2022 Update: This article is from January 2019, but all resolutions are still valid for the year 2022! Enjoy your reading!
It’s my turn to wish you a great 2019. In light of several articles published earlier this year and because of recurring questions appearing in the Milesopedia – Credit Cards and Rewards” facebook group, I came up with the idea of writing these 7 resolutions for any good Travel Hacker!
Jean-Maximilien also reminds us in his article milesopedia, loyalty programs and you… in 2019!
What are your plans and objectives for the next 6 – 12 – 18 months?
It is important to define your own goals.
I emphasize this point because the rest of the underwriting strategy will be based on this starting point. This way, you’ll stay on track and won’t necessarily be tempted to sign up for all the offers and promotions like a headless chicken!
Also, Jean-Maximilien ‘s objectives for 2019 may not be the same as yours so don’t copy blindly everything he does 🙄 .
Here are some other factors to consider:
The card purchase process requires a good deal of planning.
In fact, the application process takes several days or even weeks from application to card activation. It usually takes a good 2 weeks on average from application to first use of the card.
In short, there are several elements that slow down the process.
And why address the process in the identification of expenses? Because often you take too much at the last minute and you ask us in the group for a card suggestion when there is a payment to be made the following week.
Many expenses are easily identifiable well in advance:
Moreover, as it is preferable to concentrate your subscription requests (2 or 3 on the same day) and ideally during the week . Indeed, on non-working days, all systems are not at the same “date”. Some will be on the calendar date while others will be on the next business day. So it’s best to plan ahead.
Then, you may also need to consider the time frame for payment of your expense. For example, if the payment is made by check through Plastiq, it will take an additional 7-10 days for the supplier to receive payment.
So, make a calendar and synchronize your card requests with your big expenses (i.e. a few weeks before the expense arrives).
The goal here is to avoid going into debt and ensure that you trigger all your sign-up bonuses. This way, you’ll be less likely to fall back on buying gift cards just to reach a spending threshold.
Plan your expenses
Example of planning for us: I have known for quite some time that the City of Montreal’s new bylaw on wood-burning fireplaces would come into effect on October 1, 2018. So we had to change our home to make it compliant. The entire operation (new fireplace, new home base, new wood storage) was going to cost us $9,000. None of the suppliers (contractor, distributor) accepted payment by credit card. So we paid for everything via Plastiq (checks were sent). We had taken care to subscribe in advance to the credit cards that suited us. I’ll let you guess the number and amount of subscription bonuses unlocked…
Travel hacking is not a game. Let’s say it’s a “hobby”. So take the time to read everything:
I come back to these welcome kits.
Why do you think issuers are sending you this information? To inform you of all your privileges! It should be noted that governments are forcing issuers, following pressure from consumer groups, to disclose all elements related to your programs. It is therefore important to read them.
We often see basic questions asked on the group about your privileges. A simple reading or rereading would have allowed you to find the answer. Take charge of your life and develop some autonomy. You’ll also become more familiar with all your benefits!
Also be curious and read the news, discussion forums. It’s a constantly changing world and although we try to share as much as possible with you, there will always be content that we will miss.
We often have simple questions that are easily answered on the blog or in the group.
It is true that we (the bloggers and the community) are here to answer questions. Nevertheless, learn how to use the search tools.
There are 2 places to search.
Here is an example of search results with the word “insurance”
Here is an example of search results with the word “salon”
Here is an example of search results with the publication subject “credit report”.
There seems to be an obsession with “no charge”. We are often asked which card is the best no-fee card or which card has no currency conversion fees. The question should be:
Which card gives me the best PERFORMANCE?
If a card costing $150 a year gives me benefits worth $350 and more, plus discounts on purchases (and this is also true with cards costing up to $499 a year), why should I be limited to a no-fee card that gives me only discounts on my purchases? Of course, everyone does what they want.
What I’m trying to tell you here is to change the angle and instead develop the reflex of:
before seeking to
We all agree that we are looking for discounts, savings… but it should never be at the expense of performance!
There have been many examples given in this regard.
Here is one from the Milesopedia facebook group
Also learn how to use the point value calculators we have developed for you. It can be found in the header of each of our guides.
Regularly new offers and promotions are released. From time to time, airline tickets are offered at extremely attractive prices.
We keep our calm and our focus
First of all, we all miss our shot, miss an opportunity and it’s not the end of the world. Moreover, temptation sometimes makes us too greedy. You have to know how to stay focused and accept not to compulsively take everything. I, for one, do not subscribe to all the cards. There are offers that I pass up because they don’t meet my goals.
Why amass all kinds of “currency” when I have no plan to use it in the next 12 to 18 months?
For example, if I don’t plan on going to Best Western, then I’ll pass. If I don’t have any plans for Alaska Mileage Plans, I’ll pass.
Program rules change frequently. I don’t want to expose myself to a devaluation for example.
In other words, I make choices, I stay focused and I also know how to say no.
Yes, the community is a great place to go for information and ask questions. On Milesopedia, we try to cover as many topics as possible and answer your questions, but we also learn from them regularly. And one of our sources is of course your discoveries and experiences.
So share with us all your:
➡ Happy New Year 2019 😛
Savings are here:
