Tag: Maximizing Rewards

Earn Big on Payroll: Transform Employee Salaries into Points & Miles (Ep. 53)

Earn Big on Payroll: Transform Employee Salaries into Points & Miles (Ep. 53)

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Can running your business payroll through credit cards unlock a treasure trove of travel rewards? 

In this special episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke breaks down the innovative strategy of using payroll to earn credit card points and miles. Learn how to leverage services like ZilBank, understand the fees involved, and discover how cards like Chase Business Preferred and Amex Platinum can be game-changers for your business. DeAndre also shares practical tips for maximizing point redemption and offers cautionary advice to avoid common mistakes.

Tune in to explore how this strategy could transform your approach to travel rewards!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Payroll Strategy: Earn points and miles by running payroll through credit cards.
  • Zill Bank Option: A service enabling payroll by credit card.
  • Fee Value: Learn how paying fees can still result in a net gain in rewards.
  • Redemption Insight: Maximize points by understanding redemption value.
  • Tax Considerations: Always consult a tax advisor regarding payroll fees.
  • Avoid Pitfalls: Never create fake employees or try to game the system to inflate rewards.
  • Business Focus: A strategy best suited for serious business owners.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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Points & Miles Authorized User Deep Dive and How to Maximize Your PTO with Jackie Swayze (Ep. 52)

Points & Miles Authorized User Deep Dive and How to Maximize Your PTO with Jackie Swayze (Ep. 52)

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What if you could turn limited vacation days into unforgettable travel experiences? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Jackie Swayze, the creator of the blog Maximizing My PTO. Jackie shares how she and her husband have mastered the art of traveling extensively while maintaining full-time jobs.

They explore strategies like the “player one, player two” approach for couples, the value of flexibility in travel planning, and the secrets to navigating fixed dates and peak travel seasons. Jackie also discusses creative techniques such as using positioning flights and award alerts to secure the best travel deals, all while recounting her adventures to bucket-list destinations like Antarctica and Easter Island.

Tune in to hear Jackie’s expert insights, actionable tips, and inspiring travel stories that will empower you to make the most of your own travel opportunities.

 

 

Key Highlights:

  • Points and Miles Expertise: Jackie shares how to optimize rewards for travel success.
  • Player One, Player Two: An effective strategy for couples maximizing travel benefits.
  • Flexibility in Travel: Unlock better deals by keeping travel dates open.
  • Authorized Users: Build credit and earn more rewards with strategic card use.
  • Creative Travel Strategies: Positioning flights and award alerts for better planning.
  • Peak Travel Planning: How to manage holidays and busy travel times effectively.
  • Memorable Adventures: Stories from Jackie’s travels to Antarctica and Easter Island.
  • Maximizing PTO: Strategic planning for making the most of vacation days.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jackie Swayze:

 

 

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Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke delivers a rapid breakdown of the latest offers in the points and miles world, focusing on key cards to help you boost your travel rewards. He highlights the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card’s $900 cash-back offer and shares strategies for converting cash back into travel points. 

DeAndre also dives into the Southwest Personal Cards and how earning 135,000 points can unlock the Southwest Companion Pass, offering free travel for a companion. Rounding out the episode, he touches on the Marriott Bonvoy Business card and its offer of five free nights with a spend requirement.

Get the key details fast and learn how to act quickly on these limited-time offers to maximize your travel rewards!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card offers $900 cashback which is 90,000 points
  • You can convert cash back to travel points with certain cards.
  • Earning 135,000 points on Southwest Personal Cards grants the Companion Pass.
  • Timing is critical when applying for the Southwest Companion Pass.
  • The Marriott Bonvoy Business card offers five free nights after meeting the spending requirement.

 

Resources:

 

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Exploring Ambitious Travel Challenges and Points & Miles Strategies with @luckytictac (Ep. 34)

Exploring Ambitious Travel Challenges and Points & Miles Strategies with @luckytictac (Ep. 34)

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Another Wednesday brings another episode full of travel strategies for earning free flights and luxury stays!

Join host DeAndre Coke on this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as he chats with points and miles pro Allison Tackette, known online as @luckytictac. Allison reveals her transition from a military career to becoming a renowned professional in the points and miles community. 

