The goal is to share my personal reflections with our deeply flawed US healthcare system. And even with its flaws, it’s the system we have, and should be taken advantage to maximize benefits for its participants. To take advantage, though, one has to reasonably understand how it works. Obviously avoid getting hurt, but healthcare is […]
Healthcare insanity – a story of an unpleasantly broken leg Read More »
As we headed home (California, my family) for the holidays, I had the brilliant idea to save a few bucks and take advantage of some cancelled flight credits to fly on United. It was the cheapest Christmas flights with halfway decent schedule, single connection. Really how bad can Basic Economy be, right? How different can
Basic Economy’s no frills makes for a mediocre travel experience Read More »
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas to all, and hope Santa was extra generous and maybe even left some cookies for the adults. Flying is full of uncomfortable experiences, general hassles, and lots of waiting. There are some simple steps folks can take to help make the overall experience a little smoother and less disruptive. TSA
Flying for Xmas? Don’t skip on TSA Pre-Check, you probably have it for free! Read More »
This is the perfect no-nonsense partnership. Effectively every Chase card has a combined free trial of Instacart+ and a monthly credit. While I don’t love using delivery (or pickup) for orders in general, I’m all for it if it’s actually cheaper. This is. Instacart+ is effectively a no-fee (really, reduced-fee) delivery. Typically it’s $99/year or
Alas, there is often an asterisk. This one comes in the form of “Preferred Rewards” relationship requirements with Bank of America. This relationship bonus is notable, bumping the rewards earn from 1.5% to 2.625% on all spend. No joke. Link to the product itself (not a referral link) The base product itself is perfectly fine
2.625% everywhere, no gotchas* (with an asterisk) BofA Premium Rewards Card Read More »
As one might expect of me, I push my relationships with every financial institution and expect perfection in delivery. Unsurprisingly, this often leaves me disappointed and escalating for attention with limited results. Cue the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). While they were chartered for bigger and better things (read: enforcement and regulation to protect consumers)
Wronged by the banks? The CFPB is here to help (for now) Read More »
It goes without saying, but I love my rewards. What I love ALMOST as much as enjoying the freebies and perks and benefits is looking back and seeing all that I was able to do on the big bank and airline dime. Another blockbuster year, 2025, at $13,378. Topping last year’s haul by a few
2025 SCHEMES WRAPPED with $13,378 across free travel, loyalty & card rewards! Read More »
The goal of this post is not convince anyone on the merits or lack thereof on crypto, but reflect briefly on the current state of this wild and crazy marketplace. There is little that brings me more joy than seeing scams, scammers, and big cons go bust. I’m all for taking advantage of good deals,
Crypto is for suckers – and they sure are losing big lately Read More »
The old advert jingle really sunk in, and in my time of need, they were there. I’ve used them for chip repairs in the past and know they’re solid. There’s nothing quite like the experience of leaving the annual inspection and oil change and having a giant crack on your windshield slowly expand mere feet
Safelite repair, Safelite replace — with a big ol’ discount! Read More »
Portal? What does that even mean? There are a range of web “portals” which track purchases and credit back some of the bounty/fees to consumers. Particularly for larger purchases, there’s no sense in leaving money on the table for one or two extra clicks. Also these stacking with other credit card rewards, discounts, and loyalty
Shopping Portals – easy extra discounts on your online purchases Read More »
