Point Me To First Class

Dr. Niki Topp is a board-certified OB/GYN who is now retired from clinical practice. After moving to South Africa 8 years ago, her career focus switched toward philanthropy and opening her own small business. She is also the founder and director of a non-profit called Ithemba Ngemfundo, which focuses on improving early education in the townships of South Africa. Through her travel business Wandering Leopard, Dr. Topp plans group trips to South Africa, specifically for female physicians, which is why I have her on the show. Discover Niki's tips for booking your dream safari vacation, learn about your different options, and decide what works best for you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/dream-safari-budget-locations-luxury-dr-niki-topp Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Is it possible to book four or more business class award tickets on the same flight? You might think it's outright impossible to get a deal like this, but in my experience, you have more options than you think. When you know what you're looking for and you have a strategy for getting it, you increase your chances of finding what you want. That's exactly what we're covering in part two of this series. Discover the specific business class award flights that are considered zebras and unicorns. I dive into the specific challenges you'll face when trying to get your hands on a zebra or a unicorn, and you'll learn what your award-booking game plans need to include if you don’t want to come away from your awards search empty-handed. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/horses-zebras-unicorns-business-class-award-flight-edition-part-2 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

In the world of points travel, you're probably familiar with the concept of a unicorn award. These are flights so rare they might as well be magical, mythical creatures because your chances of seeing one are slim to non-existent. Award flights, especially long-haul business class award flights, are not all created equal in terms of how easy they are to find and book. Premium cabin award flights are like horses, zebras, and unicorns. Some are common, easy to find, and easy to book. Others are unicorns that are rarely seen and impossible to predict but beautiful and magical nonetheless. When people try to redeem their points for the first time, they have expectations that leave them feeling discouraged when they can't find the flights they want. Sometimes you want a unicorn, but you're better off trying to find a horse or even a zebra. So by the end of this two-part podcast series, you'll be able to identify which award flights are horses, which are zebras, which are unicorns, and which you can get your hands on. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/horses-zebras-unicorns-business-class-award-flight-edition-part-1 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Getting value from points comes down to two simple things: earning points (ideally as many as possible for the money you're spending) and using points (ideally as few as possible for any given award), so you can take more trips, save more money, and have more travel options available. It's time to dive deep into a simple approach for part one of the points-travel cycle: earning points. Discover a framework for thinking about your expenses from a high-level perspective so you can quickly and easily identify the points-earning opportunities that you aren't yet leveraging. Beginners will find this episode particularly eye-opening, but there are also plenty of tips here for more experienced points travelers, so there's something for everyone. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/mastering-expense-buckets-for-maximum-points Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Whether it's sipping champagne in first class, watching the sunset in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or enjoying access to the best first-class airport lounges, there are some aspirational redemptions that always seem to get the most attention from points enthusiasts. But before you can turn your travel dreams into reality using points, you need to first uncover what your unique wish list looks like. That's exactly what my guest this week is here to discuss. Tune in this week to start uncovering not only what you want to get out of points travel but what you desire from your experience of being alive. You'll learn the impact of introducing what my guest, Board-Certified Palliative Care Physician, Life and Wellness Coach, Dr. Faryal Michaud, calls high-definition moments into your life, what changes when you focus on writing your best chapter, and how to bring the magic of travel into your everyday life. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/the-reverse-bucket-list-dr-faryal-michaud Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you have a high monthly credit card spend and want to leverage these expenses to earn even more points, this episode is for you. Signup bonuses are the easiest way to earn a huge points return for every dollar spent, but what I'm sharing today allows you to expand upon this strategy, sometimes with relatively little effort, and earn more points without needing to take out new cards and rely on welcome bonuses. Tune in this week to learn everything you need to know about Chase Spending Offers. I discuss how Chase Spending Offers make already strong points-earning cards even better, and you'll learn not only how Chase Spending Offers work but also how to integrate them into your overall points strategy. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/racking-up-points-with-chase-spending-offers Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Kevin Zanes has a background in data science and analytics that he now uses to scour award programs for the best points deals. So on today's show, we're talking math, data, and how these two things help you land the most amazing points deals. Tune in this week to discover how data can get you the best value for your points. Kevin is using data and technology to dispel common myths of the award travel community, and he's revealing the math-backed truth about what he calls the single best points-earning credit card on the market. Whether you're new to award travel or a seasoned points traveler, this episode is packed with value and insights you won't find anywhere else. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/analytic-approach-points-travel-kevin-zanes Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Laura Jana is an Omaha-based pediatrician, social entrepreneur, and award-winning children/parenting book author. From early literacy advocate and 9-year owner of a 200-student educational childcare center to advisor to Mattel, Primrose Schools, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of children, families, and communities. Hear about an unforgettable trip taken by a member of the Point Me to First Class Community. This trip is on many of your bucket lists, and Dr. Laura Jana is here today to discuss why she decided to book this trip, why you don't need to book all your trips on points, and hopefully inspire you for your next amazing trip, whether you book it using points or not. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/don-t-need-points-trip-dr-laura-jana Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Today, I'm joined by my friend, points-earning expert Dr. Andrea Mabry. She's here to show you exactly how to earn points by paying off your student loans or by paying for your kid's education. This is taking one of your biggest expenses and leveraging it to earn more points, and Andrea's here to show us how to make this part of a financially responsible points strategy. Discover how to earn tons of points for expenses you already have: student loans or paying for your child's education. You can't use your cards to pay directly towards student loans or a 529 plan, but Andrea is sharing an amazing workaround to earn points from fulfilling these huge expenses. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/paying-student-loans-529-plans-dr-andrea-mabry Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Miraval Resort is an all-inclusive, adults-only health and wellness resort that started in Tucson, Arizona, and has expanded to Austin, Texas, and The Berkshires, Massachusetts. Each location is different but has the same signature approach to wellness. So how do you know what to expect at the different locations and choose which one is right for you? That's exactly what we're diving into today. I'm joined by Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma and Dr. Mindy Stimell-Rauch, and we're comparing the three Miraval Resorts and their offerings in terms of accommodation, food, service, and activities available at each location, so you know what to expect and can decide which best suits your needs for your next getaway using points. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/miraval-resort-arpita-gupta-depalma-mindy-stimell-rauch Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Lindsay Bradley started her points and miles journey in 2011 but didn't get into extensive points travel until meeting her P2. After marrying in 2018, they took off to travel the world, doing mini retirements on points and miles. Lindsay has visited 77 countries on all seven continents and has redeemed over $300,000 worth of travel with credit card rewards. Tune in this week to discover some unique uses of points for premium flights. Lindsay gives her insights into some of the challenges and opportunities of constructing a multi-country trip itinerary, and you'll learn how to put perks like hotel free-nights certificates to use to offset the cost of travel. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/uk-bahrain-oman-qatar-on-points-lindsay-bradley Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

For this conversation about how we think about ourselves in relation to money, I’m joined by one of the most brilliant women that I know, Kara Loewentheil. Kara is the Founder of The School of New Feminist Thought and creator of The Feminist Self Help Society, host of the top-rated podcast UnF*ck Your Brain, and author of the upcoming book Take Back Your Brain. Tune in this week for a unique insight into how your brain thinks about money. Discover the lies you’ve been taught about yourself and money, particularly if you were socialized as a female, and most importantly, you’ll learn what you can do to break the cycle and build a money mindset that actually serves you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/owning-your-financial-life-kara-loewentheil Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Earning transferable points is key to unlocking some of the best possible deals on flights and hotel stays. But which of the points currency ecosystems best suits your specific needs? Well, there’s a newbie in the transferable points currency family: the Bilt points ecosystem, and it might just be the one for you. To help me explore the Bilt points world, I’m joined by Dr. Suzanne Manzi. Dr. Suzanne Manzi, a quadruple board-certified physician and Bilt points enthusiast, is a trailblazer in the world of luxury travel. Together with her partner, she founded Doctor Wander Well Travel, a boutique travel agency specializing in curating unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/earn-points-more-everything-bilt-dr-suzanna-manzi Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

The points hobby has changed massively over the years. We have more points-earning cards, higher sign-up bonus offers, and rewards programs themselves are becoming more innovative. But on the other hand, we’ve also seen some less positive changes, like more restrictions around acquiring rewards credit cards, stricter eligibility rules, and limitations on how many cards you can hold at once. Discover the top five questions you simply can’t afford to ignore when you’re considering applying for a new rewards credit card. These questions will save you from getting the right card at the wrong time, ending up with the wrong cards at any time, and making the mistakes that could prevent you from earning the most points possible. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/5-questions-new-rewards-credit-card And to make keeping track of all those credit card eligibility rules easier, I've made a Guide to Credit Card Eligibility Rules that you can grab for free and download! Use this guide whenever you're ready to apply for a new rewards credit card. Get your guide at https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/60 Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Right now in April 2024, there’s a unique points opportunity that I’ve taken advantage of every year for the past few years, but nobody seems to be talking about it. Despite my strong inclination to keep it to myself, I’m sharing it with you this week just in case you can make use of it for yourself. This points-earning opportunity isn’t for everybody, but it could open up some truly fantastic award options for the right person. Discover a current promotion to purchase miles for the Lufthansa Miles & More program. I share an amazing deal for the right person, help you identify whether it’s right for you, and you’ll learn exactly how you can maximize this opportunity for some amazing award travel. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/strategies-smart-mileage-purchases Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Lisha Taylor is a wealth strategist, "doctorpreneur," professional writer, and podcaster, advocating for physician wellness through financial literacy. As a Board Certified Primary Care Sports Physician, she's also the co-founder of Wealth Minded MD, a company and podcast that empowers women in medicine to build wealth and create the lives they desire. Initially, Dr. Taylor navigated the common uncertainties many have when starting with credit card points. Now, points have become a key component of her wealth strategy. Tune in this week to learn how Dr. Taylor's engagement with Points Made Easy has unlocked new travel opportunities by leveraging her everyday expenses, even though she doesn't see herself as what she would call a big spender. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/zero-points-to-south-africa-dr-lisha-taylor Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you’re serious about points, you should have access to at least one of the major transferable points currencies. But how do you know which of the transferable currencies you should focus on? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Sujatha Murali, and we’re diving deep into one transferable points currency: the world of Chase Cards and their Ultimate Rewards Points. We’re discussing the Chase points-earning cards, what you need to know about the ins and outs of qualifying for Chase rewards cards, and you’ll learn what Chase Ultimate Rewards Points can be particularly valuable for when it comes to award travel. Don't forget to grab your own tax points earning calculator here to make calculating your tax payment points earning potential a breeze: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/chase-points-dr-sujatha-murali Need more personalized help constructing a points earning plan for your tax payments and other annual expenses? Then you'll want to join me inside the Points Made Easy course during our next enrollment. Save your spot on the course waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Tune in to today's update on paying taxes with a credit card to hear how this annual expense can play a crucial role in your points strategy. If you’re a high-earning employed professional or a self-employed business owner, your tax expenses offer an enormous points-earning opportunity. Discover whether it makes sense for you to pay your taxes by credit card, how to strategize the best points earning card for your tax expense, and the top mistake you want to be sure to avoid so your tax points earning plans don't get derailed. Don't forget to grab your own tax points earning calculator here to make calculating your tax payment points earning potential a breeze: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/taxes-points-strategy Need more personalized help constructing a points earning plan for your tax payments and other annual expenses? Then you'll want to join me inside the Points Made Easy course during our next enrollment. Save your spot on the course waitlist here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dr. Erika Moseson is a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Physician in Portland, Oregon. She’s also the host of the Air Health Our Health podcast, about the air we breathe and how it impacts our environment and communities. Erika loves travel, but she’s also concerned about the climate implications of the travel industry and wants to explore how we can experience the benefits of travel while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Discover some simple ways you can pursue your travel hobby while mitigating the environmental impact of your trips. We’re also discussing how Erika has been able to use points to book some amazing economy travel experiences that allow her family of five to see the world with freedom and flexibility. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/travel-matches-values-dr-erika-moseson Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Points travel is possible for everyone, even a family of five or more. To discuss the ways families can maximize their points, I’m joined by Dr. Susan Zink. Susan is a psychiatrist with three children who has managed to get some amazing deals that meet her family’s travel needs, and she’s here to share her tips for family travel using points. Discover some of the challenges related to reward travel for larger families and learn how to overcome these challenges. Dr. Susan Zink is sharing her strategy for earning enough points to travel with her husband and three children, and she’s sharing her top tips for landing the kind of accommodation deals that suit your family’s needs. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/award-travel-tips-big-families-dr-susan-zink Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy