Month: June 2025

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Jet Lag Demystified: A Sleep Surgeon Tips for Travelers with Dr. Kevin Lin (Ep. 79)

Jet Lag Demystified: A Sleep Surgeon Tips for Travelers with Dr. Kevin Lin (Ep. 79)

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In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Dr. Kevin Lin, a board-certified sleep surgeon and avid traveler, to unpack the complexities of jet lag and how to travel more comfortably. 

They explore what happens to your body’s circadian rhythm during long-haul travel, why traveling east hits harder than going west, and how each traveler’s response to jet lag can differ. Dr. Lin shares expert advice on using melatonin, timing meals, and adjusting sleep schedules before departure. The episode delves into the role of technology, including apps like TimeShifter and light therapy, in helping to regulate your body clock across time zones. Practical tips for hydration, smart napping, and managing alcohol consumption on flights are discussed, along with strategies for athletes and frequent flyers to optimize sleep and performance.

 If you’re trying to stay sharp for a business meeting or energized for vacation, this episode offers science-backed strategies to help you show up rested and ready.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Dr. Kevin Lin’s background: A sleep surgeon with a passion for travel and optimizing rest.
  • Understanding jet lag: It’s a misalignment of your circadian rhythm due to time zone shifts.
  • East vs. West: Traveling east often causes worse jet lag because it shortens the body’s day.
  • Personalized reactions: Jet lag affects people differently—preparation is key.
  • Smart prep: Begin shifting your schedule a few days before travel.
  • Melatonin insights: Best taken 3–4 hours before target bedtime in small doses.
  • Meal timing: Adjust your eating schedule to match the destination’s schedule to help synchronize your internal clock.
  • Sunlight exposure: Morning light helps reset your body faster upon arrival.
  • Light therapy tools: Helpful for managing long-haul jet lag when natural light isn’t an option.
  • Napping strategy: Keep naps short (20–30 minutes) to avoid feeling groggy or experiencing sleep disruption.
  • Sleep trackers: Can help build awareness, but shouldn’t be the sole metric of sleep quality.
  • Tips for frequent travelers & athletes: Consistency, nutrition, and hydration are essential for high performance.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Kevin:

 

 

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Quick Hits: Chase Sapphire Refresh Rumors, a New Caribbean Resort to Book With Points, and More!

Quick Hits: Chase Sapphire Refresh Rumors, a New Caribbean Resort to Book With Points, and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into the latest updates from the world of travel rewards and points strategies. He covers listener feedback, highlights a new all-inclusive Hyatt resort in Saint Lucia, unpacks the devaluation of Iberia Avios, shares tips for upgrading to Emirates First Class without elite status, and revisits the ZilMoney payroll-on-card saga. He also breaks down rumors about significant changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and answers a listener’s question about building credit as a college student.

This episode provides timely guidance for maximizing redemption value amid changing reward structures and transfer ratios. DeAndre also shares personal insights on why booking all-inclusive stays with points can lead to outsized value—and how small booking details like guest count can make a big difference. If you’re managing your family’s rewards strategy or just starting to build credit, you’ll find plenty of smart, actionable insights packed into this week’s updates.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Chase IHG Certs Clarified: 60K certs cannot be topped off—unlike the 40K ones.
  • New Hyatt All-Inclusive: Secrets Saint Lucia Resort is now bookable with points.
  • Iberia Avios Devaluation: East Coast to Madrid redemptions increase by 19%.
  • Emirates Upgrade Workaround: Non-elites can still upgrade at check-in using miles.
  • ZilMoney Update: Payroll on credit card may return by end of June.
  • Sapphire Reserve Rumors: $795 fee and new travel and dining benefits may be on the way.
  • Building Student Credit: Capital One SavorOne Student is a solid early credit card option.
  • Authorized Users & Credit History: Adding children to fee-free cards can help build long-term credit.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Unpacking The One App that Will Make Earning Points & Saving Money Substantially Easier: CardPointers Explained (Ep. 78)

Unpacking The One App that Will Make Earning Points & Saving Money Substantially Easier: CardPointers Explained (Ep. 78)

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In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Emmanuel, the founder of CardPointers—a game-changing app designed to help travelers optimize their credit card usage and maximize points and miles. Emmanuel shares how a personal challenge managing multiple cards led him to build CardPointers, and how the app has evolved into a powerful tool for both beginners and seasoned travel hackers.

The conversation highlights standout features, including automated offer tracking, an Autopilot mode that recommends the best card to use based on your location, and an Augmented Reality interface that displays savings opportunities at nearby stores. Emmanuel also breaks down the differences between the free and pro versions, upcoming features, and how CardPointers protects user privacy without requiring sensitive logins.

This episode delivers practical insights, pro tips, and plenty of inspiration for smarter travel.

 

Want to sign up for CardPointers? Use our link here

 

Key Highlights:

  • CardPointers origin: Born from Emmanuel’s personal need to simplify credit card tracking.
  • Smart card recommendations: The App shows which card to use for every purchase.
  • Built-in offers: Automatically integrates bank deals to boost savings.
  • Autopilot & AR mode: Recommend cards based on real-time location and store data.
  • No sensitive data required: Maintains complete user privacy and security.
  • Free vs Pro: Free version is great for beginners; Pro unlocks advanced tools.
  • Future features: Includes shopping portal integration and on-device analytics.
  • Maximized redemptions: Helps unlock luxury travel with points and miles.
  • Flexible strategy: Users are encouraged to take it slow and build over time.
  • Track Chase 5/24: Keeps tabs on account limits to help with time applications.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with CardPointers:

 

 

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Quick Hits: Is it Time to Give Up the Capital One Venture X? Huge IHG SUB, Thrifty Traveler’s 10th Birthday and More!

Quick Hits: Is it Time to Give Up the Capital One Venture X? Huge IHG SUB, Thrifty Traveler’s 10th Birthday and More!

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In this value-packed Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke breaks down the most significant developments in the points and miles world—from exciting transfer bonuses and premium card promos to major airline pricing changes and credit card legislation that could impact your travel rewards. He highlights Thrifty Traveler’s limited-time 50% off deal, an elevated IHG card bonus offering 5 free nights, new baggage fees from Southwest, and a game-changing partnership between United and JetBlue.

DeAndre also shares updates on Amex, Chase, and Citi transfer bonuses, the Capital One lounge guest access shake-up, and the growing concern over the Credit Card Competition Act. Whether you’re just getting started with points or already planning your next redemption, there’s something in this episode for you. Listeners are also reminded to take advantage of free strategy consultations to get personalized travel game plans.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Thrifty Traveler Premium: 50% off during their 10th anniversary sale.
  • IHG Premier Card: New signup bonus with five free night certificates.
  • Delta Fixes Pricing: Ends higher solo traveler fares.
  • Southwest Changes: Ends “bags fly free” policy.
  • Transfer Bonuses: 30% Amex → Avios, 25% Chase → Virgin, 25% Citi → Wyndham.
    United x JetBlue Partnership: Easier booking, point redemptions, and elite perks.
  • Capital One Lounge Access: Guest access gets more expensive in 2026.
  • Credit Card Competition Act: Could threaten reward programs—take action.
  • Free Travel Strategy Sessions: Book through our website for personalized assistance.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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The Psychology of Points: Mastering Behavior, Not Bonuses (Ep. 77)

The Psychology of Points: Mastering Behavior, Not Bonuses (Ep. 77)

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This episode isn’t about earning your next big bonus or finding the hottest travel deal—it’s about the mindset that makes all of it sustainable. 

DeAndre Coke shares a powerful solo session unpacking how mastering points and miles is less about tactics and more about behavior. Drawing insights from the book “The Psychology of Money” and over a decade of advising experience, he explains why understanding your habits, defining your version of “enough,” embracing optionality, and building identity-driven financial discipline can unlock not just better travel, but a better life. 

If you’re ready to stop chasing and start strategizing, this one’s for you.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Behavior > Bonuses: Winning with points is about patience and discipline, not just card hacks.
  • Define “Enough”: Set intentional goals to avoid endlessly chasing bigger redemptions.
  • Optionality = Power: Having points gives you choices—and that’s where absolute travel freedom begins.
  • Hedonic Adaptation: The more you redeem, the more you adapt—learn to appreciate and recalibrate.
  • Delayed Gratification: Waiting for the proper redemption often leads to the most significant wins.
  • Diversification Matters: Don’t hoard points in one program; spread risk and gain flexibility.
  • Self-Sabotage is Real: Overspending for bonuses or never redeeming points are behavioral pitfalls.
  • Identity Drives Action: Seeing yourself as a savvy strategist helps you naturally make better decisions.
  • Quiet Accumulation Pays: Consistent, smart habits lead to long-term travel wealth.
  • Points as Practice: This is more than travel—it’s training for financial self-mastery.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Unforgettable Stay at The Estate Yountville | Napa Valley’s Hidden Gem! [YouTube Bonus]

Unforgettable Stay at The Estate Yountville | Napa Valley’s Hidden Gem! [YouTube Bonus]

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In this YouTube bonus episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke recaps his recent all-cash stay at The Estate Yountville, a luxury resort in the heart of Napa Valley. From the moment of arrival—greeted with wine and surrounded by tree-lined serenity—to the property’s 24-hour pool, fire pits, and high-end amenities, DeAndre offers a full breakdown of what makes this resort both elegant and approachable. He explores the walkability of Yountville’s top tasting rooms, the thoughtful touches like complimentary town cars, and the experience of traveling with fellow financial advisors. The episode wraps with DeAndre’s honest take on the value of the stay and tips on how to recreate similar trips using points and miles for a fraction of the price.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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