Want to make more travel memories without the stress and the cost? In this podcast (formerly titled Families Fly Free), longtime professional travel journalist Lyn Mettler shares her insider secrets gained from 25+ years and counting as a professional travel journalist and travel rewards expert to help you make travel LESS stressful and MORE affordable.
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Travel isn’t just for the rich. I teach people how to supercharge their credit card points so they can pay for entire family vacations every year. I've been redeeming miles and points to pay for travel for over a decade. Points have taken our family around the world. But one thing sets me apart -- our family flies economy because business class isn't worth the extra effort for us. But this podcast isn't about me and where I've been -- it's about you and your goals. I focus on "normal" and st ...
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Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.
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The Money School Podcast shares the secrets of the wealthy, so you learn how money really works and take back control of your life! You'll hear the inside story of wealthy entrepreneurs and investors... breaking down how they got started, how they think about money, how they put money to work for them, and how you can change your life simply by doing ONE thing differently with the money you already have. Through the podcast, you'll become your own bank - mastering how money really works - so ...
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191 | 🎮 Epic Universe Insider Guide (Part 2): Dark Universe, Super Mario, Berk and Food Finds
46:19
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46:19In Part 2 of my conversation with Chad Pennycuff (My DVC Points Podcast), we’re diving deeper into Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park: Epic Universe — and there’s so much more to explore! This episode covers: 🍕 The best food in the park (hello, truffle pizza, mango cornbread & that Frankenstein pretzel) 🧛♂️ The incredible Dark Universe land …
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This ONE Mindset Shift Will Change How You Think About Success w/ Taylor Clark
1:15:03
1:15:03
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1:15:03You’re out in the real world, trying to “figure it out,” but instead, you feel lost, stuck. Everyone told you that once you got the degree, the path would appear. But here you are, overwhelmed, second-guessing, and unsure where to even begin. It’s exhausting. You’re watching others seemingly take off while you're still parked at the starting line. …
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Ultimate Guide to Bilt Rewards | Is This The Best Loyalty Program?
46:18
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46:18Watch Us On YouTube! In this week's episode, Richard and Ed deep dive into the Bilt Rewards program. It's more than just a credit card- it's an entire loyalty ecosystem! Hear all the ins and outs of the program, including how to maximize earning Bilt points, Bilt status, Rent Day strategies, and even a look into the near future of the program. Sign…
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190 | 🎢 Epic Universe Insider Guide (Part 1): Hotels, Harry Potter, Celestial Park + Line Tips
44:40
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44:40In this episode, I’m joined by Chad Pennycuff of the My DVC Points podcast to break down everything you need to know about Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe — starting with where to stay, what to skip, and how to save. We also recap Chad’s incredible theme park tour across Asia, including Shanghai Disney, Universal Beijing, To…
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House Rich, Cash Poor? Here’s How to Flip the Script w/ Harrison George
43:10
43:10
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43:10Families are house-rich but cash-poor. Sound familiar? Your home’s value has skyrocketed, but so have interest rates, and now you're stuck. Stuck with rising expenses. Stuck with high-interest debt. Stuck with equity… trapped in the walls of your own house. It’s like having a vault of money you can’t touch, while inflation and debt slowly suffocate…
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How To Save Time and Money At Tokyo Disneyland!
43:35
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43:35Watch Us On YouTube! We're finally detailing Ed's exciting trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Are the official Disney hotels worth the price? Plus, there are some new Chase referral bonus rules to be aware of. Air France is increasing the value of its elite status- a rarity in the points and miles world! A dad jumped off the Disney Dream to save his child- …
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189 | Secrets of London: A Travel Journalist’s Best Tips
44:52
44:52
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44:52Join me for an insider’s journey to London as I share my favorite travel tips, hidden gems and even a few things I wish I’d done differently. In this episode, you’ll hear how I flew to London for (almost) free, where we stayed (and why it mattered), the must-see spots I recommend and how to get around the city stress-free — all from the perspective…
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Your Worst Investment Habit? Falling for the Next Big Thing w/ Troy Eckard
44:53
44:53
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44:53Why do so many investors keep losing money despite all the opportunities around them? It’s a painful cycle, jumping from one shiny new trend to the next, blinded by hype, only to watch their hard-earned cash slip away. Sound familiar? The truth is, chasing every new “hot” opportunity is a fast track to bad decisions and big losses. Investors are pa…
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Watch Us On YouTube! This week, we're answering the tough question: who owns the armrest in the middle seat? A flight attendant announcement has Ed all fired up. Weather woes plague Ed and Richard this week- how did Ed get to NYC?? Ed has a hotel review of the Standard High Line, one of the newest Hyatt properties to join the portfolio. Richard jum…
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The Invisible Force Keeping the Market Alive and How to Protect Yourself w/ Chris Miles
1:00:05
1:00:05
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1:00:05Why hasn’t the stock market crashed yet? You’re watching the headlines, feeling the tension, wondering if the bubble’s about to burst and how you’ll protect everything you’ve worked for. The truth? The market hasn’t crashed because there’s still one critical thing pumping it up. Money supply. As long as cash keeps flowing through the economy, the m…
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Chase and Amex make big changes to their credit card benefits. Are they still worth holding after their devaluation? Emirates transfers return to flexible points currencies, after some backend work from the airline. The airline still has some fun 5th Freedom routes around the world that award travelers should be aware of! Chase Sapphire Reserve is …
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The Wealth You Don’t See: Why Discipline Beats Hype in Investing w/ Paul Moore
44:58
44:58
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44:58Here's the truth nobody talks about: investing isn’t about saying “yes” to every shiny opportunity that comes your way. It’s about discipline. It’s about mastering the art of saying “no.” It’s about boring consistency, and yes, sometimes it feels plain, but that’s where real wealth is quietly built. Paul Moore’s journey from rags to riches didn’t j…
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Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Biggest Ever Changes!
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39:02Watch us on YouTube! Chase Sapphire Reserve is making big changes. Should this card be in your wallet or is it time to set it aside? American Airlines is getting rid of their upgrade award chart and moving to dynamic pricing. Why is this so bad for travelers? Jetblue has a pretty incredible status match offer right now, with the opportunity to stat…
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188 | How to Visit Colleges on Points — Without Blowing Your Travel Budget
24:29
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24:29College visits, auditions, move-in weekends and campus drop-offs — they’re all part of the college journey… and they can get really expensive, really fast. But what if you didn’t have to stress about the cost? In this episode, I share how I recently visited Notre Dame using points and stayed right on campus without spending a dime — plus how Club m…
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Why Your Real Estate Profits Are Vanishing To Taxes and How To Fight Back w/Jeff Hiatt
37:18
37:18
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37:18Real estate investing is supposed to build your wealth. So why does it feel like you're building the IRS’s bank account instead? You're hustling, buying properties, managing tenants, and navigating deals. Then tax season hits, and you’re writing big checks to the government. What if you had a legal way to keep more of your money? Well, there is, an…
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Watch us on YouTube! Richard got the chance to stay at one of the new Standard Hotels in NYC. Take a look at his first experience, including the upgrade he scored on his stay. Capital One made some big changes to lounge access. This will impact all Venture cardholders starting next year. These are changes you need to know about if you hold one of t…
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Why Building Luxury Apartments Isn’t Solving The Housing Crisis
26:42
26:42
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26:42You've probably heard it: "housing shortage this, housing shortage that." But here’s the truth no one’s telling you: we’re not facing a housing shortage. We’re facing an affordable housing shortage. Yet, all around us, we see more luxury apartments and high-end developments sprouting like weeds. If the real demand is for affordable housing, why are…
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Are Higher Fares For Solo Travel Here To Stay?
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40:33Watch us on YouTube! Southwest Airlines officially launched bag fees this week. At the same time, they also took away free same-day changes on some fares for top-tier elite members. It has not been a good week for Southwest customers. Both Richard and Ed scored a great business class deal to Africa on Etihad. Did you get in on this deal? American A…
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A 200% Transfer Bonus! Save On Summer Vacations
42:04
42:04
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42:04Watch us on YouTube! It's a big week for Bilt Rewards members. No, not because Richard is camping. Thank goodness he didn't add an RV component to Bilt Rewards. Not only did Bilt announce Qatar Airways Privilege Club as their 16th airline partner, they announced an unprecedented 200% transfer bonus to Accor hotels for Gold and Platinum Bilt members…
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Bilt Adds Japan Airlines As Its 20th Transfer Partner
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45:43
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45:43Watch us on YouTube! Delta made some changes to their fare structures that are likely to lead to confusion for some travelers. Richard and Ed are weighing in on those changes. Bilt has added their 20th transfer partner. Japan Airlines is a very useful program to get to Japan and other points in Asia, but has been a difficult program to transfer poi…
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Legacy Planning: Trusts, Taxes, and Teaching Your Kids to Keep the Money w/ Loral Langemeier
56:36
56:36
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56:36You’ve worked your whole life to build something that lasts. But what happens after you’re gone? Too many people avoid that question until it’s too late. Because here’s the thing: your legacy is too important to put off till later. If you’re not intentional, you’ll leave your family with chaos and confusion. Legacy doesn’t happen by accident. Trust…
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Watch us on YouTube! On top of some travel slow downs, RealID is officially in place. What does this mean for travelers? It's not as bad as expected, but it's still annoying. Ed talks about his one day in Taipei, including their stop at Taipei 101. Richard and Ed talk through some interesting deals in the market right now. If you enjoy the podcast,…
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187 | Chase Sapphire Preferred: Hidden Perks That Make This the No. 1 Travel Card
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30:27Chase Sapphire Preferred is my FAVORITE Travel card — and right now, it’s offering a limited-time 100,000-point bonus (worth at least $1,250 in free travel) that ends May 15 at 9am ET. Thanks for using my personal affiliate link to support the podcast if you decide to apply for the card: https://www.familiesflyfree.com/favorite-card But beyond the …
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Why Investors Fail After the Flip (and How to Never Be One of Them) w/ Aaron Chapman
45:27
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45:27You found the deal. You found the lender. You even closed with hard money. Now what? That’s the question too many investors forget to ask—until it’s too late. In today’s market, with traditional financing tightening up and banks saying “no” more often, smart investors know that real money is made after the flip. When you’ve got a reliable exit stra…
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Is It Safe To Fly Through Newark Airport? Special Guest Seth Miller
40:16
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40:16Tune in as Seth Miller from PaxEx.Aero and Dots, Lines & Destinations joins us again. We talk about Richard's favorite route coming back, and Seth goes into detail on the state of Wi-Fi on airplanes. But, the big topic is Newark Airport, and the utter disaster it is right now. We'll try our best to answer that question for folks. If you enjoy the p…
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186 | New Rules, Same Free Perks? How to Outsmart Southwest’s Changes
32:48
32:48
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32:48Southwest Airlines is shaking things up—starting with assigned seating in January 2026 and a new policy that could mean paying for checked bags. 😲 But don’t panic! In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s not changing, and most importantly—how you can still get your checked bags free and snag a great seat without payin…
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Delta Delays And American Airlines Status Offers
44:56
44:56
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44:56Delta does Richard dirty again, and adds to his stack of delays in 2025. Bilt's May Rent Day features up to a 100% transfer bonus to Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program. Bilt Rewards now allows you to pay rent with any credit card. Listen to Ed discuss why he thinks this can lead to bigger and better things. It's free to sign up for the Bilt …
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Partner Airline Deals for Booking Alaska & Hawaiian Flights
22:29
22:29
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22:29Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to show you how to book Alaska and Hawaiian flights for less by leveraging partner airline points. We'll explore options with Finnair, Qatar, JetBlue, American, and Singapore Airlines, including tips for maximizing your savings. I’ll break down everything from usi…
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185 | Why Travel Feels So Hard — And How to Make It Much Easier
23:41
23:41
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23:41Ever feel like travel is more stressful than it should be? You’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I unpack the real reason travel feels overwhelming: No one ever taught us how to do it well. From not knowing if you passport will pass muster to panicking when a flight gets canceled, most of us are just guessing our way thro…
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Pay for Perks: First-Class Bids, Frontier Status Match & Starlux Flight Review
47:40
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47:40Watch Us On YouTube! We're talking about Ed's flights to Japan, including business class on Delta's Airbus A350 and Japan Airlines 787-9. He also flew economy class on Starlux Airlines and was REALLY impressed. How much would you pay for a first class upgrade? We're giving you our opinion on how much we would pay. Bilt Rewards now allows you to pay…
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184 | The Problem With Opening Too Many Travel Cards
25:51
25:51
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25:51Unfortunately, it's commonly recommended to open a lot of travel cards in order to earn the "sign up bonus" (SUB), but this can quickly lead to overwhelm, getting banned by banks and cause you to miss out on the truly great deals and a simpler system that could save you thousands on travel. In this episode, I outline the problems with opening too m…
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Want Financial Freedom? Stop Building Wealth for Other People w/ Jason Sipple and Stephen Nagy
54:16
54:16
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54:16We’ve all been told the same lie: work hard at a corporate job, and eventually, it’ll pay off. But here’s the truth—you can do everything right and still end up with nothing. Why? Because the financial system was never built to make you wealthy. It was built to keep you stuck. The banks, the government, and Wall Street have systematically wiped out…
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Travel Warnings And Wins: CO Alarms, Virgin Fee Hikes And Hyatt “Elite For A Day” Pays Off
40:11
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40:11Watch Us On YouTube! NEW: Time stamps are listed at the bottom of the notes! A recent sad story is a cautionary tale for why you should carry a carbon monoxide detector when you travel. Virgin Atlantic has hiked the fees they charge with award tickets. Does this make them a bad option for award redemptions? A listener of the show checks in with a r…
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Alaska and Hawaiian Miles for Domestic Award Flights
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17:55Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into two airlines perfect for trips to and from the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, or flights to Hawaii and Alaska: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines! With their merger underway, things are shifting, creating some unique opportunities, especially a cool …
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Fresh off my family’s trip to London, I’m sharing 5 travel insights you can use on your next international adventure. These simple but powerful tips helped make our trip smoother, more memorable — and more fun! You’ll learn: My #1 strategy to beat jet lag Why flexibility can be your travel superpower How to stay on top of major travel news (and why…
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Infinite Banking: The Wealth Hack the Banks Don’t Want You to Know w/ Stephen Nagy & Brian Fouts
42:30
42:30
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42:30Most people do what they’re told when it comes to money—get a job, stash cash in a 401(k), and hope there’s enough to retire someday. But what do they get? Debt. Stress. Zero control over their time and money. Meanwhile, banks are making a fortune off their hard work. Savings get eaten up by taxes, inflation, and market crashes. Retirement accounts…
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Bolivia & Peru With Special Guest Michelle Gonzalez, LAX to Luxury
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37:04Watch Us On YouTube! NEW: Time stamps are listed at the bottom of the notes! We're excited to welcome a special guest, Michelle Gonzalez, founder of LAX to Luxury! She's diving into Bolivia and Peru with us, recapping her recent crazy trip. And, we have an in-depth conversation on Taco Bell, which Richard thoroughly disapproves of. https://laxtolux…
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Amex Points Explained: The Good, The Bad, and The Rules You Need to Know
29:04
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29:04Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Let's tackle a topic I get asked about a lot: Amex Membership Rewards. Honestly, I have mixed feelings – the points themselves can be fantastic for travel, but the cards? They definitely come with extra rules and quirks, making them feel more intermediate level. Still, since you'…
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It’s Never a Bad Time to Invest in Real Estate: How to Win in the Worst Markets w/ Joel Miller
47:42
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47:42The stock market’s ups and downs, the uncertainty of the economy, and inflation have many investors on edge, searching for something stable. But for those who know how to play it right, real estate has always stood out as a reliable option. So, what’s the trick to making it work, especially when times are tough? Here’s the thing: there’s never real…
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Best Avios Strategies for Domestic American Airlines Flights
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23:03
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23:03Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m sharing the current best strategies on how to use Avios to book American Airlines domestic flights! With these methods you can book flights to Hawaii from anywhere in the US for 30,000 points round trip – or less! It used to be that British Airways offered a great way t…
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182 | Does Costco Fit Into a Travel Rewards Strategy? Let's Break It Down
5:38
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5:38If you love shopping at Costco (who doesn’t?), you might be missing out on a hidden travel perk. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to make your Costco spending — and even your Costco credit card — work harder for your travel goals. Whether you’re earning points or planning your next trip, I’ll show you how Costco fits into a smart travel rewar…
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How to Smash Your Business Barriers by Talking to Your 7-Year-Old Self w/ Annie Yatch
38:16
38:16
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38:16Every entrepreneur, high-powered professional, and goal-driven person has hit a wall they just can’t seem to break through. Whether it's stuck revenue, burnout, imposter syndrome, or self-sabotage, it feels like the problem is external. But here’s the truth: most of those barriers are internal. And the person holding you back? That could be the 7-y…
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181 | Turn Your Tax Bill Into Travel Rewards
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26:40No one loves writing a check to the IRS — but what if it could help fund your next vacation? With the tax deadline approaching, I’m sharing smart ways to earn valuable travel points when paying your taxes. If you owe money this year, don’t miss this chance to turn a painful payment into free flights! 💡 It’s one of my favorite creative ways to rack …
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Travel Slowdown, Biloxi Buzz & 100K Sign-Up Bonus
46:16
46:16
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46:16Watch Us On YouTube! NEW: Time stamps are listed at the bottom of the notes! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Richard is back from his first trip to Biloxi and he's filling us in on all the details. Ed had his first issue on American since returning to the airline recently.…
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American Airlines Miles: Best Ways to Earn & Redeem for Domestic Flights
25:27
25:27
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25:27Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, we're diving into American Airlines miles. I know a lot of you want to use points for domestic travel, and American is a good option. We'll talk about the best times to use your miles on American flights, and how to earn those miles. I'll cover the pros and cons,…
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The Wisdom Shortcut: How to Save Years of Struggle and Achieve Success Faster
48:33
48:33
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48:33How many mistakes did you have to make before you found success? How much time, money, and energy did trial and error cost you? Now, imagine watching someone else go down the same painful road—knowing you have the wisdom to help them avoid those missteps. Yet, too often, people keep their hard-earned wisdom to themselves. Maybe you think others nee…
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Loyalty in Limbo: United’s Lifetime Shake-Up & Marriott’s Diminishing Perks
50:36
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50:36Watch Us On YouTube! NEW: Time stamps are listed at the bottom of the notes! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! We get an update on Richard's blood clot saga before digging into a new Marriott brand and reduced loyalty participation. Is this the new normal for Marriott. Ed bo…
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Award Flights Made Easy: My Simple Research Process
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19:43Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode I'm sharing my exact process to research the best domestic award flights. I’ll walk you through the initial steps I always take before even thinking about searching for award availability. I'll show you why it's so important to understand your routing options and …
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180 | How to STILL Fly Your Southwest Bags Free + Other Questions About Southwest's Changes
23:49
23:49
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23:49We continue our discussion with more information now available about Southwest's big changes announced on March 11, 2025. We discuss the answers to questions like: Is there an easy way to still get my checked bags free? Yes! Do these changes affect flights I've already booked or will book before May 28? Should I stop booking the cheapest Southwest …
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Southwest Announces Negative Changes to Baggage Policy, Fares, Awards And More
32:47
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32:47Watch Us On YouTube! NEW: Chapters are listed at the bottom of the notes! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Southwest dropped some news this week, and it was all uniformly bad. These were not small changes, and many customers will be upset. "Bags Fly Free" is no longer a sur…
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