Together they discuss her journey so far and unpack invaluable strategies for maximizing travel rewards, her favorite travel destinations, and details about her ambitious 12-in-12 travel challenge. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveler, Allison’s insights will elevate your travel game and help you make the most of your rewards.

Key Highlights:

  • Journey into Points & Miles: Allison’s inspiring transition from the military and academia to award booking, sparked by a simple Google search on how to fly for free
  • Top Credit Card Picks: An inside look at Allison’s favorite cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Marriott card, and Amex Gold Card
  • Effective Points Management: Discover why Allison focuses on flexible transferable points for maximum value and versatility
  • Essential Travel Tools: Explore Allison’s preferred tools for booking award travel and how they make the process seamless
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn crucial tips on confirming availability and pricing before transferring points, and the importance of patience and regular monitoring
  • 12-in-12 Travel Challenge: Follow Allison’s journey to experience 12 new airlines, hotels, and countries in 12 months, and see her progress so far
  • Unforgettable Travel Experiences: Highlights from Allison’s adventures, including Japan Airlines’ first-class service and a stay at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay in Montenegro
  • Practical Travel Advice: Get Allison’s recommendations for managing points and miles stress-free and finding value in both extravagant and simple travel plans
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Allison Tackette: 

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Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

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Discover how to transform ordinary credit card points into extraordinary travel adventures. 

Your dream destinations are much closer than you think!

Travel rewards expert Ryan Horn, known online as @profitsandpoints, shares his secrets with host DeAndre Coke on this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey.” Fresh off his luxurious Alaskan honeymoon, Ryan reveals how he transitioned from frequent business traveler to points and miles guru. Learn how he secured first-class flights and premium cruise experiences using points, and get insider tips on maximizing rewards while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveler, Ryan’s insights will inspire you to rethink your travel strategies.

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury Alaskan Honeymoon: Discover how Ryan used points and miles for first-class flights and a premium cruise suite, saving thousands of dollars while creating unforgettable memories
  • Optimal Credit Card Strategies: Learn about the best credit cards for travel rewards, including the Amex Gold, Capital One Venture X, and the Bilt card for rent payments
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Understand the importance of paying off credit card debt monthly and avoiding the pitfalls of hoarding points, with strategies to ensure you get the most value from your rewards
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain insights into using Capital One’s Travel Eraser for onboard credits and the benefits of cruise line stock ownership for extra perks
  • Spontaneous Travel: Hear Ryan’s favorite redemption stories, including last-minute trips for sports events and family visits, showcasing the flexibility points offer
  • Planning for Success: Learn how Ryan and his wife blend planned vacations with opportunistic travel deals, and get tips on using points to enhance both planned and spontaneous trips
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

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Connect with Ryan Horn: 

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Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

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Is it still possible to take extraordinary adventures after you’ve had children and started a family? 

Absolutely! 

For parents who dream of traveling, but feel it has become impossible, this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” is for you. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Shannon and Tyson from Restless Crusade. Shannon and Tyson are a couple from North Okanagan, BC, Canada, who have taken their five-year-old twins on remarkable journeys across the globe. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring Bali and El Salvador, Shannon and Tyson reveal how they make family travel not just feasible but unforgettable. 

Tune in to learn their secrets and discover that your dream family adventures are within reach!

Key Highlights:

  • Epic Family Adventures: Discover how Shannon and Tyson manage incredible trips like trekking to Everest Base Camp with their twins, showcasing their adaptability and love for hiking
  • Adventurous Lifestyle: Learn about their commitment to maintaining an adventurous lifestyle, seamlessly integrating travel and hiking into their family routine
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain valuable insights into traveling extensively with young kids, from handling logistics and lightweight packing to encouraging imaginative play over electronic devices
  • Strategic Planning: Understand their thorough approach to planning trips, including checking safety, risk levels, and required immunizations to ensure activities suit both adults and children
  • Memorable Experiences: Hear captivating stories from their adventures, such as trekking Everest and exploring El Salvador’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches
  • Advice for Newbie Parents: Receive essential advice for parents new to traveling, including knowing your limits, choosing child-friendly destinations like Southeast Asia, and maintaining flexibility for a stress-free journey
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Shannon and Tyson: 

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Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

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Stop dreaming, start packing! Learn how to turn everyday spending into luxury travel rewards.

