All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
by Chris Hutchins
Never leave money on the table. This is your shortcut to upgrading your life, money and travel—all while spending less and saving more. Get tactical moves and deep dives into designing a life you’re excited about. Host Chris Hutchins is a life hacker who has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life and looking to maximize happiness at the lowest cost. Chris and guests like Tim Ferriss, Tony Hawk, Codie Sanchez and Gary Vaynerchuk are here to deliver smart strategies you can plug into your own life—from a money hack that increases your net worth, to a r...
Episodes
How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points
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
Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return
#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
Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett
#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
Are Credit Card Points Still Worth It? and More Listener Q&A
#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
Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
#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
20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using
#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
Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance?
#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
Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite
#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
Taking My Health Into My Own Hands: Tests, Records, and What Actually Worked
#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
The Hidden Rules of Credit Card Approvals
#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
How Long-Term Investors Actually Think About Risk with Ben Carlson
#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
The AI Tools I'm Building to Replace My Spreadsheets with Anish Acharya
#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
The Japan ER Visit That Changed How We Travel (& Tokyo Disney) with Amy Fox
#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
Saving $30K+ on the Perfect Spring Break Japan Trip with Amy Fox
#276: Learn how Chris and Amy booked four nonstop business class seats and a week at the Park Hyatt Tokyo almost entirely on points. They break down the strategy, key takeaways for traveling with kids, Chris' AI-powered trip planner, and . Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/50k-japan-trip-on-points Partner Deals Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off Aura Frames: $25 off the Carver Mat with code ALLTHEHACKS 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 Credit Cards Bank of America® Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card Chase Sapphire Reserve® The Platinum Card® from American Express 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 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 (01:59) Why Booking Business Class to Japan a Year Out Actually Works (16:46) What Our Hyatt Points Are Worth Now — and After the Upcoming Devaluation (20:37) Why We Stayed in Tokyo the Entire Trip (and Why We're Glad We Did) (25:43) Why TeamLab Should Be on Every Asia Itinerary (26:46) How to Save on Phone Data Abroad and the Rookie Mistake to Avoid (27:31) How We Used AI to Build a Real-Time Trip Guide Before We Even Landed (35:58) Japan Airlines Business Class Review (38:56) Inside the Freshly Renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo (45:37) Is the Park Hyatt Tokyo's Location Actually a Problem? (51:03) Did the Cherry Blossoms Live Up to the Hype? (53:57) Why Japan's Bathrooms, Vending Machines, and Convenience Stores Are a Revelation (56:09) Cash, Cards, and Transit: How to Pay Your Way Through Japan (57:45) What We Learned About Traveling Tokyo with Kids (59:19) Why Food in Japan Is Just Better (Even at 7-Eleven) (01:00:51) KidZania Tokyo: The Best Kid Experience You've Never Heard Of (01:05:26) Why Japan's Bag-Forwarding Service Is a Game Changer for Families 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
The Custom Everything Era with Kevin Rose
#275: Chris and Kevin dig into how they're actually using AI tools in their daily lives right now. They explore real-world AI use cases, the tradeoffs of sharing personal data, the collapse of trust online, and what all of this means for jobs, creativity, and human connection. Kevin Rose is the host of Diggnation and a partner at True Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that has invested over $4 billion in a portfolio of over 400+ founders. Kevin previously founded Zero and Oak, and was a partner at Google Ventures. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/using-ai-tools-today-kevin-rose Partner Deals Aura Frames: $25 off the Carver Mat with code ALLTHEHACKS NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent 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 Kevin Rose: Diggnation | Newsletter AI Tools & Platforms Claude OpenClaw ChatGPT Google Gemini ElevenLabs Vercel Japan Travel Craig Mod's Blog Park Hyatt Tokyo KidZania Tokyo Articles & Pop Culture Leica and Content Authenticity Initiative All-In Podcast episode with Travis Kalanick The Pitt Joker Greeting ATH Podcast Newsletter Gift Card Site Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Are We Actually Saving Time with AI—or Just Wasting It Faster? (10:03) The Real Risks of Sharing Your Data with AI Tools (21:18) Why It’s Never Been Easier to Build and Create (28:12) Has AI Content Already Gone Too Far? (37:37) How AI Is Reshaping Human Interaction (40:43) The Growing Need to Verify What’s Real (46:33) Investing in a World Being Disrupted by AI (51:44) Where Jobs Are Headed in the AI Era (55:02) What Happens to Art When Anyone Can Create? (56:47) Tips for Planning a Trip to Japan 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
