Registration is now open for the 2027 Point Me to First Class Conference in Austin, Texas (April 29-May 2). Dr. Andrea Mabry and I share why we’re hosting another live event, what makes in-person learning irreplaceable, and all the details about the venue, speakers, format, and how to register for in-person or digital attendance.

Discover how credit card product changes can help you lower annual fees, hold multiple copies of high-value cards, and access rewards cards that are closed to new applicants. This deep-dive covers the five strategic ways to use product changes to build a stronger, more rewarding credit card portfolio without opening new accounts.

Get answers to your top points questions—from Rakuten rewards strategy to navigating Chase credit card approvals. Plus, hear how the fundamental advice around earning and using points has shifted over the past decade, including why Chase is no longer the automatic starting point and why co-branded cards are more strategically important than ever.

Learn how to unlock Japan Airlines miles for more than just flights to Japan. Michael Gandara from Nurse Michael Travels breaks down partner award sweet spots, award search strategies, and the practical steps for finding and booking award flights through this powerful but often overlooked program.

Learn how to evaluate rare, high-multiplier points deals like the 250x Avios Kate Spade offer or the 240x Simply Miles promotion. Dr. Sujatha Murali and I break down the risk-versus-reward framework for deciding when outsized opportunities are worth taking.

Learn how to earn and strategically use Hilton free night certificates to unlock stays at properties that would otherwise cost $2,000+ per night. Jess Field of Points Talk Squad walks through the card strategy, redemption tactics, and aspirational properties where these certificates deliver spectacular value.

Get a detailed breakdown of Hyatt’s major award chart overhaul. Kelly and I walk through what’s changing, why it’s changing now, and how to think about your Hyatt points strategy moving forward.

Learn the five key considerations for paying taxes by credit card to maximize points while avoiding common mistakes. From planning which cards to use and timing applications correctly, to navigating PayPal pitfalls and Amex virtual card issues, this episode walks through everything you need to know to turn your tax payment into points stress-free.

Discover why I’m chasing loyalty program status in four different programs this year for the first time ever. Learn the specific benefits that make Hyatt Globalist, Bilt Platinum, Air France Flying Blue Platinum, and American Airlines Platinum Pro worth the effort, plus my exact plans for earning each status and how to evaluate if chasing status makes sense for you.

Episode Description Today we’re picking up where we left off last week with Dr. Alison Curfman—and diving into what happens after the flights are booked. Part 1 covered how Alison finds award flights and books hotels for her family of six to eight people when they travel. In Part 2, we’re talking about execution—the systems […]