Contrarian Takes on Money, Risk, and Retirement with Tyler Gardner

#248: Learn to escape the trap of over-optimizing and design a more meaningful life. We explore setting boundaries, resetting priorities, and turning failure into fuel for success. We also dive into Tim’s creative process behind his new card game and the surprising value of play. Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, one of the world’s most popular podcasts with over a billion downloads. He loves experimenting with productivity, health, storytelling, personal growth, and, most recently, card games. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tim-ferriss-over-optimizing-failure-play Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tim: Website | Podcast | X The 4-Hour Workweek The 4-Hour Body The 4-Hour Chef THE NO BOOK Where Are You Still Using Single-Ply? Coyote Card Game Terry Real’s Books Stumble Upon Diggnation Personal Power by Tony Robbins Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson AcroYoga Exploding Kittens Think Like a Game Designer Podcast Procreate ATH Podcast Ep #216: Purpose, Friendship, and Human Skills with Simon Sinek Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) When Tim Realized That Optimization Could Bend Life in His Favor (06:40) The Role of Patience in Optimization (08:14) Dialing Back on Optimizing (11:23) Do Relationships Require Less Optimization? (16:45) Fighting Natural Tendencies for a Better Life (19:57) The Impact of Journaling (23:42) Does Tim Still Find Himself Over-Optimizing? (25:14) The 3 Levels of Listening (29:47) Designing for States (31:40) Different Lenses for Optimization (36:28) The Optimizer Curses (40:53) How to Avoid Decision Fatigue (45:32) Being Rich Enough to Rent (48:37) Knowing When to Say “Yes or “No” (55:35) Active vs. Passive Intuition (01:01:40) How Decisions Get Influenced When You Have Kids (01:08:01) Is "Play" a State to Aim For? (01:13:38) Incorporating Play in Adulthood (01:18:13) The Process of Creating a New Card Game (01:28:18) The Next Big Project for Tim (01:30:53) Humans as Storytellers (01:34:10) Where to Find Tim & His Work Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#247: Chris dives into Bank of America’s credit card lineup and why he has 5 different BoA cards right now. He'll go over how the Preferred Rewards program can help you earn unlimited 3.3% back on everything. Finally, he also covers approval rules, credit limits, unique perks like free museum access, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bank-of-america-preferred-rewards Partner Deals Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris’ Best Cards Page Mesa Homeowners Card (code: CHRIS50) BoA Cards: Tier List Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Susan G. Komen® Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Bank of America® Travel Rewards Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Card The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard Allways Rewards Visa® card Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Business Card Other Cards Citi® Double Cash Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card Frequent Miler: Guide to Ultra-Premium Credit Card Travel Protections Rakuten: $50 bonus here BoA: Museums on Us | BankAmeriDeals ATH Podcast Ep #245: How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025? Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:29) Quick Episode Overview (03:21) BoA Preferred Rewards Program (06:00) Customized Cash Rewards Card (08:28) Customized Cash Rewards Card Variations (13:18) Unlimited Cash Card (15:50) Travel Rewards Card (18:02) Premium Rewards Card (24:54) Travel Benefits on the BoA Premium Cards (26:25) Atmos Rewards Ascent Card (32:24) Atmos Rewards Summit Card (35:10) Valuing Companion Awards (39:41) Free Spirit Travel More World Elite MasterCard (41:03) Allegiant Always Rewards Card (42:08) Air France KLM World Elite MasterCard (44:26) BoA’s Cruise Cards (45:03) Business Card Eligibility (47:12) Business Customized Cash Card (51:04) Business Unlimited Cash Card (52:21) Business Travel Rewards Card (55:41) Atmos Rewards Business Card (57:59) Applying for BoA Cards (59:13) 5 Consumer Card Limit (60:48) BoA Nuances to Keep in Mind (01:02:13) Credit Limits (01:03:00) BankAmeriDeals (01:04:07) Free Museum Access (01:05:06) Summary Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#246: Today we explore contrarian takes on budgeting, the 4% rule, retirement planning, and the risks of blindly investing in bonds. We also cover strategies for investing, spending, and rethinking how to use money with purpose. Tyler Gardner is a personal finance creator, educator, and former portfolio manager who’s built a following by challenging conventional money wisdom. He's also the host of Your Money Guide on the Side. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/rethinking-personal-finance-tyler-gardner Partner Deals Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tyler: Podcast | Instagram | TikTok Should I Invest in Bonds? Bill Perkins: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life ATH Podcast Ep #91: Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth with Bill Perkins Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:54) The True Purpose of Wealth (04:18) Do We Really Need an Emergency Fund? (07:22) Where to Keep Your Money During Uncertainty (14:45) Quick History Behind the 4% Rule (18:18) Modifying the 4% Rule for Retirement (22:30) The Flaws of the 4% Rule (25:51) How People in Iceland Approach Careers (27:11) Why You Should Learn to Occupy Time with Your Passion (31:48) Pursuing a Portfolio Career (35:20) The Importance of Having "Financial Neighbors" (38:55) Tyler's One Piece of Advice to Everyone (42:29) The Problem of Inheriting Money Scripts (45:35) Ways to Overcome Frugality (49:57) Tyler's View on Budgeting (54:28) How to Think About Taking Risks (57:38) Monte Carlo Scenarios (01:02:26) The Coast FIRE Movement (01:04:41) Why Tyler Doesn't Like Bonds (01:06:54) The Core-Satellite Approach for Investing (01:12:38) Important Investing Lessons (01:13:56) Where to Find Tyler Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#245: Ever wonder what points are really worth? I'll break down the different types of points, how to calculate their value, and the biggest mistakes people make along the way. You’ll also learn when cash back might be the smarter choice and my personal card strategy for maximizing credit card rewards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/what-are-your-points-worth Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards Mesa Homeowners Card (Referral code: FCRGNB) Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card Robinhood Gold Card Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and Fees here) U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card American Express® Gold Card American Express® Business Gold Card American Express® Green Card Amazon Prime Visa Card Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Citi Strata Elite℠ Card Citi® Double Cash Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Gemini Credit Card Expert Points Valuations The Points Guy One Mile at a Time Frequent Miler Award Search Tools Points Path Chrome Extension Award Wallet Gondola (Get $50 here) Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Fees ATH Podcast ⁠⁠Free Webinar: 5 Must-Know Tax Moves for Business Owners Chris’ Card Value Optimization Tool Membership Ep #244: How I Saved $10,000+ on Luxury Hotels Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:50) Why We’re in the Golden Age of Points and Miles (04:06) The Different Types of Points (06:04) Unlocking Value With Transfer Bonuses (07:58) Fake Points and What to Avoid (08:34) Why Knowing the Value of Points Matters (10:12) Comparing Points vs. Cash Back (13:26) Quick Episode Overview (14:38) Calculating the Floor Value of Points (16:47) Expert Points Valuation (19:26) Tools and Data for Valuing Points (21:55) Booking Domestic vs. International vs. Business Class Flights (24:27) Flight and Hotel Redemption Takeaways (29:33) Leveraging Gondola to Book Hotels (32:24) How to Get More Value From Hotel Points (34:17) Why Hotel Points Still Hold Value (35:12) Minimums, Maximums, and Ranges (36:20) How to Calculate Your Personal Value (41:18) Chris’ Rule of Thumb for Booking Award Flights (44:06) Key Caveat of Award Redemptions (46:20) Value of Earning Points vs. Cash Back (49:40) When Should You Buy Hotel and Airline Points? (52:46) The Bottom Line on Buying Points (53:31) How to Value Transferable Points (55:17) The Psychology Behind Buying Points (56:34) Leveraging Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool (58:54) Earning Points Across Other Major Categories (01:01:45) Cash Back Cards That Earn More Than 2% (01:05:56) Recap: Point Purchases on Cards (01:07:31) Recap: What Your Points Are Worth (01:08:51) Making the Case for Earning Points Everywhere Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#244: I'll explain how I saved over $10k on luxury hotels in Costa Rica and Carmel Valley using points, free nights, and elite perks. I’ll walk you through every step, from how to book with points, when to buy them on sale, how to stack hotel credits, which hotel programs give you upgrades and free breakfast, and more! Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/maximize-savings-costa-rica-carmel-valley Partner Deals Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Blog Posts How to maximize your Hilton cards How to use Hyatt's Guest of Honor Globalist benefit How to earn up to 6 free nights with Hyatt Brand Explorer Award Search Tools Rooms.Aero AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) Points Path Chrome Extension PointsYeah Hotels Awayz ($10 for ATH listeners and 50% off for ATH members) Gondola MaxMyPoint StayWithPoints Costa Rica Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Adobe Rent a Car Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Sensoria Diamante Eco Adventure Park La Finca Carmel Valley Ranch: Little Ranchers | River Ranch Earthbound Farm Lucia Restaurant & Bar The Great Tide Pool Revival Ice Cream Snack Shack at Lovers Point Lucy's On Lighthouse Monterey Bay Aquarium Alila Ventana Big Sur Hotel Buy World Of Hyatt Points For 20% Off Elemental Movie ATH Podcast Video Episode with Photos/Videos⁠ Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program Ep #157: Costa Rica: A Top Travel Destination for Adventure, Rainforests and Relaxation with Javier Echecopar Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Ep #182: Shortcuts to Elite Travel Status with Greg the Frequent Miler Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) How Chris Got Six Free Hilton Night Certificates (01:53) How Hilton Free Night Certificates Work (02:59) Earning Free Nights with Hilton Credit Cards (04:13) Planning the Trip to Costa Rica (06:23) Buying Hilton Points (and the Caveats) (09:40) Ways to Earn Hilton Status (13:48) Stacking Amex and Hilton Credits (16:14) Booking Flights with Points & Leveraging Alerts (19:35) Renting Cars in Costa Rica (20:55) The Flight Experience (22:16) Adobe Car Rental Review (23:03) Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Overview (25:20) How We Handled an Issue at the Hotel (30:09) Resort Layout, Pools & Amenities (33:16) Our Sensoria Rainforest Excursion (35:46) Diamante Eco Adventure Park & Zip Lining (37:06) The Dining, Drinks & Staff Experience (40:33) Sharing Feedback & Tipping the Hotel Staff (41:59) Overall Costa Rica Takeaways & Total Costs (45:33) How to Maximize Travel Perks without Points (48:50) Booking Carmel Valley Ranch with Hyatt Points (51:29) Hyatt Globalist Perks & Guest of Honor Certificates (54:08) Hyatt Brand Explorer Program (54:37) The Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch (58:21) Off-Property Activities & Local Recommendations (01:00:06) Trip Recap & Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#243: Discover smarter strategies to grow your wealth and create financial flexibility. We dive into when it makes sense to invest beyond retirement accounts, how to access savings early through Roth conversions and 72(t) distributions, ways to reduce taxes with HSAs, tax-advantaged accounts, and charity, and so much more. Michael Kitces is the Head of Planning Strategy at Focus Partners Wealth, co-founder of XYPN and publisher of a continuing education blog for financial planners, Nerd’s Eye View. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/smarter-savings-retirement-michael-kitces Partner Deals Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Oceans: Best proactive global talent to level up your work and life OpenPhone: 20% off the first 6 months of your own business phone system DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Michael Kitces: Website | Focus Partners Wealth | XYPN Blog Posts The Four Phases Of Saving And Investing For Retirement 3 Types Of Retirement And Their Very Different Savings Strategies Supplemental Saving In An HSA For Retiree Medical Expenses IRA Aggregation Rule And Pro-Rata IRA Taxation Effective Backdoor Roth Strategy: Rules, IRS Form 8606 Strategies For Maximizing (Or Minimizing!) Rule 72(t) Early Distribution Payments Systematic Partial Roth Conversions & Recharacterizations 72t Distribution Calculator ATH Podcast Submit questions for AMA Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:53) Should You Max Out Your Retirement Accounts? (05:08) Investing in Your Career as a High-Return Strategy (09:55) Saving in a Taxable Account vs. Retirement Account (13:40) Tax Advantages of a Retirement Account vs. Brokerage Account (16:19) How to Think About Emergency Savings (18:06) Choosing the Best Retirement Accounts (24:21) Reimbursing Medical Expenses via HSA (27:02) Evaluating the Core Retirement Accounts (29:19) Nuances of the Backdoor Roth IRA (30:53) Traditional vs. Roth IRA (32:12) Why the Majority Shouldn’t Worry About Tax Brackets (36:58) Roth Conversions in Low-Income Years (Sabbaticals) (39:52) Consolidating and Managing Old 401(k)s (42:05) Can You Access Retirement Funds via Roth Conversions? (42:44) Why Michael Doesn’t Practice Roth Conversions Before Retirement (45:36) The Rules for 72(t) Distributions (48:35) Tackling the Account Sequencing Problem (52:16) Leveraging Charity for Tax Deductions (53:58) What Happens When You Leave Money to Your Kids (1:00:43) Where to Find Michael, His Work and Services Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#242: Chris dives into the Capital One credit card lineup, breaking