I love credit cards so much!

[disneymagicgirl]

I’m holding off payin the rest of our China ABD and our DVC dues. I want to see what new cards Amex is releasing in January. There’s a rumored new Hilton and new premium SPG card.

I don’t have spg, the Marriott Card, or the Hilton card? Think I should get those now or wait for whatever new cards they put out?

 

[calypso726]

Is that a technique? I really need to get reading since the one time I tried for a biz card was a spectacular failure- ok off to research I guess.... SPG new offerings? I like the sound of that Maybe I'll wait a week to see what's up too

There area number of techniques to i̶n̶v̶e̶n̶t̶ figure out business income. He can decide today to begin collecting money instead of dinner for the side jobs. Whether or not he follows through with that decision is irrelevant once the card is in hand.

I don’t have spg, the Marriott Card, or the Hilton card? Think I should get those now or wait for whatever new cards they put out?

Oh boy that’s a tough one. You can only get the Chase Marriott card if you are still under 5/24. The current SPG may or may not be available to new applicants in 2018. If I didn’t already have the SPG business card and have already had the personal one, I’d pick them up now. Amex allows a bonus once per lifetime on their cards so whatever new premium Marriott card they come up with, I am viewing as a premium SPG card since I’d be transferring the points anyway. Even if you like Marriott over SPG, SPG points transfer to a Marriott 1:3. I use them for 1:1 airline transfers. Personally, I find the SPG points the most valuable since I can transfer them to over 30 airlines.

The only reason I plan on picking up a new Hilton card is just for the bonus points. It’s part of a plan to visit either the Conrad Nui in Bora Bora or Conrad Maldives to complete a bucket list item fir DH. Other than that, I have no use for Hilton.

It really depends on your goals, how you plan to use points and if you are or will ever be under 5/24. I will likely always be LOL/24. I am content with my current portfolio of Chase cards. Hope that helps.

 

[WVMomof3]

All this talk about vacation time is why I am hesitant getting a job! My husband earns over 5 weeks a year, plus he can earn comp time, so really could almost double that if spread out. I have been a stay at home mom for over 10 years. My babes are in college and high school, so definitely time for me to get a job. Plus, they are way more expensive now than when they were younger. So I need a job to pay for vacations, but feel like I won't get any vacation time with a new job!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

All this talk about vacation time is why I am hesitant getting a job! My husband earns over 5 weeks a year, plus he can earn comp time, so really could almost double that if spread out. I have been a stay at home mom for over 10 years. My babes are in college and high school, so definitely time for me to get a job. Plus, they are way more expensive now than when they were younger. So I need a job to pay for vacations, but feel like I won't get any vacation time with a new job!

Many part time jobs come with flexible schedules even if they don't include vacation time. So you might find a job that allows time off, even if it isn't paid.

 

[Albort]

Now that we double dipped it's time to downgrade a CSR to a CFU. Questions!
-What happens to all the points and bonus points we earned this month, we don't lose them right?
-Once the downgrade is complete does the CSR physical credit card become your temporary CFU until the actual one arrives?
-Can we downgrade straight to CFU via SM if it hasn't been a year? (I know CSP has to jump hoops, not certain about CSR)

your points transfer with your card. it will stay with the new card.
I recall you can still use your CSR card, i dont recall using it but i do remember your account turns into the CFU immediately.
The idea of CSP--> CS -->CFU is the same idea as CSR-->CS-->CFU, u cant PC due to the AF fee. i cant imagine them both be different rules. should apply the same to both.

I don’t have spg, the Marriott Card, or the Hilton card? Think I should get those now or wait for whatever new cards they put out?

The idea currently is to apply for the SPG cards. Amex rules of 1 bonus per lifetime would likely go away when the SPG cards are no longer available to new applications. The same could also go with Marriott card but theres a 2 year waiting period. The best card to apply now if your under 5/24 Marriott Biz, Amex SPG biz. since neither of those will affect your 5/24 status but Marriott Biz requires u to be under 5/24. Then hit the 2 personal cards.

The current rumor is that Amex will hold the high end card while chase holds the mid and lower end. The rumor is that these points would be a combined point system, therefore integrating the SPG/Marriott point system together. Then most likely slowly transfering the SPG holders into the new brand as well as Marriott holders.

 

[Lain]

Aloha and good morning from our vacation from our vacation.

 

[Alexle2007]

Of course, I remember to check Twitter for the Marriott football question now that we finally got settled in at our resort in Punta Cana and, sadly, there is none I thought I would be using my Marriott Points to try Atlantis but if we go in Aug, the rooms are super cheap and not worth using the points so I’ll need to find something else to do with them.

 

[jhoannam]

All this talk about vacation time is why I am hesitant getting a job! My husband earns over 5 weeks a year, plus he can earn comp time, so really could almost double that if spread out. I have been a stay at home mom for over 10 years. My babes are in college and high school, so definitely time for me to get a job. Plus, they are way more expensive now than when they were younger. So I need a job to pay for vacations, but feel like I won't get any vacation time with a new job!

Isn't credit card churning a part time job?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Of course, I remember to check Twitter for the Marriott football question now that we finally got settled in at our resort in Punta Cana and, sadly, there is none I thought I would be using my Marriott Points to try Atlantis but if we go in Aug, the rooms are super cheap and not worth using the points so I’ll need to find something else to do with them.

I will have to check out August. My son has been dying to go!

 

[Lain]

It’s beautiful here at Aulani.

 

[Angrose]

It’s beautiful here at Aulani.

That is my vacation goal for Christmas 2019! We were there last month and can't wait to go back. Mele Kalikimaka!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Opened the Delta App to find extra miles from someone using my referral- Merry Christmas indeed! Hope others get similar churning gifts throughout the New Year!

 

[Lain]

That is my vacation goal for Christmas 2019! We were there last month and can't wait to go back. Mele Kalikimaka!

Sounds wonderful!

This is our second year doing an Aulani vacation away from our Hawaii Christmastime vacation and we love it. December is a great time to visit. The weather has been in the high 70s, cool and sunny pretty consistently, with overnight and morning showers (rainbows!) a few days last week. I think the weather was about the same last year, even though it's otherwise the rainy season. (The forecast calls for rain tomorrow — we’ll see.) We visited in August a few years ago, and it was hot and humid in the high 80s the entire time we were here. I'm sure Aulani is packed (I overheard it’s a 94% capacity), but it doesn't feel packed the way the theme parks do during Christmas. (Side note: last year, we saw Neil Patrick Harris and family; this year, I could swear Paris Jackson walked right pass me.) There are beautiful Christmas trees, garlands and holiday decorations up around the lobby and yesterday cast members were passing out complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa even stopped by Aunty's Beach House for photos.

Speaking of Mele Kalikimaka, there's an awesome limited edition pin at the gift shop of Lilo and Stich from It's a Small World, riding a surfboard and bobbing like they do in the attraction, with the wording Mele Kalikimaka 2017. I'm not a pin collector, but I love Small World and Lilo and Stitch, so I just had to have it!

Mele Kalkimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, everybody!

 

[Ngwira]

Sounds wonderful!

This is our second year doing an Aulani vacation away from our Hawaii Christmastime vacation and we love it. December is a great time to visit. The weather has been in the high 70s, cool and sunny pretty consistently, with overnight and morning showers (rainbows!) a few days last week. I think the weather was about the same last year, even though it's otherwise the rainy season. (The forecast calls for rain tomorrow — we’ll see.) We visited in August a few years ago, and it was hot and humid in the high 80s the entire time we were here. I'm sure Aulani is packed (I overheard it’s a 94% capacity), but it doesn't feel packed the way the theme parks do during Christmas. (Side note: last year, we saw Neil Patrick Harris and family; this year, I could swear Paris Jackson walked right pass me.) There are beautiful Christmas trees, garlands and holiday decorations up around the lobby and yesterday cast members were passing out complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa even stopped by Aunty's Beach House for photos.

Speaking of Mele Kalikimaka, there's an awesome limited edition pin at the gift shop of Lilo and Stich from It's a Small World, riding a surfboard and bobbing like they do in the attraction, with the wording Mele Kalikimaka 2017. I'm not a pin collector, but I love Small World and Lilo and Stitch, so I just had to have it!

Mele Kalkimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, everybody!

Please lay out how you “travel hacked” Aulani at Christmas. You live on the west coast, right?

 

[Angrose]

Sounds wonderful!

This is our second year doing an Aulani vacation away from our Hawaii Christmastime vacation and we love it. December is a great time to visit. The weather has been in the high 70s, cool and sunny pretty consistently, with overnight and morning showers (rainbows!) a few days last week. I think the weather was about the same last year, even though it's otherwise the rainy season. (The forecast calls for rain tomorrow — we’ll see.) We visited in August a few years ago, and it was hot and humid in the high 80s the entire time we were here. I'm sure Aulani is packed (I overheard it’s a 94% capacity), but it doesn't feel packed the way the theme parks do during Christmas. (Side note: last year, we saw Neil Patrick Harris and family; this year, I could swear Paris Jackson walked right pass me.) There are beautiful Christmas trees, garlands and holiday decorations up around the lobby and yesterday cast members were passing out complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa even stopped by Aunty's Beach House for photos.

Speaking of Mele Kalikimaka, there's an awesome limited edition pin at the gift shop of Lilo and Stich from It's a Small World, riding a surfboard and bobbing like they do in the attraction, with the wording Mele Kalikimaka 2017. I'm not a pin collector, but I love Small World and Lilo and Stitch, so I just had to have it!

Mele Kalkimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, everybody!

Oh it all sounds absolutely wonderful! Hope you have a fantastic time! That pin sounds really cute. I love that bit from It's a Small World!

 

[Lain]

Please lay out how you “travel hacked” Aulani at Christmas. You live on the west coast, right?

I’ll post when I get a chance, but with the following considerations:

1. Holiday travel is expensive and award availability is snapped up almost as soon as they are available.

2. We fly from SFO, so that gives us many options for direct flights to HNL.

3. Yet, my wife insists on flying Hawaiian Airlines on all Hawaii travel, so that’s a limitation.

4. There is no getting around the fact that Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time to be staying at Aulani.

5. We have family on the island and we stay with them for about half our trip, so that’s major savings on accommodations.

6. So it’s not so much hacking a free vacation as how can I save some money on an expensive vacation with the tools I have or could access?

7. I’ll be planning next Christmas’ trip back to Hawaii in the next month or two (family keeps us coming back). I’m hoping to save more next year!

Oh it all sounds absolutely wonderful! Hope you have a fantastic time! That pin sounds really cute. I love that bit from It's a Small World!
View attachment 290268

This is the pin. So awesome!

 

[calypso726]

I’ll post when I get a chance, but with the following considerations:

1. Holiday travel is expensive and award availability is snapped up almost as soon as they are available.

2. We fly from SFO, so that gives us many options for direct flights to HNL.

3. Yet, my wife insists on flying Hawaiian Airlines on all Hawaii travel, so that’s a limitation.

4. There is no getting around the fact that Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time to be staying at Aulani.

5. We have family on the island and we stay with them for about half our trip, so that’s major savings on accommodations.

6. So it’s not so much hacking a free vacation as how can I save some money on an expensive vacation with the tools I have or could access?

7. I’ll be planning next Christmas’ trip back to Hawaii in the next month or two (family keeps us coming back). I’m hoping to save more next year!

This is the pin. So awesome!

1. Holiday travel is expensive and award availability is snapped up almost as soon as they are available.

I am dreading taking the family to Aulani during the week of July 4th in a couple of years because of that. I gave up on the idea of travel hacking the flights and decided to do the Alaskan Air companion ticket for everyone. Less headache.

3. Yet, my wife insists on flying Hawaiian Airlines on all Hawaii travel, so that’s a limitation.

May I ask why? Also, do they have lie flat seats? I'm just wondering if I should be looking into Hawaii air for future Hawaii trips for DH and I?

4. There is no getting around the fact that Christmas to New Year is the most expensive time to be staying at Aulani.

Yup. It also seems near impossible to get DVC rooms unless Aulani is one of your home resorts and you can book 11 months out. This is another thing I am dreading with planing that family vacation. I'm afraid to look at the out of pocket costs. I imagine it won't be a whole lot less than Christmas and New Year's pricing.

6. So it’s not so much hacking a free vacation as how can I save some money on an expensive vacation with the tools I have or could access?

THIS! Can't tell you how many times I've been questioned about why I bother travel hacking because if we can afford an Adventures by Disney vacation every year then we don't "need" to travel hack. It's not about need. It's about making whatever we choose to do, more affordable and more enjoyable via travel hacking.

Love the pin! It is super cute!!

 

[afan]

6. So it’s not so much hacking a free vacation as how can I save some money on an expensive vacation with the tools I have or could access?

THIS! Can't tell you how many times I've been questioned about why I bother travel hacking because if we can afford an Adventures by Disney vacation every year then we don't "need" to travel hack. It's not about need. It's about making whatever we choose to do, more affordable and more enjoyable via travel hacking.

And being able to go on more than just that one vacation a year. Without travel hacking and swagbucks I wouldn't be going on any vacation next year let alone two week long trips that most people would do one of, Paris and WDW.

 

[Lain]

May I ask why? Also, do they have lie flat seats? I'm just wondering if I should looking into Hawaii air for future Hawaii trips for DH and I?

Hawaiian Airlines does have lie flat seats on its JFK flights!

https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/our-services/products-and-programs/premium-cabin

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/02/hawaiian-a330-first-review/

My wife loves Hawaiian Airlines, I think, largely out of sentimentality. She grew up in Hawaii and her family’s always flown Hawaiian. Moreover, the airline is based out of Hawaii with a largely “local” crew so you can expect to be treated with the warm Aloha spirit from check-in throughout your flight. Just an example, Hawaiian still serves complimentary meals and beverages — including alcohol — on their domestic flights. On our flight to Hawaii, a lady really loved the Koloa Hawaiian Rum Punch she was served, came up to the cart to ask what it was and where she could get it, and the flight attendant offered to give her the rest of the bottle right there. My wife has rarely ever had a bad experience with Hawaiian, which is more than she can say about other airlines (ahem... United, especially) she flies on for work.

Being in the Bay Area, we have good access to their routes, including their daily service to and from HNL. And outside of the holidays, it’s fairly easy to find super saver award travel, which is as low as 40k HawaiianMiles for a round trip ticket. There are no blackout dates, but award travel is subject to availability. My wife also has the Hawaiian Airlines MasterCard from Barclays, which includes your first checked bag complimentary, a $100 companion discount, and I think most importantly free HawaiianMiles transfers from anyone to her account so we can pool miles. The Hawaiian Airlines MasterCard usually comes with a 35k miles signup bonus, but a 50k bonus is pretty typical for targeted offers and through a dummy booking on the airline’s website. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Hawaiian at 1:1, or at 1:1.25 during transfer bonuses, which seems to happen once a year. And I believe you can book award travel on Hawaiian Airlines through JetBlue: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/jetblue-now-award-chart-hawaiian-airlines-flights/ Doesn’t JetBlue have a 60k offer right now?

 

[WDWRook]

I have the CSR $300 credit double dip but I need to spend it the first week of January. I don't have an immediate opportunity to spend the money on. Any ideas on something I can spend it on for later use? I assume gift cards don't work? Disney Vacation Accounts are dead, that is what I used last year. I guess I could be a park ticket since they never expire.