As We Begin Again

 As a way of re-introduction to the blog, after a long absence, I will try to begin at the beginning again. As most of you know, the site was hacked and the host was not very helpful in getting access back to me. Now that it is restored, I have deleted all of the unrelated content and I vow to provide the value you are used to getting from me.

First, the blog centers on earning free travel through various activities you already do in your daily life. I'll try to break each one down into bite size pieces to avoid overwhelming anyone with TMI. As an example, we all pay bills each month. We can look at our best approach to that as a foundation to the goal of free travel.

There are a number of rewards cards out there without an annual fee. American Express has Blue card in a couple of different versions. All of the Membership rewards points can transfer to airlines and hotels. Chase has a Flex Freedom card in a few versions which offers Ultimate Rewards points without a fee. Choosing something to use for every purchase, every bill, every activity you need to engage in will create a regular flow of points and miles for you each month without any effort at all.

Do your research, find the right fit for you geographically (airlines have hubs) and what fits your usual places for every day activities (think groceries, gas, restaurants). Once you have this foundation, build on it. Set up any auto pay bills to go to the card, not to your bank account unless there is a fee. Free travel should not cost you anything! So, remember to check if your cell phone provider charges a fee for using a credit card, look at alternatives. I left the so-called uncarrier for the one Ryan Reynolds advertises, same service, more data, lower price and all can be paid on my card without a fee.

Yes, changing companies or services can be burdensome, but you are just taking each step one at a time. While the posts here should be a scaffold for your construction of the vacation you dream about, we will circle back on topics when needed. Things change constantly, having a re-look at your own approach should be an active engagement. Make an appointment with yourself each month to check the blog and engage with one step to get closer to being where you need to be.