- 50 minutes 12 secondsThe Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)
#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/best-cell-phone-plans-2026
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources MentionedCarriers & Plans
- US Mobile (←Get $30 off)
- Total Wireless
- Mint Mobile
- Visible
Backup Lines & Backup Internet
Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage
Cell Phone Insurance
Buying a New iPhone
- DON'T Buy Your iPhone 18 Pro Max From Your Carrier (Buy From Here Instead)
- Apple Shortcut to Change Active SIM Card
- Swappa
ATH Podcast
- #138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More!
- #284: 20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans
(05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive
(11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers
(13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live
(14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter?
(16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits
(16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need?
(16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data
(17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches
(17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers
(19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile
(20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star)
(22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon
(22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month
(24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium
(25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts
(28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans
(29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature
(35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile
(36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts
(38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home
(41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans
(44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone
Connect with ChrisNewsletter | 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.
23 September 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 2 minutesTurning the Tables: My Approach to Points, Miles and Travel
#295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions.
Meghan Coyle and Sally French are the hosts of NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast, a weekly show on travel news, loyalty programs and travel credit cards that helps listeners travel more and pay less.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/award-flights-card-strategy-nerdwallet
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Award Search & Points Tools
- Seats.aero
- PointsPath (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15)
- PointsYeah
Shopping Portals, Gift Cards & Offers
ATH Podcast
- #290: The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M
- Chris' Credit Card Optimizer
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:06) How Chris Got Into Points & Miles
(05:01) When Chris Became a Points & Miles “Expert”
(07:25) Paying for a Wedding Video With Delta Miles
(13:38) Why Chasing an Extra Point per Dollar Doesn't Move the Needle
(15:34) The Optimal Two-Card Strategy
(16:50) Maximizing Points Without Overspending
(19:52) Should You Buy Gift Cards to Earn More Points?
(22:36) Booking Award Travel for a Family
(25:06) Chris’ Strategy for Finding Award Flights
(27:34) Leveraging Flexibility and Award Search Tools
(31:45) What to Do With Points If You Don't Want to Play the Game
(34:30) Setting Alerts and Picking One Award Search Tool
(37:01) The Huge Discounts Hidden Behind Airline Credit Cards
(39:21) The Risks of Speculative Bookings
(41:08) When Chris Breaks His Own Transfer Rule
(45:15) The Easiest Way to Redeem Points When You Don't Want the Hobby
(47:17) Are Hotel Redemptions Easier Than Flights?
(51:07) The Real Math Behind Cash vs. Points
(55:02) Chris's Rule of Thumb for Comparing Cash and Points
(56:12) A Trick for Getting Refunds on Flights You Need to Cancel
(59:03) Chris’ Take on the New Southwest
Connect with ChrisNewsletter | 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.
16 September 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 7 minutesDeep Dive on World of Hyatt: Points, Perks and Status
#294: Chris breaks down everything he's learned going all in on World of Hyatt. He covers the brands and footprint, earning points with Hyatt credit cards and transfers, what points are really worth, every status tier and milestone reward, and how to get Globalist treatment without having status.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/world-of-hyatt-deep-dive
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Resources Mentioned
- World of Hyatt
- Gondola
- Frequent Miler Reasonable Redemption Values
- rooms.aero
- seats.aero
- Hyatt Concierge on X
ATH Podcast
- #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:48) The World of Hyatt
(08:05) Where Hyatt Is (and Isn't) Around the World
(12:17) How the World of Hyatt Program Works
(15:51) Earning Points with Hyatt Experiences
(16:23) Transferring Points from Credit Cards
(17:43) Earning Points with Hyatt Personal and Business Credit Cards
(26:07) Why Buying Points Is Rarely a Good Deal
(26:46) Maximizing Hyatt Promotions
(27:21) Earning Points with Peloton
(28:06) Converting Aeroplan and American Points
(30:41) Understanding Hyatt Status Tiers
(35:51) Guest of Honor Awards
(36:55) Getting Globalist Perks on Paid Stays with Hyatt Privé
(38:41) Using Points to Upgrade Your Room
(39:05) Milestone Rewards: 20 and 30 Nights
(41:00) 40 Nights: Guest of Honor and the Suite Upgrade Award
(43:14) 50 and 60 Nights: Reaching Globalist
(44:30) 70 to 150 Nights: Milestones Beyond Globalist
(46:18) Transferring Awards and Certificates to Others
(47:40) The Hyatt Brand Explorer Program
(50:31) Fast Tracking Status with Hyatt Challenges
(53:20) How Far Should You Go for Status?
(53:53) What Are Hyatt Points Really Worth?
(58:53) How Bad Was the May Devaluation?
(01:00:51) A Fun Hack for All-Inclusives
(01:01:12) How to Find Hyatt Award Availability
(01:02:52) Getting Discounts and Perks on Cash Stays
(01:04:14) Hyatt's Best Rate GuaranteeConnect with Chris
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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.
9 September 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 8 minutesHow to Make Your Home Healthier at Any Budget with Dom Francks
#293: Learn to make your home healthier by focusing on the environmental factors that actually matter. Chris and Dom break down how to improve air and water quality, ventilation, mold prevention, lighting, and EMF exposure, plus what to prioritize in your bedroom, which popular healthy-home products to avoid, and the best upgrades at any budget.
Dom Francks is the General Manager of Lightwork Home, a Stanford-trained engineer, and former climate-tech product leader.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/healthy-home-air-water-light-dom-francks/.
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Resources Mentioned
Articles & Guides
- The Lightwork Blueprint: 40 Action Steps for a Healthy Home
- The best air purifiers for your home
- What are EMFs? A rational, skeptical, curious person’s guide
Tools & Products
People & Podcasts
ATH Podcast
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction(01:06) How Your Home Affects Your Health
(03:30) What Improvements Actually Feel Like
(04:51) The Precautionary Principle for Chemicals Like PFAS
(06:27) How Healthy Is the Average Home?
(08:09) What to Expect From a Healthy Home Assessment
(09:09) Four Things That Determine Bedroom Air Quality
(14:37) Choosing an Air Quality Monitor
(16:19) Using Air Purifiers for Filtration
(17:37) The Simplest Ways to Improve Ventilation
(18:33) Why Some Air Purifiers Cost So Much More
(20:45) Ventilation vs. Filtration for VOCs
(23:15) How to Get More Fresh Air Through Your House
(24:26) What Chris Learned From Monitoring His Bedroom Air
(27:14) Managing Humidity and Dust Testing
(32:14) What a Full Mold Investigation Really Involves
(33:49) Optimizing Your Bedroom Lighting
(36:05) How to Spot Hidden Light Flicker
(37:19) When Incandescent Bulbs Beat LEDs
(38:27) A Practical Approach to EMF Exposure
(39:58) Does Limiting EMFs Actually Matter?
(41:29) Are Baby Monitors Safe?
(43:35) What to Prioritize (and Ignore) in Your Bedroom
(46:48) Testing and Improving Water Quality
(49:35) DIY Water Testing, and Which Filters to Use
(51:42) Carbon Monoxide Monitors & Combustion Gas Leaks
(52:51) Optimizing Your Workspace Lighting
(56:24) Home Products to Avoid
(58:46) Do More Plugs Mean Better Grounding?
(59:29) How to Make Your Home Healthier for $500
(01:01:53) The Best Healthy Home Upgrades for $2,000
(01:02:44) Higher-End Healthy Home Improvements
(01:04:34) When to DIY vs. Hire a Professional
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedInEditor’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.
2 September 2026, 9:00 am - 54 minutes 9 secondsWhat Happens to Your Points and Miles When You Die?
#292: What happens to your points and miles when you die? And how can you make sure they don’t disappear? Chris breaks down how major banks, airlines, and hotel programs handle rewards after death, strategies to protect or transfer your points, and the steps you can take now to make things easier for your family. Plus, learn what to do if you’re already dealing with a loved one’s rewards, why documenting your accounts and logins matters, and the surprising rules around gift cards, divorce, and timeshares.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/points-and-miles-after-death
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Tools & Resources
Books & People
ATH Podcast
- #200: Debunking Tax Myths, Avoiding Audits and Maximizing Savings with Jasmine DiLucci
- #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:16) Your Points & Miles Aren’t Actually Your Property
(02:31) Can You Legally Access a Deceased Person's Accounts?
(07:49) What Happens to Bank & Credit Card Points After Death
(09:52) Why Amex Is One of the Most Generous Programs
(14:00) Transferring Points Before Someone Passes Away
(17:32) How Annual Fees Are Handled
(18:01) What Happens to Business Cards
(18:28) Moving Bank Points to Loyalty Programs
(19:01) What Happens to Airline Miles
(23:18) Why You Should Push Back With Airlines
(24:22) Other Ways to Use or Preserve Airline Miles
(25:59) How Hotel Points Are Handled (and Why They're Easier)
(31:36) Hotel Certificates & Flight Credits
(32:50) What Happens to Rental Car Points
(34:04) Don't Hoard Your Points
(34:21) Document Every Account and Login
(37:26) Set Up Points Pooling and Authorized Users in Advance
(37:52) Leave Clear Instructions for Your Heirs
(38:12) Why You Need a Financial Power of Attorney
(38:46) Don't Let Auto-Pays Shut Down an Account
(39:17) Proactively Transfer Points Out
(39:55) Where to Move Bank Points in a Hurry
(45:40) Choosing Someone to Manage Your Points & Miles
(47:09) The Checklist for When a Family Member Passes
(48:30) Hang Up, Call Again
(50:04) Document Everything You Do
(50:39) How Points Are Handled in Divorce
(51:40) Why Gift Cards Are Different
(51:59) The Risks of Inheriting a TimeshareConnect with Chris
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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.
26 August 2026, 9:00 am - 58 minutesThe Science of Lasting Happiness with Arthur Brooks
#291: Behavioral social scientist Arthur Brooks joins Chris to reveal why success and happiness follow different rules as we age. They dig into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, success addiction and dopamine, the reverse bucket list, and how to actually buy happiness.
Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard Professor, musician, and columnist for the Atlantic, where he writes the weekly "How to Build a Life" column. He is the bestselling author of numerous books on happiness and human flourishing.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/arthur-brooks-happiness-success-purpose/
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Resources Mentioned
Arthur: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Some of Arthur's Books
- From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
- Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt
- Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism -- America's Charity Divide -- Who Gives, Who Doesn't, and Why It Matters
Selected Works from the Atlantic
Books- Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Dr Michael Norton
- The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Confessions by Saint Augustine
- The Bible
Barcelona Recommendations
ATH Podcast- #36: Bucket Lists, Audacious Goals and Living the Life You Want with Ben Nemtin
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction(02:17) How Arthur Defines Happiness
(03:50) Quizzes to Diagnose Your Happiness
(04:38) Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence
(05:55) The Two Types of Geniuses
(09:01) How to Jump the Curve
(13:18) Darwin and Bach's Success Curves
(16:56) Success Addiction and Dopamine
(19:00) Hustle Culture, Workism and Metacognition
(21:19) How Often You Really Need to Journal
(22:46) When Love and Money Are Idols
(24:40) The Good Four: Faith, Family, Friends and Work
(29:13) The Happiness Algorithm: Understand, Apply, Share
(30:41) Why Sharing and Teaching Happiness Matters
(31:45) Bringing Faith and Meditation Into Your Life
(34:15) Lectio Divina: Divine Reading
(35:23) The Science of Satisfaction
(37:49) Social Comparison, the Thief of Joy
(38:39) How to Make a Better Bucket List
(43:34) How to Actually Buy Happiness
(47:09) Technology, Loneliness and Happiness
(48:54) Turning Weakness Into Strength
(50:51) Why Negative Emotions Make Us More Effective
(51:20) Optimism vs. Hope
(52:23) When It's Time to Leave a Job
(54:18) Arthur's Recommendations for Barcelona
(55:26) The Airplane Story That Inspired From Strength to Strength
(57:33) Where to Find More From Arthur
Connect with ChrisNewsletter | 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.
19 August 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 8 minutesThe New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M
#290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/dealsResources Mentioned
Award Search & Points Tools
- Seats.aero
- Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15)
- PointsYeah
Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards
ATH Podcast
- #89: Booking Flights with Points and All Things Award Travel with Tiffany Funk
- #262: Points & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M
- #288: Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return
- 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: [email protected]
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction(00:49) Why 2026 Feels Different and Reasons to Stay Hopeful
(02:26) Credit Card Interest Rate Caps Never Materialized
(03:20) Why Debit Rewards Cards Are Becoming More Interesting
(05:58) Six Months Into Southwest’s Transformation
(13:14) Are Credit Card Retention Offers Drying Up?
(14:23) The Unbundling of Airfare Keeps Expanding
(15:25) Could Award Flights Lose Their Flexibility?
(17:14) Foreign Airline Programs Push Into the US Market
(19:58) Hotel Award Inflation (and What Cash Prices Reveal)
(27:31) Banks Crack Down on Points Gaming
(30:32) Qatar's New Restrictions on Booking for Others
(32:54) New Ways to Earn Transferable Points Without Credit Cards
(36:16) The Best Tools for Points & Miles
(40:35) Why Cardholder Pricing Is Becoming a Bigger Advantage
(42:04) United's New Cards and the Truth About "10% Off"
(44:01) Transfer Bonuses and the Risk of Speculative Transfers
(49:06) American’s Changes to Partner Award Availability
(49:56) Pooling Airline Miles With Family
(52:12) Brian's Biggest Prediction for the Year Ahead
(55:23) Six Months Later: Is Bilt Delivering?
(01:00:31) Will We See More Premium Credit Cards?
(01:03:19) Is There Still Hope for U.S. Bank Transfer Partners?
(01:04:53) What’s Next for the Amex Green Card?
(01:05:31) Just Let the Points Coupons Go
Connect with Chris
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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.
12 August 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 27 minutesHow We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points
#289: 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/
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/dealsResources 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
Health & Sauna Research
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: [email protected]
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 WinningConnect with Chris
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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.
5 August 2026, 9:00 am - 57 minutes 49 secondsWhere 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
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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
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: [email protected]
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 StrategyConnect with Chris
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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.
22 July 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 13 minutesPutting 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/
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
- 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
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: [email protected]
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
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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.
15 July 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 12 minutesAre 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
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Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for freeFor all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Join the CardTool Waitlist
AMA: Submit Questions
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?
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
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
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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.
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