All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Chris Hutchins
Upgrade your life, money and travel.
- 51 minutes 24 secondsI Built an AI Assistant That Works While I Sleep
#265: Chris explores how modern AI tools have eliminated the barriers to building software, why planning matters more than coding skill, how anyone can turn a simple problem into a working app faster and cheaper than ever before, and how he built a personal AI assistant that's already started to run his life behind the scenes.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/how-to-build-with-ai-tools
Partner Deals
Green Chef: 50% off on your first box + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS
Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances
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
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
AI Models & Assistants
AI Coding & Building Tools
Productivity & Automation Tools
Developer Infrastructure
FinTech: Plaid
How to Run OpenClaw as your Virtual EA
Blogs
Credit Cards
ATH Podcast
- Ep #263: How to Earn Millions of Points and More Listener Q&A
- Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool
- Ask Chris Anything!
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:41) Why This Is the Best Time Ever to Build Software
(04:14) How to Build Almost Anything with AI
(13:53) Why Context Is the Real Superpower
(15:58) Using Planning Mode Instead of Guessing
(16:41) Which AI Tool Should You Start With?
(17:53) Building a Real Credit Card Optimizer from Scratch
(28:48) What It Actually Costs to Build with AI
(32:38) The Real AI Learning Curve
(33:38) Moving from Cursor to Claude Code
(36:17) Why You Should Try Building Something (Even If You're Not a Coder)
(37:00) How OpenClaw Changes the Game
(38:57) Why Security Still Matters
(42:25) A Conversation with Ted, Chris' AI Assistant
(44:07) Letting AI Work While You Sleep
(49:41) Learning to Be Clear, Specific, and Intentional
(50:03) Start with a Real Problem
(50:39) Breaking Projects into Small, Winnable Pieces
(50:58) What Would You Build If Building Were Easy?
(51:59) Keeping Track of Cost and Budget
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
11 February 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 15 minutesDeep Dive on Bilt Rewards and New Bilt 2.0 Cards
#264: Learn how the Bilt ecosystem works, from earning Bilt Rewards to the new cards, transfer partners, perks, and where the real value is. Whether you’re new or already earning, this is a practical guide to using Bilt strategically and avoiding common mistakes.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bilt-ecosystem-explained
Partner Deals
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2
Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform
Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS
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
- Bilt Blue Card (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Obsidian Card (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Cash
- Bilt Travel Portal
- Bilt Dining
- Bilt Home Design Collection
- Complimentary BLADE airport flight
Mastercard World Elite Benefits Guide
Award Search Tools
- Award Wallet
- point.me (20% off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS20)
Frequent Miler Article: Bilt Housing Payments
ATH Podcast
- Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program
- Ask Chris Anything!
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:28) What Makes Bilt Rewards Different
(07:03) How to Earn Bilt Points Without a Credit Card
(13:52) Referral Bonuses and Earning Limits
(14:17) How Rent and Mortgage Payments Work
(16:06) Earning Through the Bilt Neighborhood Network
(17:16) Earning Without a Card: The Real Tradeoffs
(17:46) How Bilt Point Redemptions Actually Work
(21:39) Transfer Partners and When Bonuses Matter
(24:18) How Bilt Status and Elite Tiers Work
(25:32) What Each Bilt Status Level Unlocks
(31:49) A Major Caveat With the New Bilt Cards
(34:36) Breaking Down the Current Bilt Card Lineup
(35:33) Bilt Blue Card
(37:34) Bilt Obsidian Card
(41:19) Bilt Palladium Card
(48:59) Housing Payments and What Changed
(50:16) Earning Based on Billing-Cycle Spend
(55:18) The Original Fee-Free Model
(59:26) Cash-Out and Statement Credit Options
(01:08:44) Simplifying the New Bilt Choices
(01:14:21) The Bilt Silver Lining
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
4 February 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 4 minutesHow to Earn Millions of Points and More Listener Q&A
#263: Chris breaks down exactly how he’s earned millions of points and miles, and why simplicity matters more than optimization. He covers signup bonuses, spending strategies, credit score impacts, business cards, cash-back alternatives, and how to decide when a card (or perk) is actually worth it.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/points-and-miles-simplified-credit-cards
Partner Deals
Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software
Notion: Try Notion Agent free to automate tedious tasks and streamline your work
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
Credit Cards: Best Cards Page
- Alaska Airlines Visa®
- American Express® Green Card
- American Express Platinum Card for Schwab
- Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
- Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards
- Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here)
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Coinbase One Card
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Robinhood Gold Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- Venmo Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Business Payment Platforms: Plastiq | Melio
IRS Authorized Payment Providers
Reddit: Credit Card Spend Needed to Achieve Each Airline Status Tier
ATH Podcast
- Chris' Credit Card Optimizer Tool
- Ask Chris Anything!
- Membership
- Gift Card Site
- Ep #164: Earn Points Paying Taxes with a Credit Card (+ Latest Deals/News)
- Ep #200: Debunking Tax Myths, Avoiding Audits and Maximizing Savings with Jasmine DiLucci
- Ep #221: Deep Dive on Credit Reports, Scores, and Their Real-World Impact
- Ep #247: Deep Dive on Bank of America Credit Cards (Up to 5.25% Cash Back)
- Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss
- Ep #258: My Top 5 Mistakes with Points & Miles
- Ep #261: Goals, Tools, and Mindset Shifts for a Better 2026 with Kevin Rose
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:26) How Chris Has Earned 15+ Million Points
(03:46) Why Signup Bonuses Still Matter More than Everything Else
(05:04) The Role Everyday Spending Actually Plays
(08:42) When Transfer Bonuses Are Worth It
(12:24) How Chris Leverages Referral Bonuses
(13:24) What Having "Too Many" Credit Cards Really Does to Your Credit Score
(16:13) How Many Signup Bonuses per Year Is Reasonable?
(16:44) Why Spend Requirements Are the Real Bottleneck
(18:23) Approval Odds and Timing Applications
(22:04) Getting Approved for Business Cards (Without A Business)
(27:23) Maximizing Rewards without Overcomplicating It
(30:18) When Cash Back Is the Better Option
(32:48) Best Cards for Big, One-Time Expenses like Weddings
(37:24) Making Sense of Card Rules and Restrictions
(38:13) Annual Fees: How to Decide if They're Worth Paying
(41:12) Paying Taxes with a Credit Card
(46:28) How to Think about Points if You Mostly Care about Hotels
(49:10) Is CLEAR Worth It?
(51:48) How DoorDash Credits Work
(53:25) Is There a Shortcut to Airline Loyalty Status?
(57:04) The Best Credit Card for Costco Spending
(59:19) Are the New Bilt Cards Actually Bad?Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 January 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 17 minutesPoints & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M
#262: Learn how to navigate major changes in points and miles while maximizing travel rewards in 2026. Chris and Brian M cover Bilt 2.0, the Mesa card shutdown, how to evaluate annual fees, find award availability, and what’s likely (and unlikely) to change this year.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/latest-on-points-miles-january-2026
Partner Deals
Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans
MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off
Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift
NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance
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
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Blue Card (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Obsidian Card (Rates and fees here)
- Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here)
Kalshi Prediction Market
Award Search Tools
- Award Wallet
- Points Path Chrome Extension
- Google Flights
- AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS)
- Expert Flyer
ATH Podcast
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:27) Reactions to Bilt’s New Card Lineup
(04:08) Breakdown of the 3 New Bilt Cards
(05:14) Should You Convert, Apply Fresh, Or Keep the Wells Fargo Card?
(08:16) Questions Around Bilt Cash
(09:50) The Bilt Card Chris Is Leaning Towards
(15:03) Why Bilt's New Earnings Might Be Better Than It Looks
(20:03) Mesa's Overnight Shutdown
(24:25) Silo Markets Brokerage Bonus
(29:54) What’s Coming Up in 2026 For Points, Loyalty, And Cards
(32:25) Thoughts on the Southwest Companion Pass
(35:26) Implications of the Proposed 10% Interest Rate Cap on Credit Cards
(38:19) Will Points Tools Get Better in 2026?
(40:02) Why 2026 Might Be Quiet on Major Credit Card Changes
(43:18) How Brian Decides Whether an Annual Fee Card is Worth Keeping
(46:50) Chris’ Order of Operations For Analyzing Cards
(51:42) Ways to Plan A Trip Using Points
(57:49) How Brian Leverages Flexibility for Travel
(01:00:04) Strategies for Booking Flights
(01:03:23) The Best Award Flight Search Tools
(01:04:58) Booking Hotels With Points
(01:09:38) Timeshares: When They Make Sense (and When They Don’t)
(01:11:51) Using Alerts to Monitor Award Availability
(01:13:12) Changing the Connecting City After Booking a Flight
(01:15:14) Business Cards for Personal Spend (and Vice Versa)
(01:17:09) What to Do When You Stop Getting Approved for Cards
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
21 January 2026, 10:00 am - 1 hour 9 minutesGoals, Tools, and Mindset Shifts for a Better 2026 with Kevin Rose
#261: Chris and Kevin reflect on 2025’s biggest wins and lessons, then dive into how they're planning 2026. They share their goals, the tools they're using, and why they're designing a year that’s easier, not just more optimized.
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/reflecting-and-planning-2026
Partner Deals
Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free
LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix
Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2
Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family
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
Kevin Rose: Diggnation | Newsletter
Books
- The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli
- Rework by Jason Fried
Jesse Itzler: Plan An Incredible 2026 In 12 Minutes
Podcasts
ATH Podcast
- Newsletter
- Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool
- Ep #99: 7 Questions to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
- Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom
- Ep #259: Choosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(00:45) Kevin's 2025 Goals & How They Came to Fruition
(04:34) Chris's Challenging End to 2025
(06:53) How Chris is Approaching Optimization in 2026
(09:33) Stepping Up Your Ability to Spend Money
(15:55) What Chris and Kevin Changed Their Minds About in 2025
(20:11) The Many Different Uses of AI
(29:16) Chris's Energy Generators and Drainers
(33:40) Kevin's Energy Generators and Drainers
(36:56) Decluttering for A Peace of Mind
(41:09) How To Identify The Boat Anchors in Your Life
(49:18) Chris's Hits and Misses in 2025
(52:10) Kevin's Hits and Misses for 2025
(54:19) How Kevin Plans His Year Ahead
(57:53) Outsourcing to Make Things Easier
(01:05:12) Focus on Making Lasting Memories
(01:06:34) Ways to Pick Up New Skills
(01:09:36) The Life Blender Concept
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
14 January 2026, 10:00 am - 37 minutes 24 secondsTop 10 Takeaways from 2025
#260: Chris distills the most powerful lessons from over 50 episodes in 2025 into 10 actionable takeaways that changed how he thinks about money, time, health, relationships, purpose, and more.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-takeaways-2025-optimize-money-travel-life
Partner Deals
Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software
Notion: Try Notion Agent free to automate tedious tasks and streamline your work
Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
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
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life
The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
ATH Podcast
- Ep #91: Die With Zero: Net Fulfillment Over Net Worth with Bill Perkins
- Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom
- Ep #215: Medical Travel: Better Care and Lower Costs for Surgery, IVF, Dental, Advanced Screenings and More with Josef Woodman
- Ep #217: Top AI Tools, Insurance Planning for Fires and More Listener Q&A with Kevin Rose
- Ep #230: The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life with Nick Maggiulli
- Ep #233: Money: What Each Generation Gets Right (& Wrong) with Ben Carlson
- Ep #239: Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income with Jillian Johnsrud
- Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss
- Ep #249: Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode with Kai
- Ep #251: How to Focus on What Matters and Let Go of the Rest with Ryan Holiday
- Ep #252: Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes
- Ep #254: The Cost of Always Optimizing with Chris and Amy
- Ep #256: The Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray
- Ep #259: Choosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:24) #1: True Wealth Is Multidimensional
(03:13) #2: Focus on What Moves the Needle
(10:24) #3: Build a Portfolio That Can Weather Any Storm
(13:40) #4: Scale Horizontally, Not Vertically
(17:04) #5: Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time
(22:38) #6: Scale Yourself With Technology
(25:36) #7: You Need to Be the CEO of Your Own Health
(29:54) #8: Prioritize Friendship Like You Prioritize Your Health
(33:25) #9: Your Purpose Is Already Here, You’re Just Too Close to See It
(36:13) #10: The Ultimate Optimization Is Knowing When to Stop
(38:44) Bonus: Optimize for What Matters
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
7 January 2026, 10:00 am - 59 minutes 44 secondsChoosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson
#259: Learn how to pick the challenges in life that actually matter. We break down how to stop optimizing for the wrong things, why values trump goals in decision-making, practical strategies for building real friendships, and more.
Mark Manson is the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (20M+ copies sold). He hosts the Solved podcast, writes the newsletter Your Next Breakthrough, and co-founded Purpose, an AI tool for exploring purpose and values.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mark-manson-purpose-and-meaning
Partner Deals
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift
Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family
Copilot Money: Get 26% off my favorite personal finance app
Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Mark: Website | Newsletter | X
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(00:47) What Most People Get Wrong About Living a Good Life
(01:13) Why Struggle Is Inevitable and Necessary
(02:18) Why Purpose Is Revealed, Not Found
(04:34) Choosing the Right Metric To Optimize Your Life
(06:26) The Three Ingredients of Meaningful Purpose
(08:32) Why Purpose Doesn’t Require Changing the World
(12:33) Radical Honesty as the Starting Point for Meaning
(14:32) What Happens After You Achieve Everything You Wanted
(17:48) Why Other People Can See Your Purpose Before You Do
(21:06) Why Honest Conversations Are So Hard (and So Necessary)
(28:41) Why Adult Friendship Is Uniquely Difficult
(32:29) How Work, Kids, and Technology Changed Friendship
(33:27) Why “Shared Stakes” Matter More Than Shared Spaces in Adult Friendships
(37:02) When Life Feels Hard and Why That’s Normal
(42:21) Making Better Decisions by Clarifying Your Values
(43:57) How To Check In on Your Life Without Obsessing Over Goals
(46:57) When Quitting a Goal Is the Right Decision
(50:48) Why We Rarely Talk About Meaning With Friends
(53:30) Building an AI To Ask Better Life Questions
(55:04) How AI and Therapy Can Work Together
(57:52) Is It Okay If Your Job Is Not Your Purpose?
(01:00:07) The First Step Toward a More Meaningful Life
(01:01:06) How To Define Value Beyond Status
(01:02:08) Where To Find More From Mark
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
31 December 2025, 10:00 am - 54 minutes 54 secondsMy Top 5 Mistakes with Points & Miles
#258: The 5 biggest mistakes Chris has made in his points & miles journey. He dives into the hidden cost of status, the math behind point values, the power of opportunity cost, and why hoarding points quietly destroys value.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-5-points-and-miles-mistakes
Partner Deals
Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix
Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth
NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Credit Cards
- US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- Robinhood Gold Card
- The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Award Search Tools
- Gondola (Get $50 here)
- Points Path Chrome Extension
ATH Podcast
- Ep #245: How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025?
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(00:28) Mistake #1: Not Valuing My Time
(02:09) Setting a Personal Minimum Hourly Rate
(03:51) Step Back and Ask “Is This Worth It?”
(04:23) The Hidden Cost of Mental Overhead
(05:48) Using Daily and Weekly Priorities to Stay Focused
(07:00) Mistake #2: Not Considering the Opportunity Cost
(11:34) Mistake #3: Chasing Status
(16:56) Airline by Airline: The Value of Status in Real Life
(20:52) Reframing the Cost of Status
(24:09) When Milestone Benefits Change the Math
(28:33) Chris’s Status Plan Going Forward
(31:52) How to Decide Whether Status Is Worth Chasing
(32:50) Mistake #4: Overvaluing Points
(34:20) What the Data Actually Shows
(35:43) Why “Retail Value” Is Misleading
(41:22) When Paying Cash Can Be the Better Value
(46:03) Mistake #5: Not Cashing Out Points
(49:27) Chris's Plan for 2026
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
17 December 2025, 10:00 am - 1 hour 13 minutesEnd of Year Checklist for Your Taxes, Points and Miles
#257: We break down essential tax and financial decisions to make before year-end. Learn how to maximize deductions, optimize charitable giving, manage investment gains and losses, and take advantage of retirement and home-improvement credits. We also run through all the credit card, points and miles deadlines to hit before 12/31.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/end-of-year-financial-checklist-2025
Partner Deals
Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn
MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off
Aura Frames: $35 off the best digital frames with code ALLTHEHACKS
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family
Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth
Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Chris' End of Year Checklist for Taxes, Points & Miles
Carry Solo 401k
Kick (20% off your first year of bookkeeping with code CHRIS20)
Invest America Kids Savings & Investment Accounts
CardPointers Pro (50% off here)
ATH Podcast
- Chris’ Best Cards Page
- Ep 144: Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Accounts to Maximize Your Wealth with Katie Gatti Tassin
- Ep 243: Smarter Strategies for Retirement, Wealth Building, and Taxes with Michael Kitces
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:03) Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing
(03:02) The New SALT Cap & Property Tax Strategy
(05:02) Pass-Through Entity Taxes for Business Owners
(06:07) Smart Charitable Giving Strategies
(07:07) Donating Appreciated Assets
(09:18) Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
(14:16) Why 25-26 Changes Matter for Charitable Giving
(16:14) New Car Loan Interest Deduction
(18:19) Deduction for Qualified Tips & Overtime
(18:34) New Senior Deduction
(19:12) Shifting Income to Optimize Your Tax Bracket
(20:48) Capital Gains: Loss & Gain Harvesting
(22:02) Understanding the Wash Sale Rule
(25:11) Advanced Tax Moves to Ask Your CPA
(25:42) Key Retirement Deadlines & Contribution Limits
(31:01) Roth IRA & Traditional IRA Rules
(34:18) Backdoor & Mega Backdoor Roth Contributions
(35:18) ISOs & Alternative Minimum Tax
(36:16) FSA Essentials: Use It or Lose It
(38:57) HSA Strategy & Triple-Tax Advantage
(42:13) Home Efficiency & Solar Credits for 2025
(43:14) 529 Plans, Gifting Rules & Education Savings
(47:37) The New “Trump Account” for Kids
(48:14) Funding a Child’s Roth IRA Through Earned Income
(50:29) EOY Tax Moves for Business Owners
(55:51) EOY Checklist for Points & Miles
(01:00:32) Credit Card Annual Credits & Benefit Resets
(01:03:57) Calendar-Year Credits to Use Before January
(01:14:55) Final EOY Checks for Airlines, Hotels & Credit Cards
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
10 December 2025, 10:00 am - 58 minutes 45 secondsThe Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray
#256: We break down the simplest, most effective ways to build stronger friendships and stay connected as an adult. Plus, learn how to build a personal website, host better events, send a friends newsletter, book a cruise on a budget, and so much more.
Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author who built and sold two successful companies, Flight Display Systems and Museum Hack. His YouTube and short-form videos have reached over 55 million views.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/build-meaningful-relationships-nick-gray/
Partner Deals
Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth
Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
Storyworth: Share your family stories in a custom book (+ $10 off)
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
Nick: X | Website | Friends Newsletter
- PersonalWebsite.org
- November 2025 Asset Allocation
- Personal Website Checklist
- The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings
RSVP Tracking
Free Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours
Cruises
Personal Domain Services
ATH Podcast
- Best Credit Cards
- Membership
- Newsletter
- Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray
- Ep #146: This Episode Changed My Perspective on Cruises with Emma Le Teace
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) How Nick Builds and Maintains Strong Relationships
(01:49) What Most People Get Wrong About Staying in Touch
(02:49) Why Making New Friends as an Adult Is So Hard
(05:49) Nick’s Simple Formula for Hosting a Great Cocktail Party
(07:25) Chris’s Holiday Cookie Party
(09:10) Better Ways to Handle Introductions and RSVPs
(13:26) Using a "Friends Newsletter" to Stay Connected
(14:47) What to Include in a Great Newsletter
(19:18) How to Send Your First Newsletter (Without Overthinking It)
(20:38) An Amazing Opportunity Nick Got from His Newsletter
(21:28) Easy Content Ideas: Purchases, Apps, Shows, and More
(24:33) Chris’ Attempt to Get on Below Deck
(31:04) What Excites Chris About Cruises
(33:19) Nick’s Take on Cruises (and the “Life-Plus” Mindset)
(36:11) Hacking Cruises and Cheap Cruise Strategies
(40:21) Why Everyone Needs a Personal Website
(43:06) Buying a Domain and Setting Up a Simple Homepage
(45:31) Getting Google to Notice Your Website
(49:06) When to Upgrade and What Content Belongs on Your Website
(52:17) Nick's Service for Building and Maintaining Your Website
(52:52) Nick’s Asset Allocation Post and the Value of Transparency
(53:46) Removing the Stigma Around Money With Friends
(59:21) Using AI for Doctor Appointments
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
3 December 2025, 10:00 am - 1 hour 24 minutes2025 Holiday Gift Guide and Top Ways to Save This Season
#255: Here are 100+ holiday gift ideas across tech, kitchen, home, clothing, fitness, kids, and games. I’ll also share tools and tactics to help you find deals and spend less this holiday season.
For all the products, links, deals and more, check out the full 2025 Gift Guide here: https://chrishutchins.com/gifts
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/gift-guide-2025
Partner Deals
DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web
LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix
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
Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS
Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
2025 Gift Guide: Find all the products, links, deals and more at https://chrishutchins.com/gifts
Joshua Weissman: How to Cook With Stainless Steel
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
Tools to Maximize Savings
- Keepa
- Rakuten ($50 bonus here)
- Savewise (20% off with ALLTHEHACKS20)
- CardPointers (30% off here or 50% off for ATH Members)
- Chris' Gift Card Site (5-25% off gift cards)
ATH Podcast
- Gift Card Site
- Membership
- Newsletter
- Ep #122: Cooking at Home: Delicious Food Made Easy with David Chang
- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:55) Personal Technology
(14:16) Kitchen & Food
(36:47) Home
(44:05) Clothing & Accessories
(55:13) Health & Fitness
(59:38) Health Tests
(01:05:21) Games
(01:08:39) Kids
(01:12:47) Books & Learning
(01:15:22) Ways to Save Money When You Shop
(01:24:47) Chris' Family Holiday Traditions
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
19 November 2025, 10:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App