[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!

Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards!

Card Pointers App

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.

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