All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/best-cell-phone-plans-2026 Partner Deals Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Carriers & Plans US Mobile (← Get $30 off) Total Wireless Mint Mobile Visible Backup Lines & Backup Internet RedPocket Tello MobileX Keepgo (← Get 1GB free) Roamless UniFi 5G Max Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage BestPhonePlans Coverage Map Cell Phone Insurance AKKO Buying a New iPhone DON'T Buy Your iPhone 18 Pro Max From Your Carrier (Buy From Here Instead) Apple Shortcut to Change Active SIM Card Swappa ATH Podcast #138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More! #284: 20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans (05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive (11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers (13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live (14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter? (16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits (16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need? (16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data (17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches (17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers (19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile (20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star) (22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon (22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month (24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium (25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts (28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans (29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature (35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile (36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts (38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home (41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans (44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions. Meghan Coyle and Sally French are the hosts of NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast, a weekly show on travel news, loyalty programs and travel credit cards that helps listeners travel more and pay less. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/award-flights-card-strategy-nerdwallet Partner Deals Gusto: ⁠Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned NerdWallet Smart Travel podcast Meghan Coyle Sally French Award Search & Points Tools Seats.aero PointsPath (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15) PointsYeah Shopping Portals, Gift Cards & Offers Rakuten Capital One Shopping Rove GCX SavenDeals ATH Podcast #290: The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M Chris' Credit Card Optimizer Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:06) How Chris Got Into Points & Miles (05:01) When Chris Became a Points & Miles “Expert” (07:25) Paying for a Wedding Video With Delta Miles (13:38) Why Chasing an Extra Point per Dollar Doesn't Move the Needle (15:34) The Optimal Two-Card Strategy (16:50) Maximizing Points Without Overspending (19:52) Should You Buy Gift Cards to Earn More Points? (22:36) Booking Award Travel for a Family (25:06) Chris’ Strategy for Finding Award Flights (27:34) Leveraging Flexibility and Award Search Tools (31:45) What to Do With Points If You Don't Want to Play the Game (34:30) Setting Alerts and Picking One Award Search Tool (37:01) The Huge Discounts Hidden Behind Airline Credit Cards (39:21) The Risks of Speculative Bookings (41:08) When Chris Breaks His Own Transfer Rule (45:15) The Easiest Way to Redeem Points When You Don't Want the Hobby (47:17) Are Hotel Redemptions Easier Than Flights? (51:07) The Real Math Behind Cash vs. Points (55:02) Chris's Rule of Thumb for Comparing Cash and Points (56:12) A Trick for Getting Refunds on Flights You Need to Cancel (59:03) Chris’ Take on the New Southwest Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#294: Chris breaks down everything he's learned going all in on World of Hyatt. He covers the brands and footprint, earning points with Hyatt credit cards and transfers, what points are really worth, every status tier and milestone reward, and how to get Globalist treatment without having status. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/world-of-hyatt-deep-dive/ Partner Deals ElevenLabs: Build an experience your customers will love Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned World of Hyatt Gondola Frequent Miler Reasonable Redemption Values rooms.aero seats.aero Hyatt Concierge on X ATH Podcast #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:48) The World of Hyatt (08:05) Where Hyatt Is (and Isn't) Around the World (12:17) How the World of Hyatt Program Works (15:51) Earning Points with Hyatt Experiences (16:23) Transferring Points from Credit Cards (17:43) Earning Points with Hyatt Personal and Business Credit Cards (26:07) Why Buying Points Is Rarely a Good Deal (26:46) Maximizing Hyatt Promotions (27:21) Earning Points with Peloton (28:06) Converting Aeroplan and American Points (30:41) Understanding Hyatt Status Tiers (35:51) Guest of Honor Awards (36:55) Getting Globalist Perks on Paid Stays with Hyatt Privé (38:41) Using Points to Upgrade Your Room (39:05) Milestone Rewards: 20 and 30 Nights (41:00) 40 Nights: Guest of Honor and the Suite Upgrade Award (43:14) 50 and 60 Nights: Reaching Globalist (44:30) 70 to 150 Nights: Milestones Beyond Globalist (46:18) Transferring Awards and Certificates to Others (47:40) The Hyatt Brand Explorer Program (50:31) Fast Tracking Status with Hyatt Challenges (53:20) How Far Should You Go for Status? (53:53) What Are Hyatt Points Really Worth? (58:53) How Bad Was the May Devaluation? (01:00:51) A Fun Hack for All-Inclusives (01:01:12) How to Find Hyatt Award Availability (01:02:52) Getting Discounts and Perks on Cash Stays (01:04:14) Hyatt's Best Rate Guarantee Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#293: Learn to make your home healthier by focusing on the environmental factors that actually matter. Chris and Dom break down how to improve air and water quality, ventilation, mold prevention, lighting, and EMF exposure, plus what to prioritize in your bedroom, which popular healthy-home products to avoid, and the best upgrades at any budget. Dom Francks is the General Manager of Lightwork Home, a Stanford-trained engineer, and former climate-tech product leader. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/healthy-home-air-water-light-dom-francks/. Partner Deals Gusto: ⁠Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Articles & Guides Lightwork Guide: 40 Action Steps for a Healthy Home The best air purifiers for your home What are EMFs? A rational, skeptical, curious person’s guide Tools & Products Airthings AirGradient Atmocube Jaspr Conway BlueAir IQAir Austin Air People & Podcasts Brian Hoyer on Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin ATH Podcast Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:06) How Your Home Affects Your Health (03:30) What Improvements Actually Feel Like (04:51) The Precautionary Principle for Chemicals Like PFAS (06:27) How Healthy Is the Average Home? (08:09) What to Expect From a Healthy Home Assessment (09:09) Four Things That Determine Bedroom Air Quality (14:37) Choosing an Air Quality Monitor (16:19) Using Air Purifiers for Filtration (17:37) The Simplest Ways to Improve Ventilation (18:33) Why Some Air Purifiers Cost So Much More (20:45) Ventilation vs. Filtration for VOCs (23:15) How to Get More Fresh Air Through Your House (24:26) What Chris Learned From Monitoring His Bedroom Air (27:14) Managing Humidity and Dust Testing (32:14) What a Full Mold Investigation Really Involves (33:49) Optimizing Your Bedroom Lighting (36:05) How to Spot Hidden Light Flicker (37:19) When Incandescent Bulbs Beat LEDs (38:27) A Practical Approach to EMF Exposure (39:58) Does Limiting EMFs Actually Matter? (41:29) Are Baby Monitors Safe? (43:35) What to Prioritize (and Ignore) in Your Bedroom (46:48) Testing and Improving Water Quality (49:35) DIY Water Testing, and Which Filters to Use (51:42) Carbon Monoxide Monitors & Combustion Gas Leaks (52:51) Optimizing Your Workspace Lighting (56:24) Home Products to Avoid (58:46) Do More Plugs Mean Better Grounding? (59:29) How to Make Your Home Healthier for $500 (01:01:53) The Best Healthy Home Upgrades for $2,000 (01:02:44) Higher-End Healthy Home Improvements (01:04:34) When to DIY vs. Hire a Professional Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#292: What happens to your points and miles when you die? And how can you make sure they don’t disappear? Chris breaks down how major banks, airlines, and hotel programs handle rewards after death, strategies to protect or transfer your points, and the steps you can take now to make things easier for your family. Plus, learn what to do if you’re already dealing with a loved one’s rewards, why documenting your accounts and logins matters, and the surprising rules around gift cards, divorce, and timeshares. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/points-and-miles-after-death Partner Deals LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Resources Points & Miles Death and Transfer Rules PDF Silo Markets Trustworthy Notion 1Password Books & People The Points Guy Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins ATH Podcast #200: Debunking Tax Myths, Avoiding Audits and Maximizing Savings with Jasmine DiLucci #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Your Points & Miles Aren’t Actually Your Property (02:31) Can You Legally Access a Deceased Person's Accounts? (07:49) What Happens to Bank & Credit Card Points After Death (09:52) Why Amex Is One of the Most Generous Programs (13:51) Transferring Points Before Someone Passes Away (17:23) How Annual Fees Are Handled (17:51) What Happens to Business Cards (18:18) Moving Bank Points to Loyalty Programs (18:51) What Happens to Airline Miles (23:09) Why You Should Push Back With Airlines (24:13) Other Ways to Use or Preserve Airline Miles (25:50) How Hotel Points Are Handled (and Why They're Easier) (31:26) Hotel Certificates & Flight Credits (32:41) What Happens to Rental Car Points (33:55) Don't Hoard Your Points (34:12) Document Every Account and Login (37:17) Set Up Points Pooling and Authorized Users in Advance (37:43) Leave Clear Instructions for Your Heirs (38:03) Why You Need a Financial Power of Attorney (38:36) Don't Let Auto-Pays Shut Down an Account (39:08) Proactively Transfer Points Out (39:45) Where to Move Bank Points in a Hurry (45:30) Choosing Someone to Manage Your Points & Miles (47:00) The Checklist for When a Family Member Passes (48:21) Hang Up, Call Again (49:55) Document Everything You Do (50:30) How Points Are Handled in Divorce (51:30) Why Gift Cards Are Different (51:50) The Risks of Inheriting a Timeshare Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#291: Behavioral social scientist Arthur Brooks joins Chris to reveal why success and happiness follow different rules as we age. They dig into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, success addiction and dopamine, the reverse bucket list, and how to actually buy happiness. Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard Professor, musician, and columnist for the Atlantic, where he writes the weekly "How to Build a Life" column. He is the bestselling author of numerous books on happiness and human flourishing. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/arthur-brooks-happiness-success-purpose/ Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Arthur: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Some of Arthur's Books From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism -- America's Charity Divide -- Who Gives, Who Doesn't, and Why It Matters Selected Works from the Atlantic How to Build a Life - Arthur's Column Are you Epicurus or Epictetus Article Books Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Dr Michael Norton The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh The Confessions by Saint Augustine The Bible Barcelona Recommendations Roman Ruins Sagrada Familia Romanesque Churches and Gothic Cathedrals ATH Podcast #36: Bucket Lists, Audacious Goals and Living the Life You Want with Ben Nemtin Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:17) How Arthur Defines Happiness (03:50) Quizzes to Diagnose Your Happiness (04:38) Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence (05:55) The Two Types of Geniuses (09:01) How to Jump the Curve (13:18) Darwin and Bach's Success Curves (16:56) Success Addiction and Dopamine (19:00) Hustle Culture, Workism and Metacognition (21:19) How Often You Really Need to Journal (22:46) When Love and Money Are Idols (24:40) The Good Four: Faith, Family, Friends and Work (29:13) The Happiness Algorithm: Understand, Apply, Share (30:41) Why Sharing and Teaching Happiness Matters (31:45) Bringing Faith and Meditation Into Your Life (34:15) Lectio Divina: Divine Reading (35:23) The Science of Satisfaction (37:49) Social Comparison, the Thief of Joy (38:39) How to Make a Better Bucket List (43:34) How to Actually Buy Happiness (47:09) Technology, Loneliness and Happiness (48:54) Turning Weakness Into Strength (50:51) Why Negative Emotions Make Us More Effective (51:20) Optimism vs. Hope (52:23) When It's Time to Leave a Job (54:18) Arthur's Recommendations for Barcelona (55:26) The Airplane Story That Inspired From Strength to Strength (57:33) Where to Find More From Arthur Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/⁠ Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Award Search & Points Tools Seats.aero Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15) PointsYeah Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards Symphony Silo Markets Rove X Money ATH Podcast #89: Booking Flights with Points and All Things Award Travel with Tiffany Funk #262: Points & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M #288: Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why 2026 Feels Different and Reasons to Stay Hopeful (02:26) Credit Card Interest Rate Caps Never Materialized (03:20) Why Debit Rewards Cards Are Becoming More Interesting (05:58) Six Months Into Southwest’s Transformation (13:14) Are Credit Card Retention Offers Drying Up? (14:23) The Unbundling of Airfare Keeps Expanding (15:25) Could Award Flights Lose Their Flexibility? (17:14) Foreign Airline Programs Push Into the US Market (19:58) Hotel Award Inflation (and What Cash Prices Reveal) (27:31) Banks Crack Down on Points Gaming (30:32) Qatar's New Restrictions on Booking for Others (32:54) New Ways to Earn Transferable Points Without Credit Cards (36:16) The Best Tools for Points & Miles (40:35) Why Cardholder Pricing Is Becoming a Bigger Advantage (42:04) United's New Cards and the Truth About "10% Off" (44:01) Transfer Bonuses and the Risk of Speculative Transfers (49:06) American’s Changes to Partner Award Availability (49:56) Pooling Airline Miles With Family (52:12) Brian's Biggest Prediction for the Year Ahead (55:23) Six Months Later: Is Bilt Delivering? (01:00:31) Will We See More Premium Credit Cards? (01:03:19) Is There Still Hope for U.S. Bank Transfer Partners? (01:04:53) What’s Next for the Amex Green Card? (01:05:31) Just Let the Points Coupons Go Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/ Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels & Resorts Hotel Upgrade Program The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui The Brando Le Taha'a Nanuku Resort Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Products Monopoly Deal Health & Sauna Research Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment) ATH Podcast #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins #287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together (03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations (13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji (14:59) Booking The Westin (20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines (26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights (31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana (32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin (34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones (37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems (44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early (52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys (59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out (01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again (01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost (01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip? (01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons (01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts (01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List (01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong (01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations (01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#288: Chris breaks down exactly where to park your cash to earn the most, whether you have $10,000 or a few million. From high-yield savings accounts and Treasury ETFs to brokerage bonuses and cash management accounts, he explains the tradeoffs that actually matter—and why the highest advertised interest rate isn't always the best choice. He also shares the interactive tool he built to compare nearly 100 cash options based on your specific situation. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/where-to-put-your-cash-2026 Partner Deals Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Resources Chris's Cash Options Comparison Tool Doctor of Credit: Best High Yield Savings Accounts Doctor of Credit: Best Brokerage Bonuses Doctor of Credit: Best Bank Account Bonuses FedWatch Polymarket Kalshi Cash Accounts & Fintechs Silo Markets Bask® Mileage Savings Account ATH Podcast Ep #62: Protect Your Family, Mitigate Taxes and Preserve Your Wealth with Patrick and Mani Ep #177: Best Bank Account Setup to Earn Interest on All Your Cash Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why Cash Deserves Its Own Strategy (02:46) Why the Stock Market Isn't for Cash (05:18) Why After-Tax Yield Matters More Than the Rate (08:18) How Different Tax Treatments Change Your Return (13:05) Building a Cash Comparison Tool in Claude (14:12) Why Traditional Bank Accounts Are the Worst Option (14:39) How High-Yield Savings Accounts Really Work (17:57) Understanding FDIC Insurance and Keeping Your Cash Safe (19:52) SIPC Coverage for Brokerage Accounts (20:12) Why Friction Can Cost You More Than Yield (21:47) Treasuries, Money-Market Funds, and ETFs (24:05) Cash Management Accounts as a Bridge (25:30) Box Spreads and Other Advanced Cash Strategies (28:58) How Cash Bonuses Can Boost Your Returns (32:44) Negotiating Brokerage Bonuses at Scale (34:24) Earning Points on Your Brokerage Account with Silo (41:05) Walking Through the Cash Comparison Tool (44:11) The Big Takeaways by Tax Bracket (45:09) The High-Yield Savings Baseline (48:02) Why Friction Beat Optimization (50:13) Stacking Bank and Brokerage Bonuses (54:06) The Best Cash Strategy Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#287: Chris and Brad Barrett revisit "Die With Zero" and confront how much harder Bill Perkins' ideas are to live than to agree with. They dig into when frugality flips from superpower to liability, the maximizer's struggle to let go, optimizing for the perfect Tuesday over the once-a-year trip, and giving money to your kids while it still matters. Brad is the co-host of the ChooseFI podcast and co-author of Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/die-with-zero-revisited-brad-barrett/. Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Brad Barrett: Website | X Book: Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Podcast: The ChooseFI Podcast Newsletter: The ChooseFI Newsletter The Tuesday Project Books & Articles Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life The Tail End by Tim Urban The Skill of Spending | Mr. Money Mustache Tools The Big Ass Calendar Copilot Money ATH Podcast Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray Ep #189: Beyond the 4% Rule: Smarter Strategies for Financial Independence with Karsten Jeske Ep #282: Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite Ep #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins Best Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:14) Revisiting "Die With Zero" Four Years Later (06:50) Is Intentional Frugality a Superpower? (08:48) Where Chris Still Struggles to Spend (15:04) The Psychology of Spending (19:53) Maximizer vs. Satisficer: What Are You Optimizing For? (23:35) Matching Your Effort to the Season of Life You're In (25:04) How to Let Go When You Want to Do Everything (31:50) Optimizing for Lasting Happiness (37:23) Don't Run Away From What Lights You Up (38:43) What Are You Actually Chasing More Money For? (44:01) What Are You Really Saving For? (45:46) Giving Money to Kids (and Causes) While It Still Matters (50:40) Hedging Retirement Risk by Moving, Not Working Longer (53:00) Fear Wasting Your Life More Than Running Out of Money (57:52) Chris's Vision for a Family Summer Camp (01:02:36) Building a Time-Bucket List of One-Off Dreams (01:03:44) The Case for Doing "Nothing" on a Trip (01:04:23) Chris's Three Main Takeaways (01:06:23) Lowering the Barrier to Real-Life Connection (01:09:55) Defining Net Fulfillment For Yourself Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#286: With credit card fees climbing, credits getting harder to use, and points constantly devaluing, it's fair to ask whether earning points and miles is even worth it anymore. In this AMA, Chris breaks down why the fees are still worth it for him (and who they're not worth it for), common mistakes to avoid when running the numbers, and when cash back makes the most sense. He also walks through how to start from scratch, when a high annual fee actually pays for itself, and how to squeeze more out of overlooked spending categories. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/are-points-worth-it-ama Partner Deals Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Green Chef: ⁠50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned ⁠Best Cards Page⁠ ⁠Join the CardTool Waitlist⁠ AMA: ⁠Submit Questions⁠ Points Path Frequent Miler: What are Delta SkyMiles worth? Frequent Miler: What are Hyatt points worth now that the new award chart is live? How to Automatically Forward iMessages & Texts to Other Contacts Using Shortcuts Am I Eligible for a Business Credit Card? Ep #227: The Path to Becoming an Expert in Points & Miles with Devon Gimbel Ep #249: Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode with Kai Ep #264: Deep Dive on Bilt Rewards and New Bilt 2.0 Cards Ep #267: Credit Cards: What's in My Wallet for 2026 Ep #280: The Hidden Rules of Credit Card Approvals Ep #283: Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? Gift Cards Page Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:11) Why "Coupon Book" Cards Are a Premium-Card Problem, Not a Points Problem (02:08) Why Points Still Beat Cash Back for Most People (06:53) When Cash Back Actually Makes Sense (09:12) The Best Cash Back Cards Earning More Than 2% (16:05) Why Sign-Up Bonuses Make Points Cards the Clear Winner (18:01) The Best Business Card Welcome Offers Right Now (19:45) When a Cash Back Welcome Offer Is Actually Worth It (25:13) Where to Start If You're New to Points and Miles (30:49) How to Decide If a High Annual Fee Is Worth Paying (32:21) Breaking Down a $795 Annual Fee, Credit by Credit (38:53) Military Members: Open Every Card You Can (40:36) Fixing the Amazon + Costco + Southwest "Everything" Setup (43:10) The Right Way to Maximize Gas Spending (46:03) How to Earn Points Renting an RV (48:51) Why There Are No Good Cruise Credit Cards (50:20) Is Priority Pass Still Worth Paying For? (53:19) How to Maximize Referral Bonuses as a Couple (56:25) Should Couples Share Cards or Stay Separate? (01:02:34) The Simplest Way to Manage Points With a Partner (01:03:32) What to Do With Your Points When You Close a Card Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#285: Bill Perkins joins Chris to unpack what dying with zero really means in practice. They discuss why net fulfillment matters at every stage of life, which experiences are worth prioritizing now, how to bank memory dividends, the questions to ask yourself before spending (or saving), and how to solve for maximum fulfillment. Bill Perkins is a hedge fund manager, energy trader, and author of the international bestseller Die With Zero Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bill-perkins-net-fulfillment-beats-net-worth Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Bill Perkins: Instagram | Website | X Book: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life Full-body MRI Scan: Prenuvo Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence ATH Podcast #40: The Power of Regret, Motivation and Good Timing with Daniel Pink Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:27) Who Die With Zero Is Really For (02:32) Defining Net Fulfillment (03:14) Common Misconceptions People Have About Retirement and Spending (05:07) Why Money's Value Declines as You Age (09:12) Time Bucketing vs. a Bucket List (14:06) Memory Dividends: How Experiences Pay You Back for Life (20:47) Tactics to Make Your Memories Pay Bigger Dividends (22:12) Why You Should Start Investing in Experiences Now (25:39) How Far in Advance Should You Bucket Your Experiences? (27:27) The Experiences to Prioritize in Your 20s and 30s (30:35) Chris' Backpacking Trip (31:33) How to Avoid Getting Stuck on the Hamster Wheel (33:58) The Five Whys: Questioning the Outcome You Actually Want (35:54) Bill's Advice to People Who Are Contemplating a Career Upgrade (39:40) What to Do If You're Afraid of Running Out of Money (40:39) Attach Your Efforts to Your Goals (42:52) Letting Go of the Fear of Failure (44:51) Reframe Your Mindset to Minimize Future Regret (47:53) Do the Bold Thing (49:00) What an Hour of Your Time Is Really Worth (52:06) Should You Be Spending More or Less Money? (56:47) How Much You Need and When You Can Stop Saving (01:01:53) Why Doing It Now Also Benefits Your Future Self (01:02:32) The Coke vs. Pepsi Experiment and How Memory Works (01:03:46) Deconstructing What You Love About Your Job (01:05:57) What Bill Loves and Hates About the FIRE Movement (01:10:58) Get Past Your Habits and Ego to Unlock More Choices (01:12:44) Why Chris Set a Lower Net Worth Goal (01:16:08) Solving for Maximum Fulfillment (01:20:47) The Health Habits That Unlock Everything Else (01:24:24) Why Diagnostics Are Key to Catching Disease Early (01:27:58) Where to Find Bill Perkins Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#284: Chris breaks down the credit card benefits that save real money but rarely get attention, from getting a cracked iPhone repaired for free to purchase protections, travel coverage, and a deep bench of lesser-known perks. Learn exactly which card to reach for on every purchase, so you're always covered and never leaving money on the table. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/hidden-credit-card-benefits-2026/ Partner Deals Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Apps CardPointers: 30% off (50% off for ATH Members) GigSky The Cultivist Benefit Programs Sapphire Tables (via OpenTable) Resy Mastercard Priceless Visa Universal Studios discounts SoFar Sounds Troon Rewards Discover Cash at Checkout Amex Venmo Send and Split ATH Podcast Ep #66: Rental Cars: Saving Money, Avoiding Fees and All the Secret Tricks with Jonathan Weinberg Ep #113: Unlocking the Power of Plastic: Maximizing Your Hidden Credit Card Benefits Ep #221: Deep Dive on Credit Reports, Scores, and Their Real-World Impact Ep #224: Airport Lounges: Getting In, Hidden Perks and Expert Tips with Kevin Song Ep #283: Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:15) Purchase Benefits Overview (02:36) Purchase Protection: Coverage for Damaged or Stolen Items (05:15) How Extended Warranty Protection Works (06:36) Return Protection for Items Stores Won’t Take Back (07:55) When Price Protection Can Save You Money (12:27) Travel Benefits Overview (12:46) Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance (13:22) Trip Delay Coverage (13:47) Delayed Luggage Reimbursement (14:04) Lost and Damaged Bag Insurance (16:01) Rental Car Coverage: Primary vs. Secondary Insurance (21:37) Emergency Medical Coverage While Traveling (22:54) Non-Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage (23:22) What Travel Accident Insurance Actually Covers (23:53) Lounge Access Across Issuers and Networks (25:06) Booking the Luxury Hotel Collections for Free Perks (29:34) Free International Data and Roaming Benefits (31:46) Global Entry, TSA PreCheck & Trusted Traveler Credits (32:29) Cell Phone Protection Benefits (35:12) How to Maximize Card-Linked Offers (36:16) Automating Card-Linked Offers With CardPointers (37:26) What Credit Card Concierge Services Can Actually Do (38:49) Free Credit Scores and Credit Monitoring Tools (40:06) The Chase Instacart Benefit (and How to Stack It) (45:18) The Chase DoorDash Benefit (47:31) Exclusive Restaurant Reservation Programs (48:30) American Express Uber Benefits (49:14) Lyft Perks for Mastercard Holders (49:43) Capital One Entertainment and Drink Benefits (50:24) Free Museum Access With Bank of America and Capital One (52:22) Experience and Entertainment Programs (54:11) Getting Cash Out of Your Credit Card Benefits (55:50) Instant Approval and Virtual Card Numbers (58:02) Visa Network Benefits Worth Knowing (59:26) Mastercard Network Perks: Transit, Peacock, Airport Fast Track & Soho Friends Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#283: Learn exactly when you might need travel insurance and when your credit cards already have you covered. Chris breaks down what travel insurance covers, how those benefits compare to the coverage built into popular credit cards, and when it makes sense to buy additional protection. Plus, what US health insurance actually covers abroad, and specialty policies worth getting for medical evacuation, scuba diving, and trips off the beaten path. Link to Full Show Notes: https://www.chrishutchins.com/travel-insurance Partner Deals Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards: Best Cards Page  ⁠June's Best Welcome Offers⁠ Travel Insurance Providers Allianz Travel Insurance Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Travel Guard World Nomads Travel Insured International Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel Insurance (BCBS Global Solutions) Squaremouth Medical Evacuation & Specialty Coverage Medjet Global Rescue AirMed Covac Global Redpoint Travel Protection American Alpine Club Divers Alert Network (DAN) Garmin SAR Insurance Health Insurance Resources Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Kaiser Permanente International Coverage Christian Healthcare Ministries Medicare Plan G / Medigap (Medicare.gov) LifeX Research ATH Podcast Ep #277: The Japan ER Visit That Changed How We Travel (& Tokyo Disney) with Amy Fox Ep #113: Unlocking the Power of Plastic: Maximizing Your Hidden Credit Card Benefits Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:30) What Trip Cancellation Insurance Actually Covers (04:41) How Trip Change and Interruption Coverage Works (05:40) Reimbursement Limits for Trip Delays (06:39) Lost and Delayed Bag Coverage Explained (08:01) Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Coverage (09:24) Political Security and Disaster Evacuation Coverage (09:49) Medical and Dental Expense Limits While Abroad (10:11) How Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Works (10:27) Travel Insurance Add-Ons Worth Considering and a High-Level Recap (13:38) Pricing Out Real Policies for a Two-Week Europe Trip (17:24) Coverage You Likely Already Have vs. Unique Policies Worth Buying (18:18) What Counts as a Premium Credit Card? (18:58) How Cards Stack Up on Trip Cancellation and Interruption (21:32) Coverage for Award Flights Booked with Points (28:10) Price Drop Protection (28:46) Where Credit Card Trip Delay Coverage Beats Travel Insurance (30:05) Delayed Luggage Coverage on Premium Cards (31:41) Lost Bag Protection & Reimbursement Limits (34:02) Emergency Evacuation Benefits Included with Credit Cards (37:07) What Travel Accident Insurance Really Pays Out (39:07) When Standalone Travel Insurance Makes More Sense (39:31) Emergency Medical Coverage While Traveling Abroad (40:11) Rental Car Coverage and Primary vs. Secondary Insurance (46:12) What Credit Cards Cover Well (47:27) What US Health Insurance Actually Covers Abroad (50:54) How Health Sharing Plans Handle International Travel (51:43) Understanding Medicare Coverage Abroad (53:13) Handling Non-Emergency Medical Issues Overseas (56:22) Getting Evacuated to the Hospital of Your Choice (59:21) Specialty Coverage for Search and Rescue (01:00:57) Why Scuba Divers Need a Dedicated Membership (01:02:07) Travel Insurance Takeaways & Final Recommendations Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#282: When does optimization stop helping and start hurting? Chris shares how a string of seemingly smart decisions had him pouring hours into marginal gains that never materialized. He unpacks the hidden cost of optimization, the role AI plays in amplifying it, and how he's learning to focus on what actually moves the needle. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/optimizing-is-my-kryptonite/ Partner Deals NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Green Chef: ⁠50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS Upwork: ⁠Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Mercury: ⁠Manage, move, and grow your money For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Articles & Podcasts Every After Automation: Article | Podcast Tools & Apps PointsPath (use code ALLTHEHACKS15 for 15% off Pro) Autopilot (first $100 in savings free) Claude ChatGPT Deep Personality Services Clickables Events Points Travel Festival ATH Podcast #181: Making an Easy $3k/mo from Online Deals with Kai #273: Stop Overthinking and Start Deciding with Derek Sivers Builder Community Membership Best Cards Page Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Why Chris Feels Like He Has Zero Free Time (08:18) The Cabo Flight Booking Rabbit Hole (10:33) Building an AI Framework for Booking Travel (11:11) Chasing an Extra 15% Off With a United Card (12:49) When Optimizing Costs More Than the Original Price (15:53) Why Video Is Eating So Much of the Podcast's Time (18:56) The Endless Pursuit of Better YouTube Thumbnails (25:50) Recognizing the Real Cost of Over-Optimization (26:32) What AI Revealed About Why Chris Over-Optimizes (27:51) The Psychology Behind Chasing the Best Deal (30:02) Is AI Making Optimization Better or Worse? (31:11) Buying Back Time (31:39) A New Philosophy for Booking Flights (33:30) Tools That Help You Optimize Without the Mental Overhead (36:29) Chris’ New Flight Booking Rules (37:03) Re-Optimizing Work to Create More Free Time (38:14) The Paper "Star" System for Catching Rabbit Holes (42:20) Revisiting Old Lessons (44:09) Using Technology to Audit How You Spend Your Time Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#281: Chris shares the full playbook he used to take control of his health after digging into his family historical and lab results. He breaks down which tests are actually worth your money and when each one matters. Plus, how he built a personal health AI from his own medical records to surface what doctors missed. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/personal-health-ai-diagnostics/. Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Doctors & Medical Practices PrimaryMD One Medical Blueberry Zocdoc Biomarker & Blood Testing Function Health SuperPower InsideTracker InstaLab Ulta Lab Tests Quest Diagnostics Labcorp Specialized Diagnostics Nucleus 23andMe Levels Prenuvo Health Data Aggregators & AI Tools Apple Health Google Health Epic Claude ChatGPT Gemini PubMed Tech & Wearables Oura Ring Whoop ATH Podcast #097: Optimizing Your Health: Diagnostic Tests, Choosing a Doctor, Sleep, Longevity, Inflammation and More with Dr. Jordan Shlain Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:46) Chris' Lifelong Battle with High Cholesterol (07:20) Switching to a More Proactive Doctor (09:39) Family Medical History: The Cheapest Diagnostic Tool (10:59) Why ApoB and Lp(a) Belong on Every Lipid Panel (17:04) Detecting Soft Plaque with a CT Angiogram (20:02) Moving Beyond Statins for Better Cholesterol Control (21:46) How Chris Got a $500/Month Drug Covered by Insurance (25:11) Branching Out to Other Health Diagnostics (26:15) Comparing the Major Biomarker Blood Work Services (32:31) What Whole Genome Sequencing Actually Tells You (34:36) The Real Value of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (36:08) Getting a Full-Body Skin Scan from a Dermatologist (36:32) Using a DEXA Scan to Baseline Body Composition (37:17) Benchmarking Fitness with a VO2 Max Test (37:51) The Case For (and Against) a Prenuvo Whole-Body MRI (39:51) Why You Still Need a Human Doctor in the Loop (44:02) Finding the Right Primary Care Setup for Your Budget (46:21) The Health Basics Worth More Than Any Fancy Test (48:40) Building a Personal Health AI From Your Medical Records (56:56) Smarter Ways to Track Your Diet with AI (01:01:43) Why Chris Records Every Doctor's Appointment (01:02:25) Final Takeaways on Modern Health Diagnostics Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#280: Learn how to dramatically improve your odds of getting approved for the credit cards you actually want. Chris breaks down the hidden system every bank uses to evaluate applications, why your credit score matters far less than what's on your report, and the real factors driving denials, from credit-to-income ratios to recent inquiries to each issuer's internal model. He also walks through what to do before you apply, how to sequence applications across issuers, and the right moves to make after a denial. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/credit-card-approval-strategy. Partner Deals Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Capital One Venture X Business Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Capital One Spark Cash Plus Tools & Resources Doctor of Credit MyFICO Forums LexisNexis Articles Complete Guide to Credit Card Application Rules by Bank ATH Podcast #221: Deep Dive on Credit Reports, Scores, and Their Real-World Impact #228: Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo) #236: Deep Dive on Amex Credit Cards and Membership Rewards Points #242: Deep Dive on Capital One Credit Cards and Miles (+ Why I Love Them) #247:Deep Dive on Bank of America Credit Cards (Up to 5.25% Cash Back) Best Cards Page AMA: Submit A Question Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (03:50) Why Chris Lets His Cards Report High Balances (05:06) When Your Credit Score Actually Matters (05:53) Why Business Cards Stay Off Your Credit Report (06:39) What Actually Counts as a Business (10:55) How Your Credit-to-Income Ratio Drives Approvals (14:48) What Your Payment History Reveals (15:08) Why Recent Inquiries Can Sink Your Application (17:44) The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained (18:44) The Hidden Internal Models Banks Use (19:18) Diagnosing a Listener's Surprise 820-Score Denial (24:56) What to Check Before You Hit Submit (25:55) Sequencing Business Card Applications for Approval (28:05) The Best Personal Card Offers Right Now (28:50) Why a Checking Account Can Boost Your Odds (30:10) Using Frozen Credit Bureaus to Your Advantage (32:37) Tag-Teaming Applications With a Partner (33:32) Why Last-Minute Fixes Don't Work (34:32) Using Pre-Qualification Tools to Avoid Hard Pulls (34:49) Cutting Unnecessary Credit to Get Approved (35:27) What Actually Happens After a Denial (40:54) When It Makes Sense to Close a Card (44:26) The Hidden Value of Card-Linked Offers (46:15) Every Major Bank's Application Rules (48:45) The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#279: Learn to handle market volatility and build long-term wealth in a world dominated by AI disruption, market fear, inflation concerns, and nonstop financial noise. Chris and Ben discuss why investing remains psychologically difficult, how to think about global diversification, when to reevaluate your portfolio, and the risks most investors still overlook. Ben Carlson is the Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management and the author of five books on investing, including his newest, Risk and Reward. He's the creator of the blog A Wealth of Common Sense and co-host of the Animal Spirits podcast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/risk-market-volatility-ben-carlson Partner Deals Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Upwork: ⁠Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Ben Carlson: Website | X Book: Risk and Reward Podcast: Animal Spirits A Longer Life Can Lead to Financial Concerns, and More Questions The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko Roger Federer's 2024 Dartmouth Commencement Address ATH Podcast #128: The Psychology of Money with Morgan Housel #174: Secrets of Success in Life and Work with Legendary Silicon Valley Investor Andy Rachleff Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why Investing Is Still So Hard for Most People (01:37) How Today's Media Makes Markets Feel Scarier Than Ever (02:51) The Core Idea Behind Ben’s New Book (05:10) What Japan's Lost Three Decades Teach Long-Term Investors (08:50) Why You Need Exposure Beyond Your Home Market (10:18) Will AI Reshape Global Markets or Just U.S. Stocks? (14:01) Could a Dot-Com-Style Crash Happen Today? (15:57) Why AI Could Still Trigger the Next Bubble (17:57) Focus on What You Can Control, Not What You Can't (19:16) The Worst-Case Inflation Scenario of the 1970s (21:47) How to Think About Inflation in Today's Economy (23:36) The Inflation Hedges Most People Already Have (26:58) How to Filter the Noise and Stay Long-Term (33:31) The Penalty Kick Study and Why We Hate Doing Nothing (35:08) When It's Actually Time to Reevaluate Your Plan (36:49) Planning Your Career and Money for an AI Future (43:33) Why Optimism Is a Long-Term Investing Edge (47:25) The Tax Alpha Most Investors Are Missing (50:05) Applying These Lessons Closer to Retirement (51:53) The Risks Most Investors Forget to Plan For (56:50) The First Move to Rethink Your Risk Profile Tonight (59:42) Where to Find Ben and His New Book Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#278: Is AI making it possible for the average person to live a fully optimized life? Chris and Anish swap notes on how custom AI tools are replacing years of spreadsheets, and reshaping the way we work, learn, create, and relate to each other. They dig into why Chris has abandoned OpenClaw, the architecture mistakes almost everyone is making, and what happens when the subsidies on all these tools eventually go away. Anish Acharya is a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads consumer and AI-native investing. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ai-tools-spreadsheets-anish-acharya/ Partner Deals Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Green Chef: ⁠50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Mercury: ⁠Manage, move, and grow your money Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned AI tools and platforms Claude OpenAI Codex ChatGPT Gemini Perplexity Computer Cursor OpenClaw Tools Chris is using in his stack CardPointers 1Password Zapier Apple Health Notion Dropbox Travel and points tools Google Flights Seats.aero Roame ATH Podcast #265: I Built an AI Assistant That Works While I Sleep #275: The Custom Everything Era with Kevin Rose Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:08) How Chris Replaced His Award-Flight Spreadsheets With an Agent (04:20) Why Your AI Setup Should Be Platform-Agnostic (07:13) Why Sub-Agents Don't Actually Make Sense (13:29) Skills, Connectors, Projects, and Channels Explained (17:29) Anish on the Two Big Breakthroughs: Coding Agents and Personal Agents (18:29) Zero Marginal Cost of Doing Work (21:01) Will Knowledge Get Less Democratized in the AI Era? (22:17) The Four Layers of Personal AI: Knowledge, Data, Trust, and Connection (24:35) The Black Pill: Do Most People Have Enough Agency for This? (26:29) How Chris Connected His Own CardTool App to Claude (32:07) The Family Video Montage Built From iMessages and Photos (33:51) Reverse-Prompting and Breaking Tasks Into Discrete Steps (36:35) Is AI Making Us More Connected, or Less? (41:45) The Coming Flood of Bill Disputes, Appeals, and Speeding Tickets (44:52) Gemini, OpenAI Apps, and Claude Connectors Compared (47:03) The Hidden Power of Zapier's MCP Server (50:20) Managing Logins and Sensitive Data Without Losing Sleep (53:20) What's Still Not Possible With AI Today (56:56) The Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect Applied to AI (01:00:11) The Subsidies Behind Your $20 ChatGPT Plan (01:04:59) Evaluating the Actual Cost of AI Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#277: The last morning of our Japan trip turned into a sprint to a Tokyo emergency room, and challenged what we thought we knew about traveling abroad. We break down what a Japanese ER really cost, credit card benefits most travelers don't know they have, the best places to shop in Japan right now, and how to navigate Disney Tokyo without losing your day to four-hour lines. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/japan-er-disney-shopping Partner Deals Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Storyworth: Share your mother's stories in a custom book (+ up to $20 off) For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Flights & Award Booking Japan Airlines Finnair Avios American Airlines Award Tool Seats.aero Hotels Park Hyatt Tokyo Hilton Tokyo Bay Disney Ambassador Hotel Airbnb Activities teamLab KidZania Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo DisneySea Luggage & Transportation Yamato Transport RideSafer Travel Vest Suica Card Takuhaibin Delivery Services Technology & Planning Claude Claude Code Codex Google Maps offline Google Translate T-Mobile Shopping Muji Don Quijote (Donki) Loft Takashimaya ARC5 PALM-Sized 5-Blade Electric Luxury Razor Keana Rice Pack face mask Food & Dining 7-Eleven Japan FamilyMart Koffee Mameya Afuri Ramen Rokurinsha Mos Burger Credit Cards Bank of America® Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card Chase Sapphire Reserve® The Platinum Card® from American Express ATH Podcast AMA: Submit A Question Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:20) The Chaotic Last Day — and Why a Great Hotel Concierge Changes Everything (06:01) What Happened When We Had a Medical Emergency in Japan (14:05) Rethinking Which Credit Card to Use for Booking International Travel (17:48) Why Japan Is One of the Best Places to Shop Right Now (and What to Buy) (27:32) DisneySea vs. Disneyland Tokyo (28:34) The Disney Lines Strategy: Premier Access, Vacation Packages, and Happy Entry (35:25) The Popcorn Hack and Other Only-in-Japan Disney Tips (41:54) Trip Highlights, Honest Regrets, and How We Handle Jet Lag (45:01) How Letting Go of "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Made the Trip Better (48:26) Don't Be Afraid to Ask for What You Need (49:48) The One-Day Buffer That Makes Every Trip Better Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices