Maximizing Credit Card Benefits | 15min snip from Financial Feminist

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226. The Secrets of the Travel Credit Card Game with Janelle on a Jet

Financial Feminist

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CHAPTER

Maximizing Credit Card Benefits

This chapter explores effective strategies for using credit cards to enhance financial benefits while managing spending. It emphasizes choosing the right cards based on individual lifestyles, particularly for younger users, and highlights the importance of understanding bonuses, protections, and annual fees. Personal anecdotes illustrate how leveraging credit card perks can provide financial relief and mitigate unexpected travel challenges.

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If you've ever scrolled through Instagram wondering how your favorite creators are jet-setting to Paris, sipping cocktails in Bali, or scoring first class seats—all “for free”—and thought, "How the hell are they doing that?”, this episode is your step-by-step guide. I sat down with one of my closest friends (and the first person I text whenever I’m stumped on how to use my points), travel and credit card expert Janelle Rupkalvis. She’s saved over $100,000 on luxury travel using credit card points and miles, and today, she's sharing exactly how to play the credit card game—and win.

We’re talking about how to find the best travel deals, the most common credit card mistakes (and how to avoid them), how to redeem points the smart way, and the exact tools Janelle uses to unlock five-star experiences without the price tag. This episode is perfect if you're new to travel hacking or if you’ve got a ton of points and zero clue what to do with them. We’re talking business class, tropical destinations, travel insurance, sign-up bonuses—and yes, how to make credit cards work for you, not the other way around.

Janelle’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelleonajet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelleonajet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@janelleonajet

Mastering SkyMiles course waitlist: https://ashleygetsaround.kit.com/a1c49dce16

Resources:

Award travel search engine: https://seats.aero/

Search and compare award flight options: https://www.point.me/

How to Travel More in 2025 with Brian Kelly (The Points Guy): https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/213-how-to-travel-more-and-well-in-2025-with-brian-kelly-aka-the-points-guy/

Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/226-how-to-play-the-credit-card-game-to-win-with-janelle-on-a-jet/

Our favorite travel and cash-back credit cards, plus other financial resources: https://herfirst100k.com/tools

Looking for accountability, live coaching, and deeper financial education? Check out our exclusive community! Join the $100K Club: https://herfirst100k.com/100k-pod

Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money personality quiz! https://herfirst100k.com/quiz

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