Point Me To First Class

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!

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/

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.

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!

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

Do you feel confident in your points redemption skills, or do you suspect you might be missing out on better deals? With a little knowledge and practice, you can learn to stack the key skills needed to get incredible value from your points, and I'm showing you how this week.

Tune in as I break down the six key levels of points redemption skill stacking. I explain how to know which level you're at currently, the specific skills to focus on building, and how to reach the next level so you can unlock incredible travel opportunities!

Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/skill-stacking-better-points-redemption

Get your copy of the Award Booking Calendars: Your Airline-by-Airline Guide here!

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

I share my top tips for running successful award flight searches gleaned from years of experience booking award travel.

Let's dive into the key differences between searching for cash flights versus award flights, and how to overcome the challenges of information overload and limited award seat inventory. I break down the most important mindset shifts and practical strategies you can start using today to increase your chances of finding your dream award flights.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/lessons-learned-top-tips-award-searches

Get your copy of the Award Booking Calendars: Your Airline-by-Airline Guide here!

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

In this episode, I'm joined by DeAndre Coke, a financial advisor and an avid traveler who was ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia's top financial security professionals for two consecutive years. DeAndre shares his experience using an innovative platform called Zil Money to pay payroll with his credit card, racking up huge amounts of valuable rewards points in the process.

Discover which credit cards offer the best earning rates when paying payroll through Zil, and how to think about the cost-benefit analysis of the processing fees. DeAndre breaks down his exact process for maximizing payroll points and shares some of the amazing trips he's taken and has planned by strategically leveraging this expense.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/turn-payroll-into-points-deandre-coke

Learn more about Zil Money here and enroll to start earning points for payroll.

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