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

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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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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2025 Guide to Paying Taxes with a Credit Card: Maximize Rewards & Minimize Fees

Learn how to maximize points and avoid high fees when paying your taxes with a credit card. This updated 2025 strategy breaks down exactly which cards and payment platforms to use—so you can turn tax season into your biggest points win of the year.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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Credit Card Points Transfers: Do’s, Don’ts, and Pro Tips

Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out how to transfer your credit card points to book award travel? Do you wonder if you’re getting the most value out of your hard-earned points? In this episode, I dive deep into the world of points transfers and reveal the top 10 do’s and don’ts every award traveler needs to know.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Skill Stacking Your Way to Better Points Redemptions

Learn how I break down the six key levels of points redemption skill stacking. I explain how to know which level you’re at currently, the specific skills to focus on building, and how to reach the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been collecting points for years, this episode will give you a clear framework to assess your current skills and identify areas for growth. Get ready to uplevel your points game and unlock incredible travel opportunities!

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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