The Surprising History of Points and Miles
#274: Chris walks through the complete history of points and miles and breaks down the $140 billion machine behind them, so you can get more out of every point you earn. He covers the legal accidents that made credit cards wildly profitable, why loyalty programs are worth more than the airlines, the psychology behind why you keep hoarding points, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/history-of-points-and-miles Partner Deals Storyworth: Share your mother's stories in a custom book (+ up to $20 off) Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family 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 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 Movie: The Man From The Diners Club Book: Mileage Maniac by Steve Belkin Video: How Airlines Quietly Became Banks Articles Credit-card cash reshapes US airline loyalty — and profit by Reuters Interview with Matty Simmons by The Saturday Evening Post Who Pays For Your Rewards? Redistribution in the Credit Card Market by Agarwal, Presbitero, Silva, and Wix ATH Podcast Best Cards Page 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 (00:53) The Very Beginning of Points & Miles (04:07) How Credit Cards Came to Exist (08:24) The Legal Accident that Made Credit Cards Profitable (15:50) The History of Rewards (19:06) The Story of Air Pass (23:20) The First Airline Co-branded Credit Cards (25:21) How the Credit Card System Works Between Different Banks (29:38) How the Airline Rewards System Works (35:32) Airline Rewards Grade Devaluations (37:31) Examples of Rare Airline Reward Point Opportunities (39:33) The Endowed Progress Effect (40:38) The Goal Gradient Effect and Chasing Airline Rewards (41:09) The Sunk Cost Fallacy (41:47) The Separate Mental Accounts Effect (42:46) Quick Summary of the History of Miles & Points 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
Stop Overthinking and Start Deciding with Derek Sivers
#273: Learn to stop overthinking and make better decisions. Chris and Derek discuss how optimizing can go wrong, a coin flip trick for making decisions, journaling as a superpower, how your actions might reveal what you actually want, and more. Derek Sivers is an entrepreneur, writer, and self-proclaimed "slow thinker" best known for founding CD Baby, which he sold for $22M and gave the proceeds to charity. He’s since dedicated his life to creating, learning, and writing books like Hell Yeah or No. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/derek-sivers-stop-overthinking-make-better-decisions Partner Deals Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Derek Sivers: Website | X Book: Hell Yeah or No: what's worth doing Articles: My Heroes | Actions, Not Words, Reveal Our Real Values | Parenting: Who Is It Really For? | Travel Is Best With Young Children | Relax for the Same Result | How To Ask Your Mentors For Help Books Mentioned: The Paradox of Choice | Brain Rules for Baby New Zealand Recommendation: Staglands Wildlife Reserve 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 (02:39) Turning Intentions Into Reality (07:34) Reflecting On What You Want And Why (13:39) Methods For Decision-Making (16:23) Learning To Pause, Reflect, And Push Back Through Journaling (31:01) Making Decisions When There Are Too Many Options (37:15) Coin Toss: Noticing Your Feelings While The Coin Is In The Air (39:52) Paradox Of Choice: Satisfice Not Maximize (50:30) Theory Vs. Practice (58:53) Decision-Making Based On Personal Goals And Aspirations (01:03:14) Actions Reveal Values (01:08:30) The Power of Saying No (01:18:18) Parenting Perspective (01:22:31) Traveling With Children (01:31:53) Adjusting Expectations (01:41:07) Relax for The Same Result (01:49:42) Derek Sivers’ New Zealand 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
My Process for Booking Travel with Points & Miles
#272: Learn how to turn your points into significantly better travel experiences by following a simple, repeatable system. We cover how to plan, find award availability, choose the right tools, and decide between portals vs. transfers, plus the mindset shifts that make the whole process work. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/booking-travel-with-points-and-miles-2026 Partner Deals Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free Green Chef: 50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Award Search Tools AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) point.me (20% off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS20) PointsYeah Seats.Aero Points Path Browser Extension FlightConnections Credit Cards Best Cards Page CardTool App Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ATH Podcast Ep 166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Ep 227: The Path to Becoming an Expert in Points & Miles with Devon Gimbel Ep 238: 18 Tactics for Booking Travel with Points & Miles Ep 244: How I Saved $10,000+ on Luxury Hotels Ep 258: My Top 5 Mistakes with Points & Miles Membership 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 (01:10) Two Ways to Use Points for Travel (06:30) Define Your Flexibility Before You Search (11:42) Clarify What You Actually Want From A Trip (15:00) When to Start Planning (and Why Earlier Is Almost Always Better) (18:48) How To Find Award Availability (19:55) The Best Award Search Tools & How to Use Them (21:17) How Award Tools Work (23:30) Using Alerts To Find Better Flights (26:15) What To Do When You Can’t Find Availability (28:31) How to Book for a Group When Availability Is Tight (31:32) Why You Should Book One-Way Flights (32:27) How To Use Points For Domestic Flights (34:38) The Best Tool For Domestic Award Searches (35:05) Why Diversifying Your Points Unlocks More Domestic Options (36:36) Should You Ever Use Points to Upgrade Seats? (39:00) Are Travel Portals Worth It? (39:36) The Case Against Using Travel Portals (42:09) The Case For Using Travel Portals (45:17) How To Think About Chase Points Boost (48:26) When Using Points For Hotels Makes Sense (50:50) The Best Ways to Earn Hotel Points (53:54) The Award Booking Index 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
How to Actually Live the Life You're Optimizing For with Sahil Bloom
#271: Learn why over-optimizing your life can quietly destroy the things you actually care about. Chris and Sahil explore the doorman fallacy, why big life decisions should happen fast, how to use AI as a thinking partner, and why systems beat motivation every time. Sahil Bloom is a writer, entrepreneur, and investor. He wrote The 5 Types of Wealth, publishes the newsletter The Curiosity Chronicle to nearly a million readers, and is the Founder of the men's skincare line Wild Roman. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/sahil-bloom-stop-over-optimizing-life Partner Deals Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Mercury: Manage, move, and grow your money LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family 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 Sahil: Website | Newsletter | X Wild Roman: 10% off with code CHUTCHINS10 Books & Articles The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom A Reflection On The Little Things The Doorman Fallacy The Real AI Risk Nobody Told You About The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis Rule for Life: Don't Complain AI Tools Deep Personality Lemon Wispr Flow Phone Lock Box: Mindsight Timed Lock Box Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:58) Why Sahil Moved His Entire Family from New York to Boston (03:09) Why Big Life Changes Should Happen Fast (04:47) The Real ROI of Small Moments (06:27) The Doorman Fallacy: What You Lose When You Optimize the Surface (10:32) Designing Your Life vs Letting It Happen (15:15) The Tradeoffs of Living Near Opportunity (22:17) Why Now Is the Best Time in History to Be Curious (30:05) How Sahil Actually Uses AI Day-to-Day (36:23) Solomon's Paradox: Why We Can't Take Our Own Advice (38:45) Using Voice Agents to Think Better (40:03) Balancing Work, Family, and Time (45:47) Why Motivation Is Overrated and Choice Architecture Wins (49:11) Making Workouts Non-Negotiable Without Sacrificing Work (52:54) How Often to Audit Your Routines (Before They Start Owning You) (53:42) Why Sahil Invested $1M of His Own Money in a Skincare Company 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
Ski Trip Mishaps, AI Interior Design, Reflecting on Life and More
#270: Chris and Amy discuss lessons from three ski trips with kids, using AI to redesign rooms on a budget, their favorite new gadgets, navigating high-deductible health plans, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ski-trips-ai-home-design-health-finances-amy Partner Deals NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent For all deals, discounts, and promo codes from our partners, visit:chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Ski & Travel Epic Pass Woodward Vrbo Kirkwood Etekcity Luggage Scale AI Tools Gemini Claude ChatGPT Nano Banana Google Sites Bee Limitless Pendant Wispr Flow Deep Personality Home Gadgets Skylight Aura Frames Paprika Ratio Eight Series 2 Baratza Forté™ BG Health & Wearables Oura Ring WHOOP (← 1 month free) One Medical Blueberry Pediatrics (← $100) Money & Finance Mercury Copilot Money (free 2 months access with code HACKS2) ATH Podcast Ask Chris Anything! Newsletter #237: How to Design a Rich Life at Any Income with Ramit Sethi #268: Stop Planning, Start Experimenting: A Science-Backed Approach to a Better Life with Anne-Laure Le Cunff Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:55) The Lost Clothes Disaster and A Surprisingly Good Outcome (14:30) What Ski Trips Are Really Like With Kids (15:06) This Ski Season vs. Last Ski Season (18:14) Smarter Ways To Book Houses for Ski Travel (19:03) How To Save Money on Checked Bags for Ski Trips (19:37) A Shoutout to the New Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 (20:07) When It’s Better To Drive Instead of Fly (21:42) How Amy Has Been Redesigning Rooms in the House (23:22) Why AI Is Such a Powerful Tool for Home Design (23:54) Amy’s Step-by-Step Process for Redesigning a Room With AI (25:02) The AI Tools Amy Used and What Each One Did Best (29:51) Using AI To Find Better Furniture Ideas (32:38) How Much Money AI Saved vs. Hiring a Designer (34:18) New House Gadget: The Skylight Calendar (36:25) Why We Love the Ratio Coffee Machine Gen 2 and the Baratza Grinder (39:50) Oura Ring vs. WHOOP Band (42:53) Bee, Wearable AI, and the Future of Personal Memory (50:30) What It Looks Like To Integrate AI Deeply Into Daily Life (54:22) What We Learned Switching to a High-Deductible Health Plan (01:03:11) Best Practices for Combining Finances as a Couple 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