Challenge your understanding of maximizing travel rewards in this all-encompassing episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Your hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert unveil their mid-year achievements and strategies for leveraging credit card rewards to enhance travel experiences without excessive spending. This episode is full of travel rewards resources and strategies that will help you boost your next trip to luxury heights for a fraction of the price!

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Card Benefits: Explore the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card’s incredible perks, such as massive points, TSA pre-check, global entry, no foreign transaction fees, trip insurance, and a free annual hotel night—all for just $99 a year
  • Earning Miles: Discover how to rack up American Airlines miles through Basque Bank’s high-yield savings account, turning your savings into flight opportunities
  • Recent Card Strategies: Hear how DeAndre earned 200,000 points with two Chase Inc. Business Preferred cards by spending $8,000 in three months. Plus, learn his trick for using Zill Bank to run payroll on a credit card, earning substantial points even with a 3% fee
  • Travel Freely App: See how DeAndre and Taryn use the Travel Freely app to track cards and spending, emphasizing responsible credit use and strategic planning
  • Actionable Takeaways: Get practical advice on leveraging credit card points and miles to achieve nearly free luxury travel. Reach out to DeAndre and Taryn for personalized card recommendations
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

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How can families travel luxuriously without breaking the bank?

Challenge your preconceived notions about cost-effective luxurious travel in this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Jordan and Courtney from “The Frugal and Free Travelers,” an Indiana-based couple with two daughters who share their love of adventure. 

Together they have mastered traveling frugally yet luxuriously through strategic planning and usage of points and miles. Starting with the Chase Freedom card in 2007 to lavish trips to South America and Disney World, Jordan and Courtney share insights and tips on balancing family, work, and a passion for travel.

Key Highlights:

  • Family Travel Dynamics: Learn how Jordan and Courtney prioritize travel despite a middle-class income, manage long flights with ease, and train their kids to enjoy travel
  • Credit Card Strategy: Discover how they started with the Chase Freedom card and now open multiple cards annually, focusing on transferable points to improve their credit scores
  • Travel Planning: Understand how Courtney handles 80% of research and planning, balancing activities to ensure memorable trips for the entire family
  • Memorable Trips: Hear about their highlights, including hiking in Madeira, exploring Portugal, and using Alaska Airlines miles for South America, plus a budget-friendly stay in Chile and maximizing credits at the Arizona Biltmore
  • Challenges and Solutions: Find out how they overcome challenges like booking four business class seats and hotel rooms for four, emphasizing the importance of earning large points and understanding program availability
  • Advice for Beginners: Receive practical advice on starting small with points, avoiding hoarding, and using them promptly
  • Upcoming Adventures: Get a sneak peek into their future trips to Greece and Turks and Caicos, and dream destinations like Thailand and Indonesia. Follow their journey on Instagram and visit their website for more resources
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Jordan and Courtney: 

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Points & Miles, Strategies, and Common Misconceptions for Maximizing Award Travel (Ep. 11)

Points & Miles, Strategies, and Common Misconceptions for Maximizing Award Travel (Ep. 11)

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Tools and apps are the unsung heroes that make planning your luxury vacations a breeze. They’re like a personal assistant for your rewards and points, ensuring you never miss out on maximizing your travel potential.

In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert debunk myths about travel rewards cards and give you the scoop on their favorite digital allies. Together they clarify that it doesn’t harm credit scores, isn’t synonymous with debt, and isn’t overly complex if you utilize these tools effectively. Catch this essential episode to elevate your travel expertise and uncover optimal strategies for maximizing what you can get from your hard earned points.

Key Highlights:

  • Insights and tips for effective travel rewards strategies
  • The benefits of diversifying credit card usage for travel rewards, and the importance of responsible credit card usage
  • The best tools and apps for managing your travel rewards
  • Understanding terms and conditions of credit card offers
  • Debunking the misconception that these strategies are breaking the rules
  • Personal experiences and success stories
  • Encouragement to challenge preconceived notions about credit cards

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Taryn Gisbert: 

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