down earning structures for miles and cash back, exciting benefits, and redemption strategies. He also covers the best 2-card combo, transfer partners, important application rules, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/capital-one-credit-cards-miles-guide Partner Deals Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris' Best Cards Page Capital One Cards Tier List Iceland Trip Venture Cards Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card VentureOne Rewards for Good Credit from Capital One Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Capital One Venture X Business Spark Miles Cards Capital One Spark Miles for Business Capital One Spark Miles Select For Business Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card Quicksilver Cards Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Spark Cash Cards Capital One Spark Cash Capital One Spark Cash Plus Spark 1.5% Cash Select Business Card Capital One Spark 1% Classic for Business Platinum Mastercard® from Capital One Co-Branded Cards Williams Sonoma Key Rewards Visa Pottery Barn Key Rewards Visa west elm Capital One Credit Card The Key Rewards® Visa Capital One Resources Credit Card Pre-Approval Tool Eno® from Capital One® Capital One Shopping Capital One Dining Capital One Entertainment MLB™ Mondays at Capital One Café (Free Coffee) Blog Posts Why your credit card travel portal might be a poor way to book travel How to Get Approved for Business Cards How to Get MLB Tickets for 5,000 Miles How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points ATH Podcast Ep #228: Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo) Ep #236: Deep Dive on Amex Credit Cards and Membership Rewards Points Ep #240: Top Airline & Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Points with Greg the Frequent Miler Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet Membership: Join here Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:17) Quick Episode Overview (03:43) Capital One Venture Card (05:30) The VentureOne Card (06:46) Venture One Card for Good Credit (07:33) Capital One Venture X Rewards (08:17) Using the Capital One Travel Portal (12:27) Venture X Card Benefits (13:50) Capital One's Lounge Network & Access (18:44) The Venture X Business Card (24:06) Spark Miles Cards (26:29) Difference in Earning Miles vs. Cash Back Cards (27:13) Savor Rewards Card (32:15) Quicksilver Cards (33:57) The Spark Cash Cards (39:27) The No Reward Platinum Mastercard (40:11) The Four Co-Branded Williams Sonoma Cards (44:04) Capital One Perks: Virtual Card Numbers, Free Coffee & More (48:02) Online & Card-Linked Offers (52:11) Capital One Dining (52:42) Best Redemptions for Capital One Miles (54:08) Hotel & Airline Transfer Partners (57:49) Moving Capital One Miles (58:43) Important Rules to Keep in Mind (1:01:01) Quick Summary (1:03:10) The Best Two Capital One Card Combo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#241: We cover new credit cards, increased welcome bonuses, and major changes to existing cards and their benefits. Plus, learn how to rack up thousands of points through airline and hotel challenges and giveaways. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-cards-increased-offers-points-challenges Partner Deals Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards Chris' Cards Page Citi Strata Elite℠ (100,000 point offer) Citi Strata℠ Citi Double Cash® Card Citi Strata Premier℠ Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card American Express® Gold Card The Platinum Card® from American Express Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and Fees here) Mesa Homeowners Card (Referral code: FCRGNB) Nibbles Credit Card Rakuten American Express® Card Gemini Credit Card Coinbase One Card "Weird Al" Yankovic Rakuten: Free $30 here Airline & Hotel Challenges Frequent Miler: Million Mile Madness Recap Etihad: The Extraordinary Challenge JetBlue: 25 for 25 JetBlue: TrueBlue Partner Passport Challenge Choice Hotels: 1-Million Points Sweepstakes ATH Podcast Ep #228: Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo) Ep #236: Deep Dive on Amex Credit Cards and Membership Rewards Points Ep #234: Earn Points on Mortgage, 100k+ Card Bonuses, New 4% Card, Devaluations and More Southwest Cards Refresh Mesa Homeowners Card Membership Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:51) Citi Strata Elite Card Perks & Earnings (05:24) 100K Welcome Offer (12:00) U.S. Bank Card Changes (17:05) Southwest Card Refresh (18:44) How to Earn a Southwest Companion Pass (21:27) Increased Bonuses on Marriott Bonvoy Cards (22:50) Elevated Amex Welcome Offers (25:13) Bilt Card & Benefits (29:43) Mesa Homeowners Card for Mortgage Payments (33:07) The Nibbles Card for Pets (34:56) The New Rakuten Card (37:31) Gemini Credit Card (41:38) The Coinbase One Card (46:28) Etihad & Turkish Airlines Points Challenge (48:50) Latest JetBlue Challenges (56:15) Choice Hotel 1M Sweepstake (57:07) Upcoming Changes to the Podcast (57:58) Chris’ Birthday Request Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#240: Transferring points is one of the best ways to maximize your points, so today we share the top airline and hotel transfer partners. We also cover strategies to get the most out of your points, including how to leverage transfer bonuses, identify sweet spots, avoid common mistakes, and more. Greg Davis-Kean is the founder of Frequent Miler, a blog dedicated to helping people maximize their travel rewards and loyalty programs, mostly without flying. He is also the host of the Frequent Miler on the Air podcast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-transfer-partners-greg-frequent-miler Partner Deals Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance OpenPhone: 20% off the first 6 months of your own business phone system For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Greg Davis-Kean: Frequent Miler | Newsletter | Podcast Frequent Miler Resources Current Transfer Bonuses How to Save Miles by Flying More How to book EVA Air Infinity MileageLands awards How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points Flight Award Search Tools PointsYeah AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) ATH Podcast Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Outsized Value from Transferring Points (02:27) Quick Episode Overview (08:21) Why Emirates First Class Is a Coveted Experience (15:22) Air Canada's Aeroplan Program (19:06) Maximizing Transfer Bonuses (20:32) Getting Value from the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (26:44) Sweet Spot for Virgin Atlantic (34:22) Using Air France-KLM Flying Blue for Business Class Flights (40:23) Leveraging Avios Points (45:23) Avios Sweet Spots and Places to Avoid (51:40) Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific (55:44) Is the Avianca LifeMiles Program Worth It? (59:30) JetBlue’s Transfer Partners (1:01:44) Southwest Airlines (1:04:39) Aeromexico (1:04:52) Qantas and Turkish Airlines (1:06:43) Booking Flights via United (1:09:26) EVA Air Program for Flights to Asia (1:11:18) Uses for ANA (1:12:45) TAP Air and Thai Airways (1:13:21) Why Greg Loves Alaska Miles (1:15:31) Difference Between Airline Miles vs. Hotel Points (1:16:37) Using Hyatt Points (1:18:07) Getting Value from Wyndham, IHG, and Hilton (1:21:11) The Marriott Bonvoy Program (1:21:40) Booking Hotels with Citi ThankYou Points (1:23:28) Leader’s Club (1:25:10) Wells Fargo and Accor Points (1:25:58) Why You Should Set Up Your Award Programs in Advance (1:27:47) Is It Possible to Reverse Transfers? (1:28:56) Where to Find Greg and Frequent Miler Resources Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#239: Why wait until you're 65? It's feasible for almost anyone to take a mini retirement and when done right, it can also fast-track your career and income. Learn how to plan one, negotiate time off, manage costs, avoid pitfalls, and make it work if you’re self-employed. Plus, we share tips for handling health insurance and other logistics during your mini-retirement. Jillian Johnsrud is the author and host of Retire Often. She’s taken more than a dozen mini-retirements and coaches people to pursue meaningful goals, take mini-retirements, and align their money with what matters most. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mini-retirements-jillian-johnsrud Partner Deals Stable: 50% off your first year of my favorite digital mailbox DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Long Angle: Join a free private community for high net worth investors Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Jillian: Website | Podcast | Instagram Jillian's Book: Retire Often Free Worksheets: Planning | Negotiating Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:12) Why Traditional Retirements Are Flawed (04:32) What Is a Mini Retirement? (06:50) How to Make More Money by Working Less (09:46) Managing Your Time During a Mini Retirement (11:57) Common Types of Mini Retirements (15:43) Ways to Design an Impactful Mini Retirement (18:19) Financial Implications of a Mini Retirement (20:40) Chris and Amy's Mini Retirement (22:57) How to Negotiate a Mini Retirement With Your Employer (30:41) Paid Leave vs. Unpaid Leave (37:18) Finding Work After a Mini Retirement (42:10) Tips for People Who Are Self-Employed (46:52) How to Plan, Save, and Spend for Your Mini Retirement (49:33) Estimating the Cost of a Mini Retirement (53:45) All the Different Ways a Mini Retirement Can Go Wrong (56:55) Should You Take a Mini Retirement With or Without Your Partner? (59:07) Health and Travel Insurance Options (1:01:09) Jillian's Parting Advice (1:02:23) Where to Find Jillian and Her Work Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices