Are My Credit Card Annual Fees Worth It? My 2026 Audit
Are my credit card annual fees worth it? I audit 17 cards, $3,008 in annual fees, and the real value of the benefits I use in 2026.
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If Your New Year’s Resolution Is to Travel More but Your Bank Account Says “Be Serious,” Read This
Travel points and miles can change your life, but I want you tread into this world with an understanding that it is a credit card game and it IS NOT free.
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How I Booked Wild Dunes Resort with Hyatt Points (3.6 CPP)
Booking trips has become my new normal. It seems the longer you are in this hobby, the easier it gets to book points and miles getaways or even longer vacations. It gives me such piece of mind knowing that I can ENJOY life and stress little about booking flights and hotels because I am able to book them at a fraction of the cost. Here is trip #5 booked for 2026. This hotel cost me $0 out of pocket.
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Are Points and Miles Still Worth it in 2026?
Are points and miles still worth it in 2026?
After 4 years, 20+ trips, and a lot of trial and error… I finally wrote my honest thoughts.No one tells you this about points and miles…
It’s not free. It’s not instant.
But it can be worth it.
Full breakdown on the blog.If you’re just getting into points & miles and feel overwhelmed — I’ve been there.
I wrote about what I wish I knew when I started. -
How $11,000 in Everyday Spending Earned $36,000 in Free Travel
I turned $11,000 in everyday spending into $36,000 worth of travel using credit card points and miles — without overspending or changing my lifestyle. In this post, I break down exactly how it worked, which credit card rewards I used, how long it took, and why points and miles aren’t about “free travel,” but about unlocking trips you’d never take otherwise. If you’ve ever wondered whether travel rewards are actually worth it, this real-life breakdown shows how strategic point earning can completely change how (and where) you travel.
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What Is an Effective Annual Fee? A Smarter Way to Evaluate Credit Cards Annual Fees
When evaluating premium credit cards, the headline annual fee can be intimidating. But what if that number isn’t the real cost at all? The value you get from a card depends on the benefits you actually use. That’s why understanding your effective annual fee, the real cost after subtracting the value of credits and perks you’ll actually use, matters more than the raw sticker price.
In this post, we’ll break down how that math works and use two premium cards: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum, to show how effective annual fees can vary widely depending on your lifestyle. -
Wells Fargo Credit Card Application Rules: What You Need to Know (2025)
Wells Fargo’s credit card rules include a six-month wait between applications and a bonus eligibility of once every 48 months. They have no stated card limit but monitor credit exposure. A recommended FICO score of 670 or higher increases approval chances. Understanding these guidelines can enhance travel rewards opportunities.
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Ultimate Guide to Capital One Credit Card Application Rules (2025 Guide)
Master Capital One strategies to ensure a smooth application process. Save time in your credit card with these rules.
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American Express Credit Card Application Rules: What You Need to Know (2025)
Learn everything you need to know about travel rewards and how to use them effectively for your next trip.
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Ultimate Guide to Chase Travel Credit Card Approval Rules (2025 Edition)
What to know about the Chase Travel Credit Card ecosystem and their application rules. Where to start.
