May 23, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
|
 |
I’m back in Scotland this month and I’ve got two major goals: Drop some weight and earn some points.
Unfortunately, my Amex Gold earns me four points per dollar on eating out, so the likelihood of my steadily plumping tummy deflating anytime soon is pretty low. But at least I’ll be flying for free.Â
Let’s get to the points:
Cheers,
Steven
|
|
|
|
| CARD OF THE WEEK
|
 |
Image: American Express
|
The Amex Card You Didn't Know You Needed
|
The Amex Green is a bit of an outlier. Its shinier Platinum and Gold siblings often steal the
limelight, but the truth is, the Amex Green is arguably the most valuable card of the three depending on your lifestyle.
It’s the cheapest of Amex’s travel range, clocking in at just $150 a year, but don’t let its price point fool you–this card is one of the best earners out there.
It’s currently boasting an elevated intro bonus of 60,000 points after spending just $3,000 in six months, which is brilliant in itself. But beyond that, you’ll earn 3x points per dollar on all travel, all transit, and all restaurants. That’s huge. On top of that, Amex is throwing in a statement credit of up to $200 on eligible travel and transit costs.
The big deal with those earning rates is the breadth of the classification. Most cards limit the term “travel” to hotels, flights, and car rentals. The Amex Green covers almost everything. Travel on the metro to work? 3x points per dollar. Catching a ferry? 3x points per dollar. Using Expedia? 3x points per dollar. Even tours are included under that umbrella.
I use this card to book all of my Airbnbs. Combined with British Airways’ travel Airbnb portal, I earn 6x points per dollar on every property I stay at.
If you travel a lot, this card should be a no-brainer. With that 60,000-point bonus, it’s borderline insanity not to apply.
|
|
|
|
| TRAVEL HACKING NEWS
|
 |
Image: IHG
|
IHG’s You Choose Promotion
|
If you have a stay at an IHG property between June 6th and August 31st, read on. You’re missing out on a chance to earn some bonus points if you don’t.
The hotel brand has launched its summer “You Choose” promotion, which offers guests the chance to earn bonus points for each stay. After registering here, guests are required to choose one of two promotions.
Earn 2,000 points every two nights
Earn 10,000 points every four nights
If you intend to stay in an IHG property for at least four nights, option two is more lucrative. That works out to 2500 points a night. For any stay under that, swing for the 2-night option.
The bonus is available for multiple stays across the summer period, so consider future stays. If one stay is five days and the other is only two, it’s still worth picking the four-day option.
Register here.
|
|
|
|
| FINANCIAL ADVISORS
|
 |
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Financial Advisor
|
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation—not finances.Â
Working with a financial advisor can be a crucial part of any healthy financial plan. Research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with 15% more money to spend in retirement.Âą But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments. Steer clear of these 7 common mistakes people make when hiring one, so you can feel more at ease about your finances and focus on the balance that matters most.Â
With thousands of options available, SmartAsset simplifies the time consuming process of finding an advisor with their free, five-minute tool. A short quiz will help match you with up to 3 vetted financial advisors serving your area, each legally bound to work in your best interest. The past few years have shown us just how quickly decades of planning, investing, and saving can be upended. It's never too late to get your finances straight.
Try SmartAsset's free tool today to get started.
1. Journal of Retirement Study Winter (2020). The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of your future results. Please follow the link to see the methodologies employed in the Journal of Retirement study.
|
|
|
|
| STEVEN'S TIPS
|
 |
Mind Your Own Business Cards
|
I don’t have any business cards. But damn, do I wish I did. My precarious position as a non-citizen freelancer makes it awkward for me to apply for them, but if you can, you need to jump on it.
There are some important things to know about them, though.
More people are eligible than you think
Think business cards and most people think corporate cards are used by multiple employees across an organization. In reality, many of the business cards in operation are for small business owners and freelancers.
If you’re a small business of any kind, there’s a good chance you’re eligible. That could be as simple as a dog-walking side gig or selling old stuff on eBay. If you’re making money, you can technically have a business card.
Understand your classification
When you apply for a business card, there are a few additional questions you wouldn’t see on a personal one. One of the most important is the classification of your business. Understanding if you’re a corporation, LLC, sole proprietor, or partnership is essential, and entering the wrong info could be costly.
They’re a way around some rules
Chase is known for its annoying 5/24 rule that prevents customers from opening more than five cards in two years. Business cards, however, don’t fall under that rule. So if you’ve tapped out all your personal resources, you have an entirely different range of cards to earn points with.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| LOUNGING AROUND
|
 |
Just one small corner of the expansive KLM Crown Lounge
|
The KLM Crown Lounge - SchipholÂ
|
I had a lengthy layover in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport last week, and thanks to a cheeky upgrade to Business class, I was able to spend my time in KLM’s Crown Lounge. And it’s good. Very good. Here’s the rundown.
Who can get in?
Sadly, this lounge isn’t included in Priority Pass, so you’ll need to be flying business class or higher with KLM or one of its partners to get in. Alternatively, being an elite loyalty member with KLM gets you in regardless of what class you’re flying. Otherwise, you’ll need to fork over $70.
What it’s like?
In a word: Huge. The sprawling lounge covers an insane 72,000 square feet over two expansive floors and an outside terrace. The entry escalators are lined with thousands of miniature Dutch houses, which usually serve as gifts to elite members on KLM flights.
It really needs exploring if you want to find the optimal spot for the day, whether that’s at the Heineken bar, the Dutch Mountain entertainment area, or one of the runway side loungers. There are even some beds through the back, but they must be pre-booked, along with the showers.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food is buffet style, and while it’s not spectacularly fancy, it covers every base. On the day I was there, it served lasagna, a fully stocked salad bar, a traditional Dutch stew, and a bunch of sides like roast vegetables and rice. There are two stations, so you don’t need to worry about the crowds.
For drinks, there’s a Heineken-built bar that serves everything and a separate upstairs bar with a terrace overlooking the runway.
Steven’s score
I’d give the Crown Lounge a tidy 9/10. Beef up the culinary options, and it'd be world class.
|
|
|
|
| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
|
*This link is sponsored
|
|
|
|
|
