POINT ME TO FIRST CLASS
PODCAST

Point Me to First Class is the show for professionals and business owners with higher-than-average personal or business expenses, who want to learn to leverage these expenses into credit card points they can spend on travel.

Each week, I share valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points, so you can expand your travel and expand your experiences.

Start having first-class travel experiences without the first-class price tag.

Points earning strategies

Points redeeming

TRAVEL TIPS

What’s Changed in Points and Miles in 2025? Your Mid-Year Travel Rewards Recap

Step back and take stock of 2025’s most important credit card and award travel shifts. From rising transfer partner opportunities to surprise program devaluations, this mid-year review reveals what’s changed—and what to expect next.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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How to Maximize Alaska Airlines Miles for High-Value Award Travel in 2025

Discover how to use Alaska Airlines miles for maximum value—from booking domestic trips for under 5,000 points to scoring lie-flat seats on long-haul routes. This episode unpacks the best sweet spots and the traps to avoid.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Bilt Rewards Adds Japan Airlines: What This Means for Award Travel in 2025

Learn how to use Bilt Rewards points to book Japan Airlines flights in business class—and unlock powerful partner redemptions with Emirates, Korean Air, and more. This new transfer option could be your key to premium travel in 2024.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Speculative Points Transfers Explained: When to Move Your Credit Card Points Without a Booking

Learn when it actually makes sense to transfer credit card points without a specific award booking—and how to evaluate limited-time transfer opportunities like Amex to Alaska via Hawaiian.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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How Fifth Freedom Flights Unlock More Award Seats, Better Planes, and Increased Award Flight Opportunities

Explore how fifth freedom flights can unlock more award availability, lower points prices, and surprisingly comfortable cabins. This guide breaks down what they are, where they fly, and how to book them.

Points Earning Strategies, Travel Tips

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How to Improve Sleep While Traveling: Expert Tips to Manage Jet Lag and Sleep Disruption

Learn how to sleep better while traveling with advice from two sleep therapists. This episode covers what actually causes jet lag, how to prepare before a trip, and simple changes that make a big difference during and after your travels.

Travel Tips

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Yes, You Can Earn Points on Your Mortgage—Here’s the Card That Makes It Happen

Discover how the Mesa credit card finally makes it possible to earn points for your mortgage—and other major expenses for homeowners like daycare and utilities. This episode breaks down how it works and who it’s best for.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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4 Simple Strategies to Earn More Credit Card Points at Costco—In Store, Online, or Through Instacart

Learn how to earn more points on every Costco run with four smart strategies that work in-store, online, and through Instacart. Whether you’re new to points or looking to fine-tune your Costco rewards plan, this episode will help you get more from every cartload.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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How to Evaluate Elevated Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Without Derailing Your Points Strategy

Explore how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses without blowing up your points strategy. This episode gives you the questions you need to ask before saying yes to that “best-ever” offer.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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How to Optimize Travel, Money, and Life with Everyday Hacks and Tools

Explore how to simplify your finances, make smarter travel decisions, and live more intentionally using systems and tools that actually work. Chris Hutchins shares his favorite hacks for optimizing the way you earn, spend, and travel—without overthinking it.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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