Know Better Do Better: Credit Card Hacking, With Chloe Moore

Chloe Moore is back for the "Know Better, Do Better" series! This time, we dive into the world of credit card hacking. Many people want to use their credit cards for travel, but how exactly does it work, and what are the potential pitfalls? 

Lauryn and Chloe break it down, sharing essential strategies and cautionary tales to make sure you're using credit cards to your advantage, not the other way around. Whether you're interested in travel points, cashback, or maximizing perks, this episode covers everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Trends, Taxes, and Tea: Lauryn and Chloe kick off the episode by talking about trends in household debt. In Q2 2024, household debt rose by $109 billion to a staggering $17.8 trillion, and credit card balances alone reached $1.4 trillion. This episode comes at a critical time as many people find themselves relying on credit cards post-pandemic, but Chloe and Lauryn remind us that managing debt starts with mindful planning and saving.

• Understanding Your Spending Habits: Before diving into credit card hacking, review your spending. Are you spending more on groceries, dining out, or travel? Understanding these categories helps you choose the right card. Budgeting is key!

• Choosing the Right Credit Card Benefits: What are your goals with credit cards? Cashback, points, or other perks? Lauryn shares how she assumed her points strategy was optimized but learned she needed to do more research for the best bang for her buck. Chloe and Lauryn discuss why reading the fine print is crucial.

• Cost vs. Benefits: Remember that some cards come with hefty annual fees, ranging from $400-$600. These fees might make sense if you use all the perks, but think about why you want the card and if it suits your lifestyle. If you're in the military, these fees might be waived—so take advantage!

• Perks Beyond Points: Cards often have extra perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or subscriptions. Make sure you sign up for these bonuses if they make sense for you—but also check if the perks justify the fees.

• Strategizing Sign-Up Bonuses: A savvy move is for spouses to each apply for the same card to double up on sign-up bonuses. However, planning is key—credit card companies make money when we make mistakes, so stay mindful.

• Maximizing Your Points: Flexibility matters. Look for cards with transfer partners, and don’t transfer points until you’re ready to use them. Check your credit card's website for ongoing promotions—they can lead to unexpected savings!

• General Tips for Credit Card Hacking: Remember, time is money. Be careful not to consume too much time trying to optimize every single point. Credit cards can increase spending tendencies, so stay on top of your budget. Avoid rolling over balances—the interest costs quickly outweigh the value of the perks.

Money Quote: "Credit makes it possible for us to waste money before we have the money." — Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Check your credit card's app or website for perks you may need to opt into.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to share it with a friend! We’d love to hear your experiences with credit card hacking—drop us a message or tag us on social medi