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Category: Podcast
[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session – get on the waitlist here!
Travel Freely App – How we keep track of all our cards!
And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5
The intimidating numbers associated with credit card annual fees often mask the real value these cards provide through their benefits and credits when used strategically.
• Breaking down how we manage $5,500 in credit card annual fees annually
• Understanding the value proposition: first-year annual fees are always offset by welcome bonuses
• Using Travel Freely app to track 5/24 status and upcoming annual fees
• Leveraging Card Pointers app to maximize monthly, quarterly, and annual credits
• Amex Business Platinum ($695 x 2) provides approximately $1,750 in usable credits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) delivers $600 in credits we actually use
• Hilton Aspire ($550) offers $600 in credits plus a valuable free night certificate
• Most hotel-branded cards provide free night certificates worth more than their annual fees
• Total analysis shows we're receiving $5,153 in usable credits against $5,505 in fees
• Not every card provides positive value, and that's okay for strategic purposes
If you're interested in personalized advice about points, miles, and finding the best credit card strategy for your travel goals, I'm now offering one-on-one consultations. Visit the link in the show notes to join the waitlist.
[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session – get on the waitlist here!
And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5
In this episode we take you through our recent stay at the Arizona Grand Hotel in Phoenix, exploring their impressive water park and sharing our experience as a family of five.
• All-suite hotel with space for families of all sizes
• Water park features three thrilling water slides, wave pool, and lazy river
• Numerous lifeguards stationed throughout the water park
• Food options include poolside service, breakfast restaurant, and Starbucks
• Multiple smaller pools throughout property offer quieter alternatives
• Hotel located on 164 acres at base of South Mountain
• Tips for saving money on food and drinks during your stay
• Room rates around $299/night include four water park passes
• Can be booked through travel portals or American Airlines Hotels
• Earns a solid four out of five stars for family-friendly amenities
If you're interested in learning how to maximize your points and miles for family travel, we're opening up one-on-one consultation sessions. Get on the waitlist through the link in our show notes for an exclusive discount.
[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session – get on the waitlist here!
Travel Freely App – How we keep track of all our cards!
And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5
Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months and an “excellent” credit score of 808 to show for it.
The credit card journey has been quite the ride. Growing up with warnings about the dangers of plastic and experiencing credit card debt twice in my younger years made me initially hesitant. Fast forward to today, and I've completely transformed my relationship with credit cards, using them strategically to fund incredible family adventures through points and miles.
My husband and I break down the eight cards I've opened since January – spanning Chase, American Express, and Citi – and reveal how diversifying across different banks has been crucial to approval success. We share the surprising factors affecting credit scores (like why my husband's 763 score gets fewer approvals than my 808) and how credit history length significantly outweighs the impact of new accounts.
The most pressing challenge we're facing? Meeting a massive $20,000 minimum spend requirement on the Amex Business Platinum. We discuss our strategy, including prepaying bills, planned expenses, and the somewhat controversial world of buying groups. And no, despite my husband's suggestions, we won't be purchasing jet skis to meet the requirement!
These strategic credit card moves have yielded nearly 700,000 points across various programs, funding upcoming adventures to Thailand, Japan, Yosemite, and European Christmas markets. We also tackle the counterintuitive decision to sometimes pay cash for flights rather than using points when the value proposition doesn't make sense.
Want to learn how to leverage points and miles for your own family travel? Join my waitlist for personalized one-on-one consulting sessions where I'll help you maximize your redemptions and plan your dream trips.
**Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you use them. I only recommend products I truly use and love.**
We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.
• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes
• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees
• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program
• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations
• Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer valuable trip protection benefits
• An annual travel insurance policy (like Allianz) can provide additional protection for under $500 for a family of five
• Booking one-way flights provides more flexibility and potentially lower change fees when plans shift
• When evaluating change fees, consider whether the improved experience justifies the cost
• Clearing cookies when searching for award availability can sometimes reveal better options
If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It helps more people find the podcast and helps us grow to provide more fun content. Thank you!
CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)
Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5
Discover our first episode in the Summer in Phoenix staycation series where we visit the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs to determine if it's worth your points or dollars for a family getaway.
• Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs is nestled in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Phoenix airport
• Property features five pools plus “The Falls” water feature with a water slide that kids love
• Resort is showing its age despite renovations, with rooms that feel dated and slightly musty
• Service levels align more with a three-star property than the four-star rating it claims
• Food and beverage options are adequate but expensive, with drinks running $20+ each
• Points value ranges from reasonable (40,000 points in summer) to poor (up to 117,000 in spring)
• Property works well for families on a budget, especially those using Hilton points during low season
• Location requires a car as there are no walkable restaurants or attractions nearby
Don't forget to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its limited-time 100,000 point sign-up bonus – only three days left when this episode airs! Check our show notes for our referral link.