than ever
• Practical tips to maximize your 401(k) and grow your retirement savings

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re using your 401(k) to its full potential—or if you’re just starting to plan for retirement—this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to take action.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Maximize Your Investments: Essential Accounts for 2025
• How to Diversify Your Investments with Index Funds

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

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#136: Want to boost your credit score and make your credit cards work for you? In this REWIND episode, host Israel and Sunem break down everything you need to know about credit cards and credit scores so you can take control of your finances and unlock new opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

• Credit score ranges explained — what’s poor, fair, good, and excellent
• The 5 key factors that impact your credit score
• Why a strong credit score is important for loans, mortgages, and financial stability
• Proven strategies to improve your credit score step by step
• How to leverage credit cards for travel hacking and maximize rewards
• Practical tips to manage credit responsibly while building long-term wealth

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap to improving your credit score, avoiding common pitfalls, and using credit cards to your advantage.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How Sunem Built a $200,000+ Net Worth and Negotiated for a Remote Job as a First-Gen Latina
• How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt: Strategies for Beginners with Lauren Rosalanko | PointsforChange
• How to Choose the Best Credit Cards for Your Lifestyle and Financial Goals

Our favorite beginner credit cards

• Discover It
• Chase Freedom Flex

Our favorite travel credit cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Capital Venture X
• Best transfer balance credit cards

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

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#135: Thinking about getting a dog, cat, or other furry friend? Pet ownership comes with more than just cuddles—it comes with real financial commitments. In this [solo] episode, hosts Sunem and Israel dive deep into the true cost of owning a pet and share practical strategies to help you budget for pet expenses.

You’ll discover:

• Average monthly and annual pet costs for dogs, cats, and other pets
• How to create a realistic pet budget for food, vet visits, grooming, and preventative care
• Why an emergency fund for pets is essential and how much to set aside
• The benefits of pet insurance and tips for choosing the right plan
• Money-saving hacks for pet care without compromising your pet’s health
• How to prepare for long-term costs as your pet ages

Whether you’re adopting a puppy, rescuing a shelter cat, or adding a new pet to your family, this episode will help you plan ahead, avoid financial surprises, and give your pet the best life possible—without draining your wallet.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Make Credit Work For You

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#134: In this [solo] episode of Money Noticias podcast, hosts Israel and Sunem dive into the complex ways romantic partnerships shape our financial lives—especially for women of color in heterosexual relationships.

They explore:

• Why financial compatibility is essential for relationship stability
• The real impact of unequal earning dynamics on power and decision-making
• How to have honest conversations about money, goals, and expectations
• The potential financial risks of marriage (and how to protect yourself)
• Why having a supportive, growth-minded partner can make all the difference
• The critical role of self-reflection and therapy in navigating these challenges

Whether you're navigating love, money, or both, this episode is a must-listen for first-gen women striving for financial clarity, emotional health, and empowered relationships.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Navigate Finances in Romantic Relationships
• How to Combat the Single Tax and Save Money as a Single Person

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#133: In this [solo] episode of Money Noticias podcast, hosts Israel and Sunem discuss the transformative impact of living in Mexico on their relationship with money, privilege, and personal growth. Israel shares how moving to Mexico has shifted his perspective on money from one of saving to one of enjoyment, while also addressing the complexities of privilege and identity. The conversation delves into the financial lessons learned from living abroad, the importance of choosing oneself, and the broader implications of these experiences on their lives.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Financially Prepare for Moving Abroad: Lessons from Mexico City
• How Living in Mexico City Helped Israel Heal Migration Trauma
• How to Coast Your Way to More Options and a Better Life | Coast FI

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#132: In this [solo] episode of Money Noticias podcast, the hosts Israel and Sunem discuss their personal updates and reflections as they continue their Hot Money Summer Series. They share insights on their mid-year money goals for 2025, including achievements in running, financial planning, and the challenges of navigating life expenses.

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#131: In this [solo] episode of Money Noticias podcast, the hosts Israel and Sunem discuss the importance of automating finances to build wealth and stability.

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Invest for Mixed-Status Families
• Making Your Money Work Hard for You
• How to Maximize Your Investments: Essential Accounts for 2025

Connect with us!

• Instagram

If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Want to begin getting your money right? Download our free money guide and training today!

• 6 Strategies to Take Control of Your Debt Guide

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#130 In this episode, hosts Sunem and Israel welcome Romy Summerfold.

Romy is a Columbus, Ga native, she is 1st generation, a new mom and a wife. Romy received her Bachelor’s in Marketing and Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Columbus State University and she currently works in Marketing for a Fortune 500 company. On weekends, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, play tennis, workout, and be outside with her baby girl.

In our conversation, we discussed…

• How amazing it is that there are more and more Latinos in the South
• How Romy and her partner, Eric, were able to get out of $22,000 of credit card debt in 6 months 
• Investing of yourself short-term can reap long-term benefits
• The importance of adopting an abundance mindset and remembering that you deserve to get paid more 
• How you are your own job security 
• And so much more!

Connect with Romy

• Instagram

Connect with us

• Instagram
• Website 

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Become Debt-Free and Build Wealth as a First-Generation Couple with Yazmin and Tijani | How We Are Doing It
• How to Take Control Of Your Debt
• How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt: Strategies for Beginners with Lauren Rosalanko | PointsforChange
• How to Pay Off $60,000 in Student Debt and Embrace Imperfection in Your Financial Journey with Taylor | Imperfect Taylor

 If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show

#129 In this episode, hosts Sunem and Israel welcome Taylor Hayes.

Taylor is a thirty-something blogger who paid off $60,000 in student loan debt over 4.5 years. Her journey to financial freedom wasn’t perfect—but she made it happen by increasing her income, cutting expenses, and staying focused. Now living in Jacksonville, Florida with her fiancé and their chocolate Labrador, Bogey, Taylor shares honest, unfiltered reflections on embracing imperfection and living a more intentional life—all while keeping her personal finances in check.

Connect with Taylor

• Instagram
• Website

Connect with us

• Instagram
• Website 

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• How to Navigate Layoffs and Unemployment
• How to Prepare to Be Laid off and Overcome Job Rejections with Dannielle | FirstGenMoney
• How Nathalia Paid Off $18,000 in Credit Card Debt | ChapinaBuildingWealth

 If you have been enjoying our podcast and would like to support our work, you can buy us a coffee. We appreciate you =)

• Buy us a coffee

Interested in receiving 1:1 or gifting someone tailored support to help you/them start investing?

• 90-minute Investing Clarity Session

Support the show