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.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

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

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Squarespace

Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase.

Rocket Money

Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/FFPOD.

Quince

For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/FFPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Netsuite

Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/FFPOD.

Masterclass

Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at Masterclass.com/FFPOD.

Indeed

Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed

Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com/ffpod.

Gusto

Run your first payroll with Gusto and get three months free at gusto.com/ffpod.

ZocDoc

Visit Zocdoc.com/FFPOD to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

ResortPass