Tag: Personal Growth

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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Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

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Are you ready to revolutionize the way you manage your travel rewards? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke interviews Zac Hood, the visionary behind the Travel Freely app. They explore Zac’s personal journey into the world of points and miles, the inspiration that led to the app’s creation, and its mission to simplify travel rewards for users of all levels. Zac shares his family’s inspiring nine-month adventure across Australia and New Zealand, made possible by savvy use of points and miles. They also discuss the growing Travel Freely community, real-life success stories, and exciting upcoming app features. 

This episode is packed with tips for beginners and seasoned travelers alike, emphasizing the importance of starting simple, staying organized, and maintaining financial responsibility.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Travel Freely App: A user-friendly tool to simplify points and miles tracking.
  • App Built for All: Caters to both beginners and seasoned points enthusiasts.
  • Credit Card Management: Tracks bonuses, annual fees, and deadlines.
  • Free Resource: Funded by affiliate links, the app is completely free to use, Available on both web and mobile.
  • Personalized Insights: App recommends strategies based on user credit profiles.
  • Community Growth: Travel Freely has inspired many with real-life success stories.
  • Family Adventures: Zac’s nine-month journey to Australia, New Zealand and Japan highlights the power of points.
  • Future Updates: The app continues to evolve with new features.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Zac Hood:

 

 

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Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

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Ever wondered how you can turn everyday spending into unforgettable family adventures? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke welcomes travel educator Amena Bakali to share her expertise in leveraging points and miles for family travel. Amena reveals how strategic spending, financial discipline, and teamwork have allowed her to explore the world with her family. She offers practical tips for traveling with kids, maximizing credit card rewards, and making travel more affordable through loyalty programs. The discussion also explores Amena’s spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, her experiences in Muslim countries, and her favorite family-friendly destinations, including Tokyo and Europe.

Packed with insights on budget travel, cultural exploration, and the mindset needed to achieve travel goals, this episode is a must-listen for families eager to travel more while spending less. Tune in to learn how to embark on meaningful journeys without breaking the bank.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Transforming Everyday Spending: Amena uses strategic credit card spending to accumulate points for family trips.
  • Family-Friendly Travel Strategies: Teamwork and starting young make traveling with kids easier.
  • The Power of Loyalty Programs: Amena leverages loyalty to hotel and airline brands for consistent rewards.
  • Financial Discipline is Key: Managing multiple credit cards requires planning and accountability.
  • Exploring Muslim Countries: Safe, enriching experiences await families in destinations with deep cultural significance.
  • Favorite Destinations: Tokyo and Europe stand out for their unique family travel experiences.
  • Mindset Shift for Success: Blocking negativity and focusing on your goals makes travel planning more achievable.
  • Planning Together: Aligning travel goals with your partner helps balance dreams and reality.
  • Budget-Friendly Luxury: Strategic use of points enables families to enjoy luxury without overspending.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Amena Bakali:

 

 

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From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

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Ever wondered what it’s like to swap the traditional 9-to-5 for a life of full-time travel?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke interviews Christina McEvoy, a full-time traveler, content creator, and women’s empowerment advocate who left the corporate world to explore the world with her family. Christina shares the joys and realities of life on the road, the financial planning required for full-time travel, and how she’s built a travel-focused business from anywhere. She discusses the impactful retreats she curates, designed to empower women through adventure and self-care, particularly for those in midlife. Christina emphasizes that success in the travel content space is rooted in authenticity, personal connection, and quality content rather than sheer follower count. 

Dive into her story and discover how travel can be both a lifestyle and a powerful tool for personal growth.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Full-Time Travel Lifestyle: Christina shares that full-time travel demands intentional planning, especially when balancing family and work.
  • Family-Centered Travel: Her family’s needs are central to every destination and experience, ensuring trips are meaningful for everyone.
  • Travel’s Real Connections: Christina finds the most rewarding part of travel is connecting with people and cultures along the way.
  • Business on the Move: Building her brand from the road has taught her resilience and the importance of flexibility.
  • Empowering Women through Retreats: Christina’s retreats are crafted to help women in midlife rediscover adventure and prioritize self-care.
  • Authenticity in Content Creation: Success in travel content is about genuine stories, quality, and personal experiences—not follower numbers.
  • Growth through Challenge: Her retreats include challenging activities to build confidence and inspire self-discovery.
  • Transformative Destinations: Traveling to less developed areas has deepened her appreciation for cultural insights and simplicity.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Christina McEvoy:

 

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Turning Points into Priceless Experiences with Tom Marsden (Ep. 13)

Turning Points into Priceless Experiences with Tom Marsden (Ep. 13)

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How did a Toronto native use simple points to unlock world-class luxury travel?

Meet Tom Marsden, a native Canadian turned global wanderer, whose savvy travel strategies turn everyday points into luxurious global escapades. In this fascinating episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” host DeAndre Coke invites us to dive into Tom’s world of strategic travel planning. Discover how Tom’s regular points have paved the way to extraordinary journeys for him and his family.

Key Highlights:

  • From Toronto to Travel Guru: Explore how Tom’s early life fueled his passion for travel and led him to become a mastermind travel strategist
  • Crafting $50,000 Journeys for $2,000: Tom’s Luxury Travel Secrets – Uncover the strategies that enabled Tom’s family to secure an opulent European adventure at a fraction of the regular cost
  • Why Tom Chooses Hyatt: A Look at Globalist Perks – Dive into Tom’s preference for Hyatt, detailing the luxurious family suites and unmatched customer service that come with Globalist status
  • The Road to Hyatt Globalist: Learn about achieving Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status through smart and ethical travel strategies
  • Extending Luxury with Guest of Honor: Discover how Tom enhanced DeAndre’s Maldives trip using the ‘Guest of Honor’ benefit and its recent changes
  • Tips for Aspiring Travelers: Gain valuable advice on starting your journey and maximizing the value of credit card bonuses and offers
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Tom Marsden:

 

About Tom Marsden:

Tom Marsden is a seasoned traveler, originating from Toronto, Ontario. His journey began in 2010, leveraging his business travels to gather points and elite status. As a Hyatt Globalist and lifetime Marriott member, Tom has crafted unique and luxurious travel experiences for his family, turning points into priceless memories. His story is not only about luxurious travel but also about sharing his expertise with others, inspiring them to explore the world through smart and strategic travel strategies.

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Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle: Marissa Webb’s Journey to Digital Nomad Freedom (Ep. 12)

Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle: Marissa Webb’s Journey to Digital Nomad Freedom (Ep. 12)

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There is another life beyond the cubicle.

Dive into “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as we explore Marissa Webb’s remarkable transition from an engineer to a life of freedom on the road. Marissa shares her journey of breaking away from the corporate grind to embrace the joys of solo travel and minimalism in her Airstream RV. 

Host DeAndre Coke guides us through her experiences, from the serene Watson Falls in Oregon to the rugged terrain of Glacier National Park. Learn about the essentials of nomadic living, from downsizing and financial planning to remote work and internet on the go. Join us for this episode of self-discovery and empowerment, filled with practical tips for aspiring digital nomads and reflections on personal growth.

Key Highlights:

  • The Leap to Freedom: Explore Marissa’s bold decision to leave her corporate life behind and embrace the nomadic lifestyle
  • Road to Minimalism: Discover how Marissa transitioned to a simpler life, focusing on the essentials and finding joy in less
  • Choosing the Airstream Life: Learn why Marissa chose an Airstream RV for her travels and its compatibility with her lifestyle
  • Adventures Across America: Dive into Marissa’s captivating experiences in stunning locations like Oregon’s Watson Falls and Glacier National Park
  • Solo Travel Safety: Gain insights into the precautions and safety tips Marissa employs during her solo wilderness adventures
  • Mastering Nomadic Living: Uncover practical advice on managing a nomadic lifestyle, from budgeting effectively to ensuring reliable internet connectivity
  • Inspiration for Aspiring Nomads: Hear Marissa’s reflections on personal growth and her recommendations for those considering a similar path
  • And so much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Marissa Webb: 

About Marissa Webb:

Marissa Webb is a digital nomad whose life is a canvas of adventure and inspiration. Once an engineer tethered to the conventional 9-to-5 in Virginia, Marissa took a bold leap into the unknown, embracing the freedom of the open road. With her Airstream RV as her trusty companion, she now travels the diverse landscapes of the United States, from the serene trails of the Pacific Northwest to the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park. Her journey is more than travel; it’s an exploration of minimalism, personal growth, and redefining success. Marissa’s story is an example for anyone yearning to break free from the mundane, encouraging a life filled with exploration, simplicity, and joy.

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