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

Real Estate Investing & Award Travel: Turning Renovation Costs into Award Flights

Learn how real estate investor Jaina Pallasigui turned a $26K property renovation into 239,000 points—and how you can do the same with everyday investment expenses, big or small.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

The Full Post  »

Listener Q&A: Credit Card Mistakes, Transfer Tips, and Booking Emirates First Class

Explore real listener questions about adding new points currencies like Capital One and Mesa, booking Emirates First Class, and how to stop second-guessing your redemption choices. Learn how to apply expert strategy to your everyday points decisions.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

The Full Post  »

Are the New Chase Sapphire Reserve Business & Updated Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Cards Worth It? Expert Breakdown of the 2025 Updates

Uncover the truth about Chase’s newest credit card updates and whether they’re really worth the hype. With higher fees and tricky credits, you’ll want to hear what two seasoned points experts think before applying—or renewing.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »

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

The Full Post  »