Fly Free MD

Ep 15: Hyatt Devaluation and Special Promotion   In this week’s episode we take a look at Hyatt’s Bonus Journey promotion, in which you can earn up to 3,500 points for every two nights you stay. This can effectively get you halfway to Globalist status at a quarter of the cost in points! Unfortunately, there is also bad news. A huge devaluation in Hyatt’s reward point system with over 200 hotels in...

Episode 14: How to Pick Your Next Card   In this episode, we go through the process of determining which card to open up next. When you are nearing the end of the minimum spend on your current sign-up bonuses or retention offers, it is time to plan the next move. For maximum value, always be working towards a bonus!   3:30: Count up your Chase 5/24 Status 8:00: Consider upcoming point needs 8:30:...

In today's episode we take a look at how to pay your taxes with a credit card, when it makes sense to do so, and when it doesn't. We also look at an amazing private student loan refinance offer for physicians and dentists at SoFI. We just earned $2,000 by refinancing a $7,000 loan! 1:30 Sofi Student Loan Refinance Offer 8:30 Paying Taxes with Credit Cards 12:30 When it For Sure Makes Sen...

Episode 12: Are Points & Miles Taxed?   In today’s episode I discuss when points and miles are taxed and when they are not. Also, when they are taxed, are they still worth it?   1:00 General rules of thumb on when points & miles are taxed. 5:45 What about big sign-up bonuses on new credit cards? 8:00 What about referral bonuses? 9:00 What about bank bonuses? 12:00 Even banks are confused a...

In this episode, we look at two often overlooked benefits provided by AmEx. Did you know almost all of your purchases are protected for 90 days from damage, loss, or theft? Also, if you are paying your monthly cell phone bill with an AmEx premium card, your cell phones are covered if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.    1:00: AmEx Purchase Protection   8:00: AmEx Cell Phone Protection   19:00: Us...

Episode 10: 2022 Year in Review Bank Bonuses & Portals   In this episode, I review all the new bank accounts and investment accounts opened by myself and my wife in 2022. How many accounts did we open? How much did we get in bonuses? How much did we get by clicking through shopping portals? The answers may surprise you.   As outlined in the show, the following bank accounts may be a great plac...

In this episode, I review all the new credit cards opened by myself and my wife in 2022. How many cards did we open? How many points did we accumulate? How much did we spend on annual fees? And did this destroy our credit score? The answers may surprise you.   As outlined in the show, the following cards may be a great place to start if you are looking for your next card to open.    Southwest Rapi...

We discuss some great things about Southwest Airlines, including their amazing Companion Pass, which may be the best deal in all of points and miles. However, it isn't all roses. There are some not so great things about Southwest, including a complete meltdown which recently left many passengers high and dry during the holidays. 

Ep 7: Fast Track to Hyatt Globalist Status   3:00: Hotel Elite Status Overview 4:15: Benefits of being a hotel Free Agent 6:30: Hyatt Globalist Benefits 10:30: How to Earn Status 18:45: What nights count toward status 20:30: What nights don’t count towards status 22:30: Shortcuts to Hyatt Globalist 24:15: Status Challenge 27:00: Bonus Journeys 28:00: Hyatt Business Card: 2x Elite Night Credits 29:...

Intro & recent travel: 1:00   Southwest travel credits now NEVER expire: 3:00   American Express $200 airline incidental reimbursement: 9:00   Hyatt healthcare discount: 13:00   Save $2,000 on 7 nights at Hyatt: 14:30   Hyatt Hacks: 19:00   Hyatt family rate, 2nd night 50% off: 22:30   Sofi $300 checking & savings bonus & high interest: 26:30 

In episode 5 we check out a healthcare discount from Hyatt, watch AmEx open the points  floodgates, and sign up for a banking bonus for nurses. Who knew Fly Free MD was also Fly Free RN?   2:20: Hyatt’s Honoring Healthcare Heroes Discount   6:30: AmEx Resy 500K offer   10:30: AmEx Personal Platinum benefits   14:00: AmEx Personal Platinum offers -Referral link: 150K points with 6K spend in 3 month...

Ever wonder how you can take full advantage of the points & miles game while traveling to conferences? In this episode, we address a listener's question about conference travel.  1:45 News you can use Chase Sapphire Preferred 80K points offer expiring May 31st Southwest power at the seats   3:45: Maximizing points and miles while traveling to medical conferences Southwest Personal and Bus...

Tips on meeting sign up bonus minimum spend: 3:20 Chase Sapphire Preferred referral link Listener question: 6:20 Deep Dive, What determines your Credit Score? 7:00 Transfer bonus news: 31:00 Marriott topping off free night certificates : 33:00 Wells Fargo Personal Bank Bonus Offer : 34:00 Send your questions to: consult@flyfreemd.com

In today’s episode, we discuss the most important rule of the game…the Chase 5/24 rule. Ignore this rule, and you will be locked out of some of the most valuable cards in the game! Plus, an amazing business checking account bonus that won't last long!    Review of the game: 1:00 The Chase 5/24 rule: 3:30 How to check your 5/24: 9:30 The Chase Ultimate Reward ecosystem: 14:00 The best first ca...

Welcome to the first episode of the Fly Free MD Podcast. Today we go over the reason points and miles exist. Credit card companies charge a fee to retailers for each transation. These fees are built into the price of the goods and services you buy. No matter how you pay, you are paying these fees. They use several incentives to try to get you to use their card. One of the best incentives, are poin...