I am heading to Singapore in December. Just to be extra safe, I have registered my trip with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). By registering with STEP, I will receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions. Registering will also make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact me in an emergency. […]
Category: Mom’s Tips
Rookie Mistake-Barclays Canceled My AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard
I made a rookie mistake and let Barclays cancel my AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard because I had 24 months of inactivity. I tell all of my clients to keep a small monthly charge on all of their no fee cards that sit in a drawer, or to remember to use them every so often. […]
Now Existing Rakuten Members Can Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points Too When They Shop
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, started to allow new members to earn Membership Rewards points in lieu of cash back back in March of this past year. Well now, Rakuten lets all members earn Amex Membership Rewards points instead of cash back. To switch, you need to go into “Account Settings” and select Membership Rewards […]
When You Should And Shouldn’t Pay With Amex Points
If you are an American Express cardholder of a card that earns Membership Rewards Points, you can Pay With Points for your travel. Amex has made things a bit complicated in that the number of points required depends on the type of travel you are booking and sometimes, the type of card you have. IMO, there […]
You No Longer Have To Make That Annoying Phone Call When You Want To Use Your Free Bonvoy Night
With many of the Bonvoy cards that are issued by Chase and Amex, you receive 1 free night every year after your cardmember anniversary. The free nights range from stays worth 25,000 Bonvoy points to 50,000 Bonvoy points, depending on which card you hold. I love the free anniversary nights, and advise people that these […]
Maybe You Should Food Shop On Vacation
Currently participating Element Hotels, Residence Inns, TownePlace Suites, all of which come with full kitchens, are enticing you to stock your fridge! When you book a stay of 7 days or more, you will receive a $25 grocery gift card or an on-property market credit. Plus, select locations offer a grocery delivery service direct […]
How To Destroy A Metal Card, Or Not
I recently posted that after careful analysis, I decided to cancel Rob’s Business Platinum at the hefty price tag of $595 and you can read why here. However, have you ever felt the American Express Platinum or Business Platinum card? It is made of metal and it is impossible to cut in half or destroy. I […]
Rob Is Canceling His Amex Business Platinum-Read Why
After having just received the bill for Rob’s Business Platinum at the hefty price tag of $595, I decided that he should cancel the card. There were a number of reasons why I made this decision: 1. I have the personal American Express Platinum and can add Rob (plus 2 of my kids) as […]
Chase Gave Me 1,000 Goodwill Points For Being Unable To Use My Freedom Card On Gas
I make sure that each quarter I activate my 5% cash back/5 Ultimate Rewards points bonus on the Chase Freedom card’s quarterly bonus categories. I love the months that these bonus categories include restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations and I make sure I use the card to try to get as close to […]
Thanks Citi For Helping My Credit Score
For all of you skeptics out there who believe that you hurt your credit (by a lot) by constantly applying for cards, (like I do), I just got an email from Citibank offering an increased credit line on my Citi Thankyou Preferred card (a card I only use if there is a spending incentive). I […]