All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

2d ago

#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 Chris' Presentation Slides 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: podcast@chrishutchins.com 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

Dec 10

#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 Hotel Mattress Run CardPointers Pro (50% off here ) Use Your Credits 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: podcast@chrishutchins.com 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

Dec 3

#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 Partiful Luma Mixily Free Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours Animal Spirits Podcast Rippner Tennis Cruises Below Deck Frequent Miler’s Casino Status Strategy for Free Cruises CruiseSheet Personal Domain Services CloudFare Registrar Google Domains Hover Carrd Gemini Nano Banana WordPress 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: podcast@chrishutchins.com 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

Nov 19

#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: ⁠podcast@chrishutchins.com 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

Nov 12

#254: Chris and Amy share a candid look at their life together as two optimizers. They discuss everything from family finances and teaching their kids about money to managing their health, work, and travel. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ama-amy-marriage-parenting-health Partner Deals NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Storyworth: Share your family stories in a custom book (+ $10 off) DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice 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 Rakuten ($50 bonus here ) M is for Money by Rob Phelan BoA Museums on Us How We Spend Our Time Chart Priority Pass Cultural Care Au Pairs (Get $250 off here ) Family Heart Foundation Fortify5 Vuori (Get 20% off here ) ATH Podcast Ep #114: Money Talks: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations with Loved Ones with Erin Lowry Ep #205: Building Better Habits, Strengthening Relationships, and More Listener Q&A with Chris and Amy Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom Ep #239: Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income Ep #252: Family Travel on Points: Tips, Tricks and Tactics with Nick Reyes Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Navigating Conflict and Different Spending Styles (04:51) Why the Furniture Conversation Turned Emotional (13:20) Amy's Process for Selling and Rehoming Old Items (15:50) When Reselling Isn’t Worth the Time and Effort (19:03) How to Teach Kids About Money at a Young Age (23:39) How Chris & Amy Are Saving for the Kids’ Future (31:13) Thinking About Technology and Social Media for Kids (35:34) Free-Range Parenting and Encouraging Independence (38:06) The Importance of Intellectual Curiosity (40:06) Stepping Back From Work to Be Present with Young Kids (44:54) Traveling With Kids (49:05) Leveraging Lounge Access for Family Travel (52:18) Comparing Lounge Access Memberships (57:06) Amy’s Transition Into More Time at Home (01:00:50) Making Proactive Health Decisions and Preventative Care (01:07:46) How to Approach Supporting Aging Parents (01:13:34) Coming Full Circle on the Furniture Debate 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

Nov 5

#253: My top 10 takeaways from a retreat for high-net-worth investors, which will cover investing, managing risk, investing in your health, building meaningful relationships, parenting with purpose, and defining success in a way that goes far beyond money. Tad Fallows is the co-founder of Long Angle , a private community for investors with more than $2.2 million in assets. He previously co-founded iLab Solutions, a global leader in cloud-based lab management software, which was acquired by Agilent Technologies. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/10-lessons-wealth-health-happiness Partner Deals LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Long Angle: Join a free private community for high net worth investors What Is BRCA2? Sober Founders ATH Podcast Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Why Health Is Your Most Important Asset (04:13) How to Become Your Own Health Advocate (08:14) Different Ways to Invest in Fitness and Accountability (12:27) Relationships: The Ultimate Compound Asset (14:03) Why Adult Friendships Are So Hard to Build and Maintain (16:05) Reclaiming Time for Relationships and Family (17:15) The Power of Intentional Travel (20:43) Lighthouse Parenting: Why You Should Allow Your Kids to Struggle (25:01) Learning From Your Kids’ Limitless Imagination (25:56) A Simple Exercise to Expand What’s Possible in Every Area of Life (28:47) Redefining Success and Purpose (34:09) Defining Your Objective to Simplify Complex Decisions (38:44) How to Think About Managing Risk (43:28) Diversifying Beyond the S&P 500 (47:53) Two Spectrums of Diversification and Liquidity (50:38) The Danger of Over-Optimizing (52:14) Why True Wealth Isn’t About Dollars (55:45) The Importance of Designing a Life That Works For You 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

Oct 29

#252: Chris and Nick share strategies to make family travel affordable and stress-free with points and miles. They cover how to find multiple award seats, book business class for families, and their best tips for traveling with kids, from managing jet lag and delays to finding family-friendly hotels, must-have travel gear, and more. Nick Reyes is a writer at Frequent Miler and co-host of the Frequent Miler On The Air podcast. He is an avid traveler who's been to 60+ countries and loves collecting points and miles. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/family-travel-nick-reyes Partner Deals Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances 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 Nick Reyes: Frequent Miler | X | Podcast A $50,000+ family trip to Europe, booked with miles and points Kids in business class: Saving miles on child award tickets Guide to Airline Companion Tickets How to book Hyatt suites How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points Booking Cottages.com via Wyndham Rewards Nick’s 2025 casino status strategy for free cruises Grand Hotel Victoria on Lake Como ZIPAIR RideSafer Travel Vest Mobile Passport Control (MPC) HotelTonight AutoSlash ABCmouse Travel Strollers: Babyzen Yoyo | gb Pockit ATH Podcast Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:58) What People Get Wrong About Families Traveling Using Points (02:53) Nick's Luxury Family Trip to Europe with Points (06:30) Things to Consider When Booking Multiple Award Seats (09:45) Booking Award Seats in Economy vs. Premium Economy (13:55) Flying in Business Class with Kids (17:55) Splitting Up the Family in Different Award Flights (20:29) Buying Extra Economy Seats for More Space (23:27) Prioritizing Sleep on International Flights (28:43) Nick's Approach to Jet Lag (30:47) Airline Discounts for Kids (33:41) How Lap Infant Pricing Works (36:36) The Best Airlines for Traveling with Kids (39:08) Pooling Airline Miles with Children (41:50) Leveraging Companion Passes/Fares for Family Travel (45:06) Using Carry-On Vs. Checking Bags with Kids (46:19) Accessories for Traveling with Young Kids (50:28) Managing Delays and Other Irregularities When Traveling with Kids (53:16) Why Lounge Access Is a Game Changer (55:05) Fast Tracking Airport Entry with Kids (57:11) Tactics Nick Uses to Book Hotels Internationally for His Family (01:01:08) Booking Rooms with Points vs. Cash (01:04:07) Emailing Your Hotel for an Upgrade (01:05:44) Benefit of Having Kids Clubs at Hotels and Resorts (01:07:53) Tips and Tricks to Book Vacation Rentals (01:09:54) Transportation Tips When Traveling with Kids (01:12:55) How Cruises Changed Nick's Travel Game (01:17:31) Other Family Travel Tips & Tricks (01:20:40) Planning Activities Around Your Kids' Interests (01:23:07) Unusual Must-Haves for Trips with Kids (01:25:22) Top Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations (01:27:42) Where to Find Nick & His Work 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

Oct 22

#251: Discover why Stoicism matters more than ever and how to make it part of your daily life. We share practical ways to focus on what you can control, build resilience, and cultivate the four Stoic virtues: courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan Holiday is a bestselling modern philosopher and author of The Daily Stoic , The Obstacle Is the Way , Ego Is the Enemy , and Stillness Is the Key . His books on Stoic virtues have sold over 10 million copies in 40+ languages. He’s also the founder and host of The Daily Stoic podcast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ryan-holiday-mastering-stoicism Partner Deals Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth 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 Ryan: The Daily Stoic | Podcast | YouTube Courage Is Calling Discipline Is Destiny Right Thing, Right Now Wisdom Takes Work The meditations of Marcus Aurelius Letters from a Stoic by Seneca The Dialogues of Plato Old Enough! TV Show Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:06) What Is Stoicism? (02:42) Is Stoicism Relevant in Today’s Society? (04:59) The Journey of Becoming a Stoic (07:42) Why Humans Don’t Like to Do the “Hard” Things (13:34) The Importance of Putting Your Impressions to the Test (17:42) The Reason Humans Are Never Satisfied (20:41) How the Stoics View Happiness (23:22) Where to Draw the Line Between Things in Your Control vs. Not (29:30) Why It’s Important to Pause and Reflect (32:56) The Four Stoic Virtues (35:15) How Ryan Applies Discipline to His Life (37:46) Stillness Unlocks Elite Performance, Happiness, and Self-Awareness (39:09) Why Ryan Doesn’t Like Watching the News (41:24) Can You Have Fun as a Stoic? (43:18) Ranking the Stoic Virtues (44:16) How Can We Be More Courageous in Our Daily Lives? (46:50) Instilling Courage in Your Kids (50:47) The Role of Justice in Stoicism (53:27) Approaching Wisdom as a Method (55:15) How Can Someone Gain More Wisdom? (57:39) Experiencing Emotions as a Stoic (01:00:08) The First Step Toward Stoicism (01:01:02) Where to Find Ryan and His Work 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