Have you ever opened a new credit card for the welcome bonus, only to forget how much you’ve spent or when the deadline hits? Or maybe you’re juggling multiple cards and can’t remember which one to use next.

In this next episode of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, I’m joined by Zac Hood, founder of Travel Freely, an app that helps you track your credit cards, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees — so you can stay organized, hit your goals, and never miss a reward.

Zac built Travel Freely after realizing how easy it was to lose track of credit card bonuses, fees, and timelines. What started as a simple spreadsheet turned into a tool that helps thousands of travelers manage their rewards efficiently.

In this conversation, Zac and I talk about how Travel Freely works, why it’s free to use, and how it helps users stay on top of their credit card portfolio. We also discuss how to plan future card openings strategically, how to track spending toward welcome offers, and how the app helps travelers simplify their credit card portfolio — especially when juggling multiple issuers and family accounts.

You’ll also hear Zac’s story of building the platform from scratch and the lessons he’s learned about balancing automation, accuracy, and user trust in the points and miles world.

Get full show notes and transcript here

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey here and share what you love and want more of!

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Do you ever forget which credit card to use for a purchase — or worry you’re missing out on bonus points and statement credits? It’s easy to lose track when every card has different categories, offers, and perks.

This episode is part of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, where we’re exploring tools and strategies that simplify how you earn and redeem your points and miles.

I’m joined by Emmanuel Crouvisier, creator of CardPointers, an app that helps you track your cards, bonus categories, and offers so you never miss a chance to earn or save.

Emmanuel built CardPointers in 2019 to help people get more value from their credit cards without the spreadsheets, post-it notes, or constant mental math. The app automatically identifies which card to use for every purchase, keeps track of Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One offers, and helps you make sure your credits don’t expire before you can use them.

We talk about what inspired Emmanuel to create the app, the features that make it powerful — like Autopilot, offer alerts, and Apple integration — and how privacy and security are built in at every step. Emmanuel also shares how CardPointers users save an average of $750 a year and why automation can improve both your points strategy and your relationships by eliminating financial friction.

Whether you manage one card or twenty, this conversation will help you simplify your wallet, maximize your rewards, and make the points game easier to play.

Get full show notes and transcript:

Want to shape the show? Click here to take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here

Do you think you have to wait until your sixties before you can retire? Maybe not. At least not the way we’ve been taught.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jillian Johnsrud — author, podcast host, and coach — who challenges the idea of a traditional retirement in favor of taking mini retirements throughout your life and career.

Jillian never expected to retire early, so she hatched a plan to retire often. Inspired by the idea of sabbatical years, she began sprinkling mini retirements throughout her life — and by 40 had taken more than a dozen of them.

In our conversation, Jillian explains how mini retirements can help you recover from burnout, pursue long-term travel, test major life assumptions, and strengthen relationships. We talk about what makes a mini retirement different from vacation, how to talk to your employer about taking extended time off, and how to financially prepare.

You’ll also hear Jillian’s personal stories, including therapy, tango, and national park adventures with her kids — and why mini retirements are one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mini-retirement-guide/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy