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

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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Lessons Learned & Top Tips from Running Thousands of Award Searches

Learn the key differences between searching for cash flights versus award flights, and how to overcome the challenges of information overload and limited award seat inventory. I break down the most important mindset shifts and practical strategies you can start using today to increase your chances of finding your dream award flights.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Turn Payroll into Points: A Game-Changing Strategy for Business Owners with DeAndre Coke

Discover which credit cards offer the best earning rates when paying payroll through Zil, and how to think about the cost-benefit analysis of the processing fees. DeAndre breaks down his exact process for maximizing payroll points and shares some of the amazing trips he’s taken and has planned by strategically leveraging this expense. If you’re a business owner looking to supercharge your points earning, this episode is a must-listen!

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Expert Answers to Your Top Award Travel Questions: Listener Q&A

Have you ever wondered how to maximize your credit card rewards or book the perfect award flight? In this listener Q&A episode of Point Me To First Class, I dive into your most pressing points and miles questions.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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CME Secrets: Unlock International Travel with Dr. Courtney Downes

Discover how to tap into your CME allowance for unforgettable trips, from wellness retreats to international adventures. Dr. Courtney breaks down the options available and shares tips for navigating employer restrictions. She also reveals her favorite credit card perks and benefits that can elevate your travel experiences. Get ready to be inspired to prioritize rest and explore the world in a whole new way.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Maldives Dream Vacation: Booking, Business Class & Insider Tips

Inside I’m sharing all the details of how I booked an unforgettable family vacation to the Maldives almost entirely on points. It may seem out of reach, but with some strategic travel hacking, you can turn that dream into a reality.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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