No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep.

In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for insomnia, clinical sleep health, and years of experience in both nursing and respiratory therapy, Leah and Marlee bring a holistic and practical approach to sleep support that goes far beyond just tips and tools.

We talk about how travel disrupts sleep, what actually causes jet lag, and why light exposure, sleep environment, and the way you use (or misuse) melatonin can all have a big impact on how you feel before, during, and after a trip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, a parent navigating time zone shifts with kids, or just trying to avoid that foggy, post-vacation exhaustion, this conversation is packed with practical strategies from professionals who know the science—and the real life struggle—of sleep and travel.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/sleep-while-traveling-jet-lag-tips/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

There’s finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that’s been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage.

In this episode, I’m talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Kelley shares what makes the Mesa card unique, how its rewards system works, and why it’s designed to serve a segment of consumers that’s long been overlooked by traditional credit card programs.

If you’ve ever wished one of your biggest monthly bills could earn serious points—this card just might become your new favorite.

Make sure to check out the Mesa Homeowners Card - no annual fee, earns points on your mortgage and comes with $800+ in home benefits! Use my referral link to get 5,000 bonus points when you get approved.

https://mesa.onelink.me/odOT/gge86l53?referral_code=htx8f5

Use my code to apply: htx8f5

Terms apply.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mesa-credit-card-earn-points-mortgage/

 

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

 

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here:

https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you’re probably not spending just a few bucks.

If you’ve ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or through a workaround like Instacart. You’ll learn which cards work, which ones don’t, and how to pick the best method based on your spending habits and points goals.

This episode is your go-to guide for getting the most out of every Costco trip—without having to overhaul your strategy or juggle a dozen cards.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/maximize-points-costco/

 

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

A limited time elevated credit card bonus offer sounds amazing—so should you go for it?

In this episode, I break down how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses so you can make a smart, strategic decision. Using the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer as a real-world example, I walk through the three questions you need to ask before jumping on any limited-time offer:

✔ Are you even eligible?

✔ How will this card fit into your overall points and travel goals?

✔ What’s the opportunity cost of applying right now?

Whether you’re new to points or deep in the game, this episode will help you avoid shiny bonus syndrome and make elevated offers work for you—not the other way around.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/evaluate-elevated-credit-card-bonuses/

  Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

What does it look like to fully optimize your life—not just financially, but how you travel, make decisions, and spend your time?

In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks, for a fast-paced conversation about how to get more value, joy, and efficiency from everything you do. We talk about optimizing credit card rewards, streamlining travel, removing decision fatigue, and using money as a tool—not just for freedom, but for alignment with your values.

If you're the kind of person who loves a smart system, a good travel hack, or just wants to make everyday decisions easier and more intentional, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/travel-money-life-hacks-chris-hutchins/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

With changes to credit card processing platforms and fee structures for 2025, the strategy for paying taxes with a credit card—and earning points while doing it—has shifted.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and points expert Dr. Sujatha Murali to walk you through the major changes in tax payment processing for 2025—and how to earn huge amounts of points while minimizing fees.

We share our personal strategies for navigating quarterly tax payments, which types of cards to prioritize (and avoid), and how to use PayPal strategically to unlock the lowest fees possible when paying taxes with certain rewards cards. Whether you're paying $5K, $50K, or more in taxes, this is a must-listen if you're serious about turning expenses into travel.

Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don’t miss out! Click here to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy.

Get full show notes and transcript:    Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

Have you ever stood in front of your suitcase, overwhelmed, unsure what to pack—or panic-ordered outfits days before a trip that you’ll never wear again? You’re not alone. In fact, this episode might be exactly what your suitcase (and closet) needs.

In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe, who shares her system for making packing simple, efficient, and actually fun. We talk about how to get more outfits with fewer pieces, avoid the most common packing mistakes, and how to feel stylish and comfortable—whether you're heading to Paris or just to the airport.

If travel packing always feels like a puzzle you can’t solve, this episode will help you finally crack it.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/stylist-travel-packing-guide/

 

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

 

Whether you're sitting on a pile of unused points, overwhelmed by redemption options, or wondering if luxury travel is even realistic for your life—this episode is proof that it’s all within reach.

In this episode, you’ll hear from three Points Made Easy students who went from: ✔️ Using points for gift cards → to flying business class across the world ✔️ Avoiding international travel with young kids → to booking their first family trip in business class ✔️ Feeling unsure about how to use points strategically → to confidently planning high-value redemptions for their extended families

“I went from wanting to travel everywhere in economy, buying the cheapest tickets—to someone who books intentional trips to amazing places in business class.”

Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Points Made Easy, my comprehensive online program, is enrolling from March 22nd to 30th. Don’t miss out - click here to enroll today!

As someone who has booked over $192,000 worth of travel using points just this year, I've learned that mastering the art of points transfers is the key to unlocking incredible travel experiences. But knowing when and where to transfer your points isn't always straightforward or intuitive, especially when you're new to this hobby. 

 

In this episode, I share 10 do's and don'ts of credit card points transfers. You'll hear my hard-won wisdom on everything from transfer ratios to avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced award traveler, you'll come away with actionable tips to help you book your dream trips using points.

 

Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/credit-card-points-transfers-tips

 

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy