Tag: Personal Finance
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!

By |

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: 

 

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
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)

By |

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:

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

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

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

By |

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: 

 

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
From Budget Traveler to Full-Time Content Creator: Using Points & Miles to Fund a Lifestyle of Travel with @themobilehomie! (Ep. 63)

From Budget Traveler to Full-Time Content Creator: Using Points & Miles to Fund a Lifestyle of Travel with @themobilehomie! (Ep. 63)

By |

Have you ever wondered how to transition from budget travel to a full-time travel lifestyle? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with travel enthusiast Jordyn Verzera, co-founder of The Mobile Homie, to explore her inspiring journey from a frugal traveler to a full-time content creator. Jordyn explains how leveraging points and miles has been key to making travel both affordable and rewarding, while sharing practical strategies for planning trips and navigating the complex world of travel rewards. The conversation also includes memorable travel stories—including a humorous, cautionary tale about her experience with rabies vaccines—and offers crucial advice on maintaining travel insurance and balancing work with wanderlust.

Listen now to discover how to follow your dreams, master travel planning, and turn everyday adventures into a sustainable lifestyle.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Budget to Full-Time Transition: Jordyn’s journey shows that it’s possible to evolve from budget travel to a full-time travel lifestyle through smart use of points and miles.
  • Travel Rewards Strategy: Effective planning and strategy are essential to maximize the benefits of points and miles, significantly reducing travel costs.
  • Balancing Work and Travel: Treating travel like a business can help you sustain a full-time travel lifestyle without compromising your income.
  • Learn from Experience: Memorable travel mishaps, like the rabies vaccine incident, serve as important lessons in travel planning and safety.
  • Financial Safety Net: Having a solid financial plan and safety net is critical before making the leap to full-time travel.
  • Community and Resources: Utilizing travel communities and resources can simplify the complex world of points and miles, making travel more accessible for everyone.
  • Follow Your Dreams: Jordyn’s story underscores that with the right strategies and mindset, you can turn travel into a lifelong passion.

 

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jordyn & JT:

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
From Practicing Medicine to Points Pro: Learn How Travel Rewards Fit into a Wealth-Building Strategy with Devon Gimbel (Ep. 61)

From Practicing Medicine to Points Pro: Learn How Travel Rewards Fit into a Wealth-Building Strategy with Devon Gimbel (Ep. 61)

By |

Have you ever considered how strategic use of points and miles can be a powerful tool for building wealth?

In this episode, host DeAndre interviews Devon Gimbel, a former physician who has successfully transitioned into a points and miles expert. Devon discusses her journey from medicine to mastering travel rewards and details her ambitious family trip to the Maldives, where she leveraged her expertise to secure a luxurious stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives. 

The conversation delves into practical strategies for maximizing travel rewards, balancing spending and saving, and utilizing everyday expenses to generate valuable points. Additionally, Devon emphasizes the importance of financial education and responsible planning—especially for individuals managing consumer debt—and explores scenarios where buying points can further enhance financial growth. 

Tune in to discover how you can transform your travel experiences into opportunities for financial advancement.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Career Transition: Devon successfully shifted from medicine to becoming a points and miles expert.
  • Family Travel Strategy: Planning an ambitious family trip to the Maldives required careful budgeting and mastery of travel rewards.
  • Luxury Experience: The exceptional service at the Park Hyatt Maldives underscores the value of premium travel experiences.
  • Wealth Building Through Travel: Points and miles can be leveraged as tools for financial growth and wealth building.
  • Balanced Spending: Striking a balance between spending and saving is essential for maximizing travel rewards.
  • Financial Education: Continuous learning about personal finance is critical, especially for managing consumer debt.
  • Smart Points Strategy: Buying points in specific scenarios can be beneficial when approached responsibly.
  • Customized Approach: Listeners are encouraged to develop their strategies to optimize travel rewards and achieve financial growth.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Devon Gimbel:

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

FEATURE IMAGE
Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

By |

Ever wonder how real estate can help you travel the world for nearly free?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke interviews Jaina Pallasigui, who reveals her unique approach to leveraging real estate investments to earn points and miles for travel. Jaina shares how she began her journey into real estate, detailing the strategies she uses to accumulate points through property renovations and other investment opportunities. She discusses her experiences traveling using those points, as well as the importance of understanding credit cards, the benefits of business credit cards, and her top advice for aspiring real estate investors. Throughout the episode, Jaina emphasizes how real estate can balance wealth-building with incredible travel opportunities.

Tune in to learn how you can use real estate to fund your next adventure and build wealth at the same time!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Starting with the Right Card: Jaina began her points and miles journey by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offered a high sign-up bonus and valuable travel rewards.
  • Building a Portfolio: Managing nine rental units in Evansville, Indiana, Jaina explains how she leverages her investments to earn points.
  • Maximizing Credit Card Bonuses: Learn how she uses business credit cards strategically to meet minimum spend requirements while renovating her properties.
  • Funding Travel with Real Estate: Jaina reveals how real estate allows her to travel almost entirely on points and miles.
  • Handling Unexpected Expenses: Real estate surprises are inevitable, and Jaina shares how credit cards help manage those costs while still earning rewards.
  • Traveling Smart with Points: From luxury stays to affordable flights, Jaina explains how she enhances her travel experiences using points.
  • Networking and Knowledge: Jaina emphasizes the importance of connecting with other investors to accelerate learning in both real estate and travel hacking.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jaina Pallasigui:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

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

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

By |

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: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Insightful Points & Miles Strategies with the Hosts of “Wonderland on Points” (Ep. 20)

Insightful Points & Miles Strategies with the Hosts of “Wonderland on Points” (Ep. 20)

By |

How can your credit card take you around the world for almost nothing?

Join hosts DeAndre Coke and co-host Taryn Gisbert on “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as they explore the art of strategic travel with Joanna “Joe” Brown and Mary Ellen from the “Wonderland on Points” podcast! Starting with stories of their transitions from education and healthcare into renowned travel gurus, they discuss how maximizing credit card points has turned into a lifestyle of adventurous and economical travel. This episode offers strategies, inspiring travel stories, and practical advice for using points and miles to your advantage.

Key Highlights:

  • Discover Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how an anniversary gift, a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, launched Mary Ellen into the world of travel points, leading to near-cost-free luxurious travels
  • Explore Career Transitions: Hear how Joanna turned financial adversity into an opportunity by embracing the world of credit cards, enhancing both her travels and financial health
  • Adopt Practical Points Strategies: Gain insights on leveraging cards like Amex Gold for everyday purchases to rack up significant travel rewards
  • Get Inspired by Memorable Redemptions: Stories from family trips to Puerto Rico to lavish getaways in Switzerland demonstrate the impactful savings from travel points
  • Utilize Budget-Friendly Travel Tips: Learn about helpful apps like Fetch and Upside, which offer unique ways to extend your travel budget
  • Plan for Future Travels: Get inspired by their bucket-list plans for South Korea and Tokyo, showing the profound power of well-used points
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Joanna Brown and Mary Ellen: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

By |

What if your next luxury vacation could be nearly free?

Join Adam Garrett on the “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. From his early exposure to credit card rewards as a child to his current prowess in leveraging points for both his real estate business and personal trips, Adam shares his comprehensive mastery. He covers the nuances of his travel strategies, demonstrating how planned credit use can turn points into plush escapades, even on a budget. Adam also offers valuable insights into managing multiple credit cards and maximizing travel rewards without compromising financial health, ensuring listeners can access the same level of luxurious travel he enjoys.

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Point Mastery: Follow Adam’s evolution from a curious kid to a credit card guru, crafting high-value travel experiences
  • Family-focused Travel Planning: Discover how Adam customizes travel plans to accommodate his wife’s health needs, ensuring luxury through domestic trips and staycations
  • Strategic Credit Use: Learn how Adam builds a strong financial future for his family with intelligent credit card use and reward optimization
  • Luxury on a Budget: Experience Adam’s tips for transforming credit card points into unforgettable travel experiences, from Disney World to exclusive stays at Marriott’s properties
  • Smart Financial Tools: Gain insights into the tools and strategies Adam uses to manage multiple credit cards effectively, maximizing rewards without the stress
  • Business Credit Benefits: Explore how even informal business activities can benefit from the strategic use of business credit cards to enhance travel rewards
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Adam Garrett: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

How To Do Hawaiian Luxury for Less Using Points & Miles (Ep. 14)

How To Do Hawaiian Luxury for Less Using Points & Miles (Ep. 14)

By |

How do savvy travelers enjoy a Hawaiian vacation without the hefty price tag?

Transform your Hawaiian dream vacation from an extravagant fantasy into an attainable reality in this enlightening episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” with host DeAndre Coke & Co-Host Taryn Gisbert. Dive into the art of using points and miles to get your ticket to a luxurious Hawaiian getaway.

Co-host Taryn Gisbert asks DeAndre the questions that everyone is thinking about. Where do you start, what rewards cards should you use, when should you go, and lastly, how do we make the most of our rewards points?

Key Highlights:

  • Beginner to Intermediate Guide: DeAndre and Taryn’s comprehensive walkthrough for both novices and seasoned travel hackers
  • Slash Your Hawaiian Vacation Costs: Discover how to enjoy a $4,000 trip for an astonishing $200
  • Maximizing Credit Card Rewards: Unearth secrets to picking the perfect credit cards for maximum points and beneficial partner transfers
  • Two-Player Mode Strategy: Essential tips for couples to double down on their travel rewards
  • Seamless Booking Secrets: Unlocking the best deals on economy flights and premium Hyatt stays
  • Financial Breakdown: Demonstrating the substantial savings achievable with points over cash
  • Responsible and Strategic Point Usage: Smart planning tips for accruing points without overspending

To dive into these insights and more – tune into the full episode!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Taryn Gisbert: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More