Six years ago, I decided to go credit card free. I had gone through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University where the credit card was labeled as the enemy of financial freedom. Since Mr. Ramsey’s advice had helped me in so many other areas of my financial life, like paying off our debt and getting proper insurance coverage, I thought avoiding credit cards completely was the smart way to go.
Last year, I decided that the concept of going credit card free was flawed. Or at least it wasn’t completely necessary for me. I know there are a lot of people out there that don't have control over their spending when it comes to credit cards. That was never me before I got into Dave Ramsey’s teachings and it definitely isn’t me now.
I have always thought of myself as a disciplined saver and I've never carried a balance on my credit card. With that epiphany, I decided to get a credit card again. Not only did I have the discipline to own a credit card, I missed the points, the perks and the rewards!
I signed up for the Capital One Quicksilver card and for the last year, I’ve been receiving 1.5% cash back on all of my purchases. I’ve received almost $500 back just for my everyday spending. This is a nice perk for spending the same way that I would have spent with my debit card.
Free Travel through Credit Card Rewards
This additional cash back perk from Capital One sparked an interest in me. What other perks are out there that I’m not taking advantage of? I feel like I completely missed out on 5 years of points, rewards and experiences!
Given that my wife and I have a fond appreciation for travel and we don’t have endless dollars to spend, I thought to myself, “Could travel perks be our ticket to family fun without the big price tag?”
I reached out to an expert travel rewards guru named Brad Barrett and interviewed him about the fine art of travel hacking. Our conversation was so inspiring that I had to make it an episode for you all to enjoy. I learned so much in our 30-minute conversation!
In short, travel rewards or travel hacking is the process of signing up for credit cards and reaping the bonus offers for national and even global travel.
You need to be disciplined to be a part of a process like this. Spending more than you'd normally spend or carrying a balance on your credit cards will definitely NOT work with this type of program. With those type of financial shenanigans, you'll lose this points game for sure.
Tracking your cards and spending responsibly is the key to success here. The upside is traveling with your family for free or nearly free (there can be some small unavoidable airline taxes included).
What are we covering today?
Brad and I discuss:
- Who this program is for
- The step-by-step process of travel hacking
- How you can travel with your family to Disney World for free
I guarantee that you’re going to be very intrigued by this conversation, but it might be a bit overwhelming. That’s okay. Listen to this show again if you need to and check out the show notes below for step-by-step instructions.
If you’re thinking about taking the kids to Disney or really anywhere else in the world and the thought of the cost has a choke hold on you, listen to today’s show. You may just get inspired!
Click the play button above or listen on iTunes, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.
Show Resources
US Legal Forms: Get your Will started today my friends!
Travel Miles 101: FREE Travel Rewards Course
Richmond Savers: Details on how to travel to Disney for Free
Choose FI: Brad's blog and podcast focused on Financial Independence
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6 Comments
This is probably the most “it actually makes sense” kind of post I’ve seen on on this subject. Best part… I didn’t have to go digging through some weird web design to find it. Awesome! PLEASE keep posting new material!
I’m so glad to hear you liked it Janice. My wife and I both just started this adventure. It’ll take a year or so, but hey, free is free. ;)
Yes…credit card rewards all the way! Every time I cash out or use my rewards I commend myself on my good financial habits that got me there…and also cringe that even with these huge signing bonuses the banks are still making so much money off those that sign up but end up paying the insane interest rates.
It is nuts that these offers are out there! It must still make financial sense for the banks because they are offering so many of them. Have a points filled Monday Kathryn!
I also used to follow Dave Ramsey religiously. But his views on debt and mine have always been a little differently. I’ve also read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and my views on debt is somewhere in the middle of where they both stand. I also have a rewards card and don’t think I’ll ever be giving that up.
I feel the same way about being “in the middle” of Ramsey and Kiyosaki. I think Dave’s program is great for people just getting started with their financial journey. Also, I feel it’s very appropriate for newlyweds.
I have found MUCH better advice for investing through other sources